Prospect Spotlight: Raezjuan Shockely (2020)
Cedar Rapids Jefferson has a 6-foot-3 forward to keep an eye on with Raezjuan Shockely.
The sophomore recently finished his 15U spring and summer with Iowa Barnstormers, one of the nation’s best programs.
He defined his current skill-set; what he improved this summer with the ‘Stormers, and what he’s still working to improve as he heads into his sophomore season.
“When I’m on the floor, most of my production comes from the paint, posting up and driving. I’m still working on my shot and trying to get that better for the upcoming season. I like to pass the ball, get my teammates involved and be a good defender,” said Shockely.
“Most of my coaches say I need to work on my jump-shot most, but I have a lot to improve on; my jump-shot, finishing through contact, making my dribbles more efficient, a lot of stuff.”
As a role player with the Barnstormers 15U, Shockley says his summer was a string of key learning experiences.
“Playing with the Barnstormers was a great experience. The players are really good; Bowen (Born) is a really good player, Even (Brauns) has a lot potential, just a lot of good players,” said Shockley.
“It made me a better player. Every time I went to a practice or played in a game, I always felt like I was a better player afterwards.”
He added: “Most of the time with them, I was in the paint. But my coach wanted me to expand my game and get out to the 3-point line and get up some shots, pump-fake and drive. He wanted me to expand my game a lot.”
Now, Shockely takes his experience into his sophomore season at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, where he could have a major impact this season.
“I’m hoping to get better with mainly my jump-shot this season, but everything really,” said Shockley.
“This year, I expect to be a better finisher. And we have a lot of young talent, and we’re really headed in the right direction.”