Recruiting Report: Isaiah Cozart (2019)
We are on the tail end of summer basketball and around the country, college prospects at all levels are working on their game and working toward earning an opportunity to play at the next level. Prep Hoops Kentucky puts the spotlight on prospects around the Bluegrass State.
Standing 6’7″ and possessing a mammoth 7’2″ wingspan, Madison Central‘s Isaiah Cozart has already shattered the state record for blocked shots in a season. He plans to break his own record again this season and make a run at the KHSAA Career blocks record. But when I caught up with him to discuss his AAU season with the Louisville Magic and his upcoming junior season, he chose to focus on his shortcomings and areas for improvement. The big man hopes to be able to showcase some improved offensive skills and a better percentage from the free throw line. As a sophomore, Cozart averaged a double double, scoring 11.6 PPG to go with 10.3 rebounds per game. Isaiah also shot an impressive 63% from the field, finishing mainly around the rim. I recently checked in with our #6 ranked player in 2019.
PHKY: Describe your game. What do you do best? What are you working to improve?
IC: I feel that defense is my main strength right now but I do feel I’m good at getting offensive boards and shooting mid range. I’m also strong at getting to the rim when I get post touches. I’d hope to improve greatly in dribbling and ball handling and offensive game in general.
PHKY: Recap your AAU season. Were you happy with how you played? Any particular game or event stand out as your best one?
IC: I was very happy with how my AAU season went. Some of my best games of the summer were in South Carolina at the Adidas Uprising Summer Championships.
PHKY: You’re obviously an excellent shot blocker. What do you think makes you so good protecting the rim?
IC: Well besides a 7’2″ wingspan, I just think I’ve always had good timing and defensive instincts when it comes to blocking shots.
PHKY: What colleges are showing interest or have offered?
IC: I currently have offers from EKU and Winthrop. I’ve heard from a lot of schools. Morehead State, NKU, SEMO and Butler have all shown interest so far.
PHKY: What are you looking for in a college?
IC: I’m looking for a school that has good academics. I want to place for a coach who will challenge me to become the best player I can be. And that will help me grow as a person on and off the court.
PHKY: What are your goals for the upcoming HS season? Both as an individual and as a team
IC: Right now my goals are to have my offensive game match up with my defensive one. Also trying to improve my body in general. My goals for my team are to win the district and region and make a run at state.
Isaiah Cozart stands out in a crowd. Being 6’7 and having the wingspan of a condor will draw attention to you. But one of the most impressive things about Cozart is that he consistently chose to pick apart his weaknesses and shortcomings. A young man with that mindset and his God given abilities has potential for greatness on the hardwood. Isaia has made huge strides over the last two seasons at Madison Central. If he duplicates those types of gains over the next two seasons, he will be one of the best post players the 11th region has seen in at least a decade and will find many, many colleges fighting for his services.