Introducing Shawn Cornelius (2018)
Center Shawn Cornelius was a late addition to the Tennessee Prep Academy basketball squad, but Head Coach Harold Rayford eagerly anticipated his arrival.
Still a month before the season tips the Houston-native Cornelius already earned his first D1 offer.
Class of 2018
6'10 (C/F) Shawn Cornelius receives offer from Northern Illinois University pic.twitter.com/M4yywOKPim— Tennessee Preparatory Academy (@tennprepacademy) September 23, 2017
Last season, as a senior, Shawn Cornelius played or the Lamar Texans for Head Coach Jerry Van Dusen in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston. He earned local news station KPRC Athlete of the Week honors in January.
The lank of Cornelius demands a year of physical development. He played at 205 last winter and opponents occasionally banged him around like a bumper car. Enhanced musculature on the shoulders and thighs will help him hold his ground more ardently. Most of his buckets evolved from penetrating guard setups or Cornelius running the floor, at which he is wonderful.
A more sturdy frame will help Shawn Cornelius create space and even back down when needed. Also, hunting offensive rebounds will become slightly more manageable with hulking shoulders.
Shawn’s feet suggest he will be able to incorporate more elaborate post moves as soon as he puts in the work. He plays vertically well and gets off the floor quick enough. Strength around the rim lags behind the quickly maneuvering feet.
Open floor play is really a strength. Look for Cornelius to leak out any time his mark shoots from outside. He loves to run out on the break.
Defensively, Cornelius really likes to challenge shots. Not a prolific shotblocker he does alter his fair share. If there is a criticism of Cornelius’ defense it is positioning. He tends to gamble a little and also drifts mentally. Most young players have lapses defensively, but as a center his errors are more glaring and costly.
Because he hunts blocks so fervently Cornelius misses out on some defensive rebounds. Going forward, including this season, he will be accompanied with bigger frontcourt mates. This might solve that minor concern. Cornelius rebounds well both in and out of his area and might even lead the Diplomats in that statistical column this winter.
For Tennessee Prep Academy Shawn Cornelius will likely be the starting center. He will play plenty and barring injury should accumulate numerous D1 offers.
NIU is the first on the table.