Prospect Spotlight: Dante Eldridge (2019)
As the starting point guard for 4A runner-up Iowa City West, 5-foot-9 point guard Dante Eldridge thrived.
And after moving here from Boston after his freshman season, Eldridge is starting to gain some momentum as he heads into a 17U season with Iowa Dynasty.
We recently caught up with Eldridge, a top-40 prospect in Iowa’s 2020 class, and he explained his playing style — strengths and weaknesses — in detail.
“I feel like I’m a good defender, I use my quickness, and I use that to penetrate, too. Another strength is my ability to shoot the 3. So, because I can shoot the 3 and get to the basket, I think I’m hard to guard,” said Eldridge.
“I’m working on my facilitation skills, and being a good point guard. That’ll be the biggest thing I need to work on.”
As a junior season with the Trojans, Eldridge was sensational as the starting point guard. He averaged 10.8 points on 50 percent shooting (47 percent from deep), and led the team in assists and steals.
“It was a learning experience and I was glad I was able to have that spot,” said Eldridge, who looked ahead to his senior season.
“My role next year will be the same. And with Even (Brauns) coming in, that’s a big piece to help us. We didn’t really have a true big-man this year, so I’ll be looking to facilitate a little bit more, and just making everyone around me better.”
In the meantime, he’ll play with Iowa Dynasty 17U, and is ready to showcase his quick hands, defensive prowess and ability to shoot the the rock.
“I’m trying to show people what I can really do, and what I do well, that’s what I’m really trying to show people,” said Eldridge.
“I really haven’t gotten anything for recruitment. I don’t really know when that’s going to kick in, I’m still waiting.”
Dante Eldridge is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 50 prospect in his class.
It could be because he’s still somewhat new to Iowa, or that he didn’t play AAU ball last season. Whatever the reason, the fact is, Eldridge is an under-recruited point guard, and is certainly a college prospect.
“I would think because of my size, maybe is maybe why I haven’t been recruited. People are usually looking for bigger guards. But, I think my quickness makes up for that,” said Eldridge.
“I’m really hoping that I can get something (recruitment-wise) to give me some confidence. I’m just trying to get anything at this point; college basketball is my main goal.”