Recruiting Report: Raekwon Drake (2018)
Class of 2018 forward Raekwon Drake has made great strides in his game over the last year. He is showing it off this spring with Team Rose 17U. The Orr 2018 forward is an uber athlete just like he has been since the first time we ever evaluated him. What has impressed us the most is the progression in his perimeter game. Before he was looked at as more of an undersized power forward that relied on his freakish athleticism. His skill level has greatly improved in the last 12 months. That was seen during the high school season and continued into the spring. His jump shot is very consistent from 15 feet and can stretch it out to three on occasion. Drake can now handle it with more ease attacking off the bounce from the perimeter. This is in addition to the elite motor that he plays with. Nobody in the state plays harder than Drake. He rebounds outstanding in traffic and is a tough defender. His second jump to the offensive glass is a major weapon. Mid-majors and low-majors should look into him ASAP!
Successful year for Drake and his team at Orr capturing a 2A state crown.
“This year was pretty good. We won the state championship which was one of our main goals. This year we accomplished that. Next year we have the goal to win city and state titles. I think we can do it.”
What was the experience like in Peoria?
“It was good because it has always been a dream for me to go downstate and win a state title so it felt very good.”
In the state title game they went against Mt. Carmel from southern Illinois with two D1 posts.
“They played a different style. They were more shooting bigs and we were more aggressive bigs. We came out and played with toughness and heart and we handled our business.”
The progression in his perimeter skill set over the last year has been tremendous.
“It has come very far. My trainer Aubery DeNard he helps me every day and works out with me every day telling me things I need to know. He has helped me work on my perimeter game. We work on my threes and that has been helping me a lot. I think my ball handling and three point have gotten a lot better.”
How is it going with Team Rose?
“I like playing with these guys. It is different players from different teams. It is a lot of fun. Chase (Adams), Dannie (Smith), the Martin Brothers from Curie. It is a lot of fun playing with them. You can learn stuff from them and teach them things as well.”
Drake updated us on his recruitment.
“Cleveland State, SIUE, Miami (OH), Toledo, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Green Bay are interested.”
Cleveland State is his lone offer at this point.
“I like the coaching staff there a lot. I plan on visiting there and Green Bay soon.”
What is his timetable for a decision?
“Probably around my birthday in October. I plan on signing in the fall.”