Prospect Spotlight: Audiese Toney (2018)
Transferring to a new school is hard enough, and it’s even harder when you move to a perennial powerhouse in a new state. That’s just one of the problems that new John Marshall guard Audiese Toney is facing as he…
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Continue ReadingTransferring to a new school is hard enough, and it’s even harder when you move to a perennial powerhouse in a new state. That’s just one of the problems that new John Marshall guard Audiese Toney is facing as he prepares for the season with a talented group of Justices.
The 6’4” point guard moved to Richmond this past summer after two years at Columbia High School in Huntsville, Alabama. His family moved to the John Marshall district, and he started working out and playing summer league with them shortly after moving.
Toney played for the Atlanta Celtics last summer, where he ran the point and was the main distributor for his teammates. He has great feel, gets where he wants to in limited dribbles and has good burst to blow by defenders. He think this will be an addition that could really help John Marshall this year.
“I feel like I can be another attacking playmaker that can beat his man off the bounce,” Toney said. “I know I need to improve my shooting, but I’m working on it.”
Audiese Tony will bring size and another ball handler to the John Marshall backcourt.While he may still need to work on his shooting, Toney has the size, vision and work ethic to be an instant factor this season. While he doesn’t hold any offers right now, those are some of the reasons that he’s seen early interest from big programs such as LSU, Xavier and Nevada. With his experience playing on winning programs in the past, Toney feels like there’s something else he can bring to a young but talented JM squad.
“Leadership,” Toney said. “There’s only two upperclassmen with me and Greg [Jones], so it will be important for me to help lead this young team.”
His experience and ability to handle pressure will be key this season. With a talented starting five that feature two sophomores and a freshman, his ability to keep others involved and happy will go a long way when they get in tight games down the stretch. However, he’s quick to remind you that while he stays poised, he plays with a chip as well.
“I’m a pass first point guard, but I’m a killer too.”
It will be interesting to see how Toney gels early with JM, especially splitting ball handling duties with super sophomore Levar Allen. There’s no doubt about it, however, the addition of him gives John Marshall one of the most talented starting fives in the state, regardless of classification.