Prospect Spotlight: Robbie Beran (2018)
Late bloomers are always something to keep an eye on for college coaches, and in the Richmond area the Team Richmond Garner Road team is chock full of them. One of those guys is 6’6” Robbie Beran of JR Tucker, who has had a great start to the summer for the group.
He came onto the scene late in his sophomore season, where despite the Tigers winning just one game, you started hearing rumors about a long, gangly kid that did pretty much everything for Tucker. Now that he’s on a team full of talented, but under-the-radar, guys, Beran is flourishing as a versatile forward, much like the rest of their team.
“Last year at Tucker, I was ‘the guy.’ It’s been much different playing more off the ball, because this team will find me and I don’t have to worry about giving it up and getting it back, so playing with such a great group of guys has really helped me,” Beran said.
“It’s definitely something like no other,” Beran said about playing with TRGR. “Our team is very versatile, we have guys who can play multiple positions not just one position. They can accomplish multiple roles, everyone can shoot, pass and dribble, so if you ask someone to do something they can do it and that’s just special.”
In high school, Beran is more of a four man that can run the floor and create mismatches with his ability to face up and get to his spots. However, on a Team Richmond squad with six players standing 6’6” or taller, he plays a hybrid forward position where he can step out and knock down the corner three ball or run the wing in transition and finish. It’s something that he’s been working on, along with his body, to get ready for the next level.
“It’s something I want to work on,” Beran said about improving his perimeter game. “I want to continue to get better with both my handles and finishing around the rim. Kind of playing that both inside-out, double sided role, this is really helping me.”
“I just need to keep getting bigger and stronger, and I think that will come with time. I also would like to become more of a consistent shooter, because at Tucker I get a lot off the one dribble pull-up but I know I need to knock down open shots off the catch too.”
As for his decision, Beran is weighing all options. Because he needs to get bigger and stronger he says he’s considering reclassifying or taking a post grad year, but the way he’s been playing this summer he may not need one since coaches are starting to take notice.
“I’m not looking for anything in particular, just will be grateful for the opportunity to play at the next level regardless of where it is. My recruitment has definitely picked up, all thanks to this team really, as I’m able to showcase my skills and abilities and putting me in positions to succeed.”
Beran is arguably one of the most under the radar prospects in the Richmond area, and we will freely admit that we are one of those that dropped the ball on him early. However, he’s opening the eyes of scouts like us and college coaches up and down the east coast, and we’re expecting a big July from him during the live periods.