August 30, 2015
After a strong sophomore season at McDonogh, and a 16U season spent with Maryland 3D, Jaedon Willis is emerging as one of 2017s most sought after point guards.
The 6-foot prospect has started to see his recruitment ramp-up of late, and the wheels are in motion, with four Division I programs having an inside track on the junior-to-be.
“I’ve had some interest from American, Loyola, Towson, and Sienna. They came to some of my workouts for McDonogh, and they talked to me and told me that they really liked me, and they want to see how I do over the next two years,” said Willis.
“American texted me and talked to my parents and my head coach at McDonogh. They probably have the strongest interest in me, then I went to their elite camp as well. So American is probably the team out of the four that really likes me.”
While spending his summer with Maryland 3D, Willis cited that it was his basketball savvy and IQ that flourished.
“I thought I saw the most improvement in my overall understanding of the game. I slowed down a lot, last year I was just trying to do things too fast. And during this summer I just slowed down and tried to become more of a point guard, I could score, but also get my guys open shots, and help the team win,” said Willis, who mentioned his aggressive style of play is a strength of his.
“I like to get my guys open shots, but I think you also have to be aggressive as a point guard, and that’s what I try to do when I play. I try to be aggressive early and get those open looks for teammates for open shots and the success comes from there.”
Last season as a sophomore Willis averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game as a starting guard at McDonogh.
This season his role will be increased.
“I know that I’ll have to increase my scoring, we lost some guys so we’ll need guys to step-up and fill that role. I’m going to have more opportunities to take some shots and just play my game,” said Willis.
“I just hope to become a better player, get stronger attacking the basket and finishing better at the basket. Also being a consistent shooter, I know last season I wasn't consistent enough and it was bringing me down during certain games. But I’ve been working very hard on being a consistent shooter and just getting stronger.”
