Recruiting Report: Dominic Pierce (2018)
During our interview with 6’4” hybrid Dominic Pierce (2018), it became very clear that he’s a team-oriented player.
For example, Pierce’s senior year goals revolve entirely around team success at Cincinnati Princeton.
“We got to at least get to the Final Four. The ultimate end goal is to win States. With Darius [Bazley] and Darweshi [Hunter}, we’re all coming back. We definitely have the team to do it,” Pierce said.
Furthermore, the wide variety of skills Pierce possesses are reflective of his mentality. When, like Pierce, you want the team to succeed, you’re willing to do “whatever it takes” on the court.
As a junior, Pierce averaged 8.6 points (41-75-26 shooting splits), 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He’s also a vocal leader and versatile defender, therefore some of his contributions come outside of the box score.
“I’d say I’m a wing/forward because I have the IQ of a guard, just sometimes I can get a little nervous and second guess myself. But I feel like I can be a small forward or shooting guard. But I can also defend bigger guys and out-rebound them,” Pierce said.
Pierce went on to talk about specific tasks he can fill during a game.
“I do whatever it takes for my team to win … Defensively, I’m a long, murky guy. I can shut you down and make it hard for you to get your shot off, hard for you to go around me, crowd space. Offensively, crashing the boards and looking for the open guy. Slowing the offense down. When it gets out of hand, I kind of recognize that,” Pierce explained.
Be Active!!! Be versatile in scoring.
Rebounding, steals, cutting with a purpose looking to score. pic.twitter.com/rRRXt4dPyP— Staying Power🤲🏾 (@Oso_Legendary) August 3, 2017
The selflessness of Pierce, who carries a 2.9 GPA, opens up his recruitment. Programs don’t have to worry about him coming into a program with a sense of entitlement to playing time or touches.
Pierce’s list of interested schools speaks to that.
“Texas A&M – Corpus Christi has been following me throughout the summer, West Virginia State has been interested, Wittenberg was showing a lot of interest as well,” Pierce said. He also went on to mention Central State, as a program he’s spoken with.
Pierce has had personal conversations with all four of the schools. He’s yet to go on any campus visits but is hoping to hit the road soon to visit Texas A&M – Corpus Christi and West Virginia State.
Although those two visits will be quite a trip from the Queen City, he’s open to the idea of re-locating for college. There are factors besides location that will be more critical, however.
“If I feel comfortable there. The relationship with the coach as well … As long as I feel comfortable and feel like I can fit it,” Pierce explained.
Going forward, Pierce is looking to develop in the weight room and around the perimeter. Once Pierce hits the jumper consistently, which he showed improvement on throughout the grassroots season with Club Ohio, he could snatch that first scholarship.