Recruiting Report 2020: Darius Maddox
Darius Maddox, 6’4″, WG, 2020. St. Johns College Cadets HS. Washington, DC.
Grassroots Team: Team Durant 16U
This summer Darius was an integral player for SJC when the Cadets buzz sawed their opponents en route to the prestigious DeMatha BSN Summer League Championship. Last season Darius was a top player for the SJC JV playing under superb Head Coach Coach Artie Bryant. Once Head Varsity Coach Patrick Behan took over the helms, SJC became the most cohesive team in the BSN summer league. Darius became one of the top reserves & his play was outstanding. He played for Team Durant 16U this summer & adds,”Playing for Team Durant & Coach Behan I gained confidence that I can play at a high level, improved my intensity, & learned I can compete against the best players in my class. Also, I learned how to play with new teammates.”
In fall workouts Darius continues to shine & he is already an excellent college prospect with a great untapped upside. The Cadets open their season on November 18 versus the Calvert Hall Cardinals, one of the top teams in Baltimore. We expect to see Darius early in the 1st half. SJC will run their high octane offense & ball hawking defense. The Cadets will not miss a beat when Darius is on the floor. He has proven to be an effective scorer & ball mover. Darius adds, ” I will be a rotation player this season. My goals are play effectively in our ball motion offense, transition game & play tough defense. I will be looked upon to score, but I need to make quick reads. Once I get he ball I must be prepared to make an immediate decision. I must see plays in development before I receive the ball. I can hit an open teammate or be prepared to make a scoring move if I see an opportunity. My court vision is critical & has improved. My goal this season is to get my facilitation skills to a PG level.”This summer & fall Darius proved he can make the kick out, drop offs, lobs, & post entry passes. Darius does have the ability to become an elite passer & we believe he just needs reps.
When Darius is in scoring mode he excels in the mid range & attacking the rim. He possesses a very good handle & uses a hesitation & go, in out crossover & his simple crossover. Darius can shoot from all angles & both sides with excellent shot mechanics. On the perimeter he is a triple threat scorer with a great jab step from which he can go into any of his dribble moves & finish at the rim with either hand thru contact. He adds, “My 3 point shot is almost there. I just need more reps to build my confidence. I can shoot on or of the dribble & I can go coast to coast with a straight blow by or hesitation & go. Currently, I dunk better off 2 legs & I am working on one leg which will allow me to get to the rim faster. This fall I am developing a step back move. I want to become a very skilled player on both sides of the ball. Last spring Coach McAloon wanted me to become a better defender. Coach Artie helped me & we did a lot of defensive drills. This summer & fall my teammates & all the Coaches are helping. My defense is ok, but I want to become a lock down defender.” Darius sets high goals & he loves the game with a great passion for basketball. This season we will scout Darius in detail in the very competitive WCAC. Currently. we place Darius at the D1 level. We predict Darius will have a breakout season & in the future an explosion out season. He has excellent height, a long wingspan & he adds, “Playing at SJC we learn how to be winners. I perform all the intangibles & I know what it takes to get our highest goal, a W.”
In the classroom Darius maintains a 3.0 GPA & he is very interested in photography.He names his parents & grandfather as role models. This summer Darius attended the Syracuse Elite camp where he played very well. He likes to study Collin Sexton & Paul George of the NBA. We look forward to covering SJC this who we believe has the potential to be become a nationally ranked team.
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