“Gym Rats” – player notes
This term gym rat is circulating as descriptive verbiage for every young basketball player being recruited today. It may be a corny or ‘old school’ expression recently replaced by “grinding” but at one time it was the ultimate compliment. As college coaches, we recruit basketball players with basketball talent.
A player has to have talent first but a basketball player separates himself from the talent like he doesn’t have it at all. If we call a High School coach, AAU coach, local workout guy, or parent more times than not a potential recruit is referred to as a “gym rat.” It is an easy thing to say and of course the person has a vested interest in his/her pupil – but is the player really a gym rat?
To put it simply: the lights come on and there’s the rat…Lights go off, and there’s the rat. It is looking for whatever it can to eat or survive. The gym rat is hungry and no one is feeding it — more often than not it is trying to be exterminated. In the case of a gym rat, it is attempting to find any little piece of basketball knowledge or competitive advantage that can increase their survival rate.
These little guys are starving and they don’t need someone to set out some food for them. For instance, they don’t need a coach to get them a gym (Go find a game?), give them some drills (Figure it out?), or get the perfect equipment (just go hoop!). That’s what the best players do! They understand that action takes precedence over plan…While you’re waiting for the perfect setting to work on your game they are already out there doing what you’re planning to do!
Jabe Mullins – Mount Si
Mullins is averaging 13.8 points per game for Mount Si. He continues to take his game to the next level and has played some solid basketball this season. He has a quick release on his jump shot and can really get it going behind the arc. He should continue trending up.
Vatrevyon Garner – Franklin
Garner has played some huge minutes for the Quakers. He can knock down the open shot and attack the basket really well. He has gained much more confidence, with the minutes he has received on varsity. He is a really good defender, locking up opposing guards. He moves his feet very well and has good work ethic.
Hamza Mohaba – Rainier Beach
Mohaba played majority JV this season, but could’ve easily got minutes on varsity, if their wasn’t so many upperclassmen. He led his team in shooting percentages and developed all season long. He is a lights out shooter, who does a great job moving without the ball. he comes off tons of screens to catch and shoot with his quick release. He will turn some heads coming into his sophomore season.
Joe Gormley – Mercer Island
Gormley is gaining much experience this season on varsity. He is a hard worker and is willing to do whatever it takes to get better. He scored a season high 12 points against Ballard earlier this season and should develop over the summer and come back for a strong sophomore season.
Peter Erickson – Enumclaw
Erickson is a sharp shooter, who you can not leave open or give any space. Erickson has some improving to do with his ball handling but continues to rise above his expectations. He has played really well this season and should keep it going rolling into summer play.