Prospect Spotlight: Quinten Rock (2020)
The nerves settled in for Quinten Rock. The moment he had anticipated for years was approaching, and he felt the butterflies fluttering.
“Last year, during my first fall league game, I was kind of nervous,” said Rock, a 5-11 rising sophomore point guard at Smoky Hill.
If his performance as a freshman was any indication, the nerves all melted away pretty quickly for Rock, who averaged 7.8 points and 2.4 assists per game last season while hitting a school-record 45 3-pointers. His strong debut season, which began after he already had earned a Division I offer from the University of Denver, helped lead the young Buffs to the Sweet 16.
Rock’s return, along with core that includes top-ranked junior Kenny Foster and seniors Will Becker, John Harge and Kyle Cabs, will have Smoky Hill entering the 2017-18 season as a title favorite. For his part, Rock is champing at the bit to return to action and show that his freshman season was just the beginning.
“In the locker room, we was already ready to play as soon as (the Sweet 16 loss to Denver East) was over,” Rock said. “I think we’re going to come out with a lot of energy, fire and passion. It’s going to be a good year for us.”
Rock was among the most impressive players in the building during last weekend’s Metro State Team Camp. He displayed the shooting touch that he first introduced by hitting seven 3-pointers in his high school debut last season. His ability to break down defenders, make the defense move and then make the right play, a product of an impressive basketball IQ, also stood out last weekend. What’s clearly taken another step since last season is an improved attacking mentality. Rock was the ball skills to create a shot for himself at nearly any time he wants, and he knows he’ll need to call his number more often as he takes on an even greater role.
“I’m looking to be more aggressive instead of passive,” Rock said. “I’ll still move the ball — I’m a point guard and it’s my job — but when I feel like it’s time for me to take over I can take over.”
Rock prepared for that next step while playing this spring on the vaunted Nike EYBL circuit with Chicago-based Mac Irvin Fire.
“That helps a lot,” Rock said. “Everybody is 6-5, 6-6 and there are a ton of D-I prospects. When you come out here in Colorado there are a few D-I prospects. We’re underrated in my opinion, but we’re starting to get there.”
Rock seems ready to lead the way.