Recruiting Report: Collen Gurley (2018)
After a well played regular season, Archbishop Hoban landed the #1 seed in the Copley District of the Division I playoffs. Their first game will come on March 4. In the meantime, the Hoban team, including 6’2” guard Collen Gurley…
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Continue ReadingAfter a well played regular season, Archbishop Hoban landed the #1 seed in the Copley District of the Division I playoffs. Their first game will come on March 4. In the meantime, the Hoban team, including 6’2” guard Collen Gurley (2018), are continuing their season long preparation for the challenge ahead.
Gurley, one of the team leaders, broke down what has been working for them this season.
“Just us being together. Not being tired. Having fun. Continue to go out there and play our game, not play down to the opponents’ game,” Gurley said.
Gurley appears to be mentally honed in on the team objective. But earlier this week he also received some personal attention, receiving his first scholarship offer from West Virginia State. (West Virginia State also offered his teammate, Garrett Houser, on the same day.)
It’s unlikely to remain the only offer that Gurley receives before he leaves Hoban. Expect Gurley’s stock to continue rising this summer with TNBA.
As of right now, Albany (NY) and Kent State have him on their radar.
Gurley is a knock-down shooter. While a lot of prospects can shoot the ball, but most of them excel on coming off-ball and hitting off the catch. Gurley separates himself by being most adept to pulling off the bounce. This skillset allows the entire offense to not revolve around one person. Instead of having two of your guys running high-low screens, Gurley can catch from anywhere and create. To that point, Gurley can even run the point guard, even though he comes off-ball for Hoban.
Furthermore, Gurley finds other ways to affect the game.
Gurley spoke about what he’s good at defensively, “Anticipating passes. That’s what it is. Reading their feet and where they’re going to go. Reading their eyes and as soon as they try to throw it, go get it.”
However, there’s areas on defense he’s eager to improve, “Stopping anybody coming down in transition. Trying to stay in front of the ball,” Gurley said.
While there’s certainly areas for improvement (as there is with anybody), Gurley is promising. He’s a sharp kid who makes an immediate impact scoring the ball. Seemingly, he’ll end up Division II, but no surprises if some low-majors extend an offer to him.
Scouts can check out Gurley in action during the playoffs in the Copley District.