Prospect Spotlight: Cortez Garland (2018)
Sometimes all it takes is a big moment. In big moments, we often see another side of a player. Playing for Renaissance in the PSL, Cortez Garland has seen big moments. The 6-0 senior guard has played very well as the season winds down. He was key in Renaissance upsetting EEVP in the city quarterfinals, holding Michigan commit DeJulius, to 4 points in 3 quarters. Garland Is currently averaging 10.6ppg and 4.2apg while playing in quite possibly the toughest league in Michigan.
Cortez Garland is an intelligent player with a nice skill set. He is excellent at combining his speed and his pull up jump shot. Garland likes to use his speed, put his head down and drive to the lane. When he does this, he’s very efficient dropping the ball off to his bigs. He always keeps the defense guessing because of his ability to pull up on a dime and drill a jumper. Garland likes to stay in the lane and force the help side defense to commit, allowing him the easy assist. Garland is a playmaker who creates opportunities for himself and his teammates. He takes pride in his leadership. “Leadership is key at the point guard position being that I have the ball 85% of the time. I am very vocal on the court and I take accountability for the mistakes of everyone on the court.”
Cortez Garland is eagerly anticipating a matchup with Hazel Park in districts. “They have a good team and my closest friend, Devin Pettus plays for them,” he said. While looking toward the future, Garland still remembers the work it took to get here and the work that is still in front of him. His main focus is basketball and he doesn’t let anything interfere. Last summer Garland fractured his knee at a team camp at Cleveland State which forced him off the court until September. When healthy he ran cross country to help with his endurance while working with his coaches to get his basketball feel back.
Garland is focused on reaching his future goals. On the court, he wants a state championship, and he is confident in his teams ability to do so. Garland wants to play the game he loves at the collegiate level and he hopes to do it while being provided with a free education. “This sport can open a lot of doors and allow me to choose a career whether it be with basketball or my major so I have to take advantage.”
Cortez Garland has a lot to offer a college basketball program. He gives an aura of positive energy to his team. Garland is very coachable and always brings energy and effort. He is mentally tough and will be ready for the vigor’s of college athletics from day one.
Garland is appreciative of all the people in his corner supporting him. He is exceptionally greatful for his mother’s support. She wants to see him succeed and he is willing to do all that he can so that she can see him be successful.
Cortez Garland is an interesting prospect. While he has talked frequently to Alma College, there have been no offers as of yet. Garland’s work ethic and knowledge of the game, combined with his basketball skill set will make him a perfect fit somewhere.