Prospect Spotlight: Jabari Steward 2020
Basketball has been in a state of transition the past few years. A game that used to see dominant post players and strong play in the paint, has now shifted to a more guard-oriented, shooting game. Big men are now…
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Continue ReadingBasketball has been in a state of transition the past few years. A game that used to see dominant post players and strong play in the paint, has now shifted to a more guard-oriented, shooting game.
Big men are now expected to have a versatile skill set rather than just play in the post. In a way, that’s helped players expand their game and become more well-rounded.
One player who has molded his game to fit the evolution of the big man is Compton’s Jabari Steward. Steward is a senior center who is starting to garner awareness from colleges at both the Division 1 and Division 2 level.
He already has an offer from North Carolina A&T, as well as a few Division 2 offers, and he’s been in contact with San Jose State. As he begins to enter his senior year, he’s got a sense of what he’ll be looking for when it comes time to pick a school.
“First off, somewhere where they actually want me, and a place where I can fit right into,” Steward told Prep Hoops. “I’m an inside-out, stretch big, post player, I can do both. I want a place where I can fit in.”
One of the biggest things that stands out about Steward is his versatility. On one possession, he’ll look like a throw-back big man. He’ll catch the ball in the post, make a quick move to the rim, and finish strong.
On the next possession, he’ll catch the ball on the wing and make a move off the dribble. Or he’ll square up and shoot from mid-range or the three-point line. Being an all-around player who can do multiple things on the court is something Steward takes seriously.
“It’s very important,” Steward said. “Look at the NBA, everybody can shoot. Just being restricted to be either a post player or a just a shooter, it limits your game.”
In addition to his offensive versatility, Steward is a strong defender. He acts as his team’s defensive anchor in the paint, deterring any slashers from coming into the lane. He also can cover wings at times, he’s got the foot speed to keep up on the perimeter.
He’s also a very good rebounder, especially on the offensive end to keep possessions alive and gain second shot opportunities.
“My strengths are rebounding and maybe shooting just a little bit,” Steward said. “The mid-range, that’s for sure 100 percent. Other than post, it’s rebounding, protecting the basket, and I have a shot so I can knock it down.”
This is an important time for Steward. He’s entering his final year of high school basketball and he’s trying to make himself more marketable for colleges.
He knows there are aspects of his game that he can improve upon, as well as elements that he’s looking to add.
“The post things comes naturally, but I’ve been working on everything,” Steward said. “I’ve been trying to work on my vertical, trying to work on getting in shape. I’ve been shooting a lot more, so my shot has been knocking down a lot in games.”
This past season, Steward was named to the All-Moore League First Team. Compton High School was able to make it to the second round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 2A playoffs before falling short to Crescenta Valley.
Compton has gotten a few early games in so far at the St Bernard Fall League and the Ron Massey Memorial Classic. The team has looked up and down at times, and Steward believes it will help once the season begins.
“This is going to help a lot. If we show up to season playing like that, it’s not going to work. We’re trying to win Moore League,” Steward said. “It helps with team chemistry, helps us in real game situations. We can bring our mistakes into practice and then work on those mistakes, and we’ll be good, we’ll be ready for season.”
And with the 2019-2020 season rapidly approaching, Steward has a few goals he’d like to accomplish.
“I want everything,” Steward said. “I need a ring, I want McDonalds All-American, I don’t care how I’m going get it, I’m going to get it somehow.”