Recruiting Report: R.J. Sunahara (2018)
As soon as the defense loses sight of R.J. Sunahara, he patiently waits in the blindside for a teammate to draw eyes, the 6’6” prospect bolts to the rack for a catch-and-finish or a put-back. After a long possession of playing…
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Continue ReadingAs soon as the defense loses sight of R.J. Sunahara, he patiently waits in the blindside for a teammate to draw eyes, the 6’6” prospect bolts to the rack for a catch-and-finish or a put-back.
After a long possession of playing solid man defense, these thunderous finishes can break the defense’s composure. The crowd goes crazy. Sunahara’s squad, whether it be Bay High School or OBC, starts feeling it.
Basically, the 6’6” forward/wing has a knack for creating momentum through timely explosiveness.
“Just a hard worker. I like to crash the offensive glass and try to get some easy put-backs. I have a pretty good pull-up jumper. But I just need to start working on 3-pointers and stuff like that, just to try to get more versatile. Like, I’m more of a slasher type player,” Sunahara said, when asked about his current abilities.
Which college programs are currently showing interest in those strengths?
“Really, American [University]. A little bit of IUPUI. High Point … Some D-III schools contacted me. I think West Minster.”
The 2018 prospect is yet to receive an offer, but that is likely to change in the coming year.
As a sophomore with Bay, who advanced to the Division II State Semi Finals last season, Sunahara averaged 12.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks. This résumé earned him First Team All-Great Lakes Conference and Honorable Mention All-State. As a student, Sunahara carries a 3.8 GPA.
Check out my highlights from the 2015-2016 season! – https://t.co/sUwJKwvY8s
— RJ Sunahara (@rsunahara23) May 7, 2016
Sunahara, who primarily describes himself as a “hard worker,” will be looking for a college program to match his mentality — but not just on the court.
“Somewhere where it matches my gameplay, and kind of matches what I want to study … Fast-paced, run and gun type offense … I want to study business, business management.”
Although his off-ball activity sticks out, Sunahara does show the ability to push the ball by dribbling it up after the rebound. He is not a liability with the ball in his hands, whatsoever.
Sunahara, who routinely plays the three or four, told Prep Hoops Ohio that he defends every position outside of point guard. His wingspan compensates for any height disadvantages in the post.
Yesterday, OBC 2018 finished 5th/6th at the Adidas Gauntlet Finale in South Carolina. Sunahara will travel with the team to Cincinnati and Las Vegas to round out the summer.
Bay will be strong again next season, and he will likely be leading the charge.
There’s plenty of opportunity for scouts and coaches to check out Sunahara over the next few seasons, as he will continue to play against premier competition year round.
photo credit: neohiospotlight.com, morningjournal.com