Prospect Spotlight: Teon Rushing (2020)
Mervo is one of the teams in Baltimore City that has competed with well respected programs around the area for the past two years. Last season, they were hit with a curve ball when their dynamic play maker in Will Thomas went down in preseason with a foot injury that would keep him sidelined for the entire 2018-19 season. As they worked to revamp for the 2019-20 season with Thomas fully healthy, they still needed another play maker if they really want to make another run in the Class 4A playoffs. Teon Rushing could very well be that guy.
Rushing transferred to Mervo from Mt. Carmel to spend his last high school season. The 6-foot guard brings another ball handler who can create for himself or others to the fold.
“Will [Thomas] has been recruiting me to come to Mervo for a long time,” Rushing told Prep Hoops. “I wanted to come to Mervo because everyone is locked in and ready to make a run at states.”
Mervo’s coaching staff is known for getting in the gym with their players quite frequently.
“Every day,” Rushing said. “We’re in the gym every day. Everyone has great energy and it’s been fun working with them so far.”
Rushing will see his role change significantly as he become more of a ball dominant point guard.
“Coach sees me filling a role like a Chris Paul type of player,” Rushing continued, “I’ve been working on my jump shot both from three and mid-range so I can be prepared to score whenever it’s needed.”
No matter the role Rushing has filled on his high school or AAU teams, he sets the tone with his intensity on the defensive end.
Rushing spoke about his feelings for that end of the floor, “I take a lot of pride in my defense. Defense wins games. Offense will take care of itself, but I want to make sure I bring it consistently on the defensive end.”
Division II and Division III programs should definitely take note on Rushing’s abilities. A tough-nosed point guard who can get into the teeth of the defense is always a need for collegiate teams.