Interview with 4 Star Prospect Avery Brown

<p>Four-star prospect [player_tooltip player_id="1081781" first="Avery" last="Brown"] who is a resident of Connecticut and attends Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts continues to surge in the national rankings. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to showcase his game with the PSA Cardinals during the summer circuit. The summer exposure may have catapulted him into five-star status. I learned about Avery years ago but finally had the opportunity to watch him at the Prep Showcase last November. I immediately begin to text college coaches telling them he could potentially be a steal. Since, he’s established a strong reputation in New England and nationwide. He’s no longer a secret. He currently holds offers from Indiana, St. John’s, Kansas State, Virginia Tech, UPenn, and a slew of others. I was able to catch up with him recently and get a better sense of his process.<br /> <br /> <strong>KD:</strong> Tell us a little bit about yourself. How’d you get started in basketball?<br /> <br /> <strong>AB:</strong> Growing up I always loved the game of basketball. My older brother Austyn and I played 24/7. We would get home from school and automatically throw our backpacks on the ground and just start hooping. My grandfather and father knew I was special as a little kid, they would always talk about how great I am going to be one day, and truthfully the blueprint was already laid out. Before I went to go play AAU with the New York Gauchos in 2nd grade, my dad coached me at a young age and he was really tough on me. At the time I hated it because he pushed me so hard but now we sit back and laugh because all those early mornings and late nights outside at the park paid off. He knew the work that had to be put in and we invested in that route. I didn’t have a normal childhood, and I am thankful for that because I’m not a normal kid. Playing for the Gauchos as a kid and creating a family in New York was a big factor in my life and ultimately is part of the reason why I’m on the stage that I am now.<br /> <br /> <strong>KD:</strong> When did you have an idea that you were a Division 1 prospect?</p> <p><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">AB:</strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> I knew I was destined to be a Division 1 player since middle school. I was always overlooked and felt like a diamond in the rough. People like my parents would always tell me to just stay focus and be patient. To be able to say I have over 20 Division 1 offers is a blessing. I am breaking barriers for my family and creating a legacy that will be told forever.</span></p> <p><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">KD:</strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> How has the recruitment process been so?</span></p> <p><strong>AB:</strong> The recruitment process has been going very well. I enjoy taking my time and building relationships with coaches. The process has not been overwhelming as people say it is. I feel balance is the only way to maintain and stay sane when determining a big decision like committing to a school.</p> <p><strong>KD:</strong> Which schools have been recruiting you the hardest?</p> <p><strong>AB:</strong> Indiana, Missouri, Ohio State, Kansas State, Yale, Nebraska, and others</p> <p><strong>KD:</strong> What are you doing during these difficult times to stay sharp and separate yourself? </p> <p><strong>AB:</strong> Maintaining focus and staying ready for the lights to come on. My teammates and I have been putting in a lot of work and it would be great to get out and play soon. Obviously, with Covid19 concerns, the main goal is to stay safe. This pandemic is no joke and it has taken lives of my loved ones but whenever there is a chance to go out and play I will be ready. Watching film and making the game easier for myself and my teammates is what I think separates me from others. </p> <p>[embed]https://twitter.com/nescoutingbball/status/1290501032339005440?s=21[/embed]</p> <p><strong>I had the opportunity to watch a private workout over the summer with Elite Basketball Trainer, Ta’Quan Zimmerman, who played briefly in the NBA and currently trains pro players.<br /> <br /> KD:</strong> What keeps you motivated to continue to get better?<br /> <br /> <strong>AB:</strong> My family... they are my why. I have a lot of angels that look down on me and I promised them while they were on this earth I will make them proud and be successful and that motivates me to go hard every day. Within a couple of weeks, I lost a sister and Aunt so I find ways to push through the pain and just grind. Sometimes it feels like I want to be successful so bad it hurts. I’ve always had that mindset and I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon. I owe it to myself and my family to be great and I know whatever happens throughout my journey I will make them proud. </p> <p><strong>KD:</strong> Outside of basketball what do you enjoy doing in your free time?</p> <p><strong>AB:</strong> I love being with my family. 2020 has brought my family through a lot of ups and downs but I remain solid for them. Having fun with my sisters and brothers truly makes me happy and my bond with them will forever be strong.</p> <p><strong>KD:</strong> Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? What are your goals with basketball?</p> [caption id="attachment_1087618" align="alignright" width="169"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/Avery-Brown-1.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1087618 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/Avery-Brown-1-169x300.jpg" alt="" width="169" height="300" /></a> Photo Credit: PSA Cardinals[/caption] <p><strong>AB:</strong> I see myself being a young successful black man that takes care of his family and is an inspiration to the youth to chase their goal no matter the circumstance of life. My goal with basketball is to be the greatest point guard I can be. I want to squeeze as much juice I can out of this game. Whatever program I commit to, my mission is to win championships and get drafted in the NBA. The end goal isn’t to get to the league, I want to be successful in the NBA and be a winner. I think my game translates into the league. I love using ball screens and that is the strongest aspect of my game, to be able to make different reads off that action and keep the defense on their heels is extremely hard to guard.</p> <div dir="auto">Following the interview Avery, I caught up with PSA Cardinals Director/Coach Terrence "Munch" Williams and Coach Kamau Joyner who had nothing but great things to say. </div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><strong>PSA:</strong> What’s not to love about Avery! He has all the intangibles a coach would love to have in their locker room. Due to Covid, he didn’t get a chance to showcase himself but this pandemic hasn’t stopped him from getting in the gym! Avery is an ultimate competitor, who doesn’t miss an opportunity to get better! He’s a true student of the game who’s leadership qualities are infectious. PSA has been blessed over the years to have a multitude of great guards come thru the program. [player_tooltip player_id="1081781" first="Avery" last="Brown"] is the next line!</div>