Freshman Watch: Jake Koverman (2021)
Every year in high school basketball, one of the most intriguing aspects is to see how the talented freshmen that are skilled enough to not only make varsity, but actually be an impact. For Southern High School, freshman wing Jake Koverman has made the adjustment quite nicely.
Koverman is a 6’5 wing that can play out on the perimeter while also being a presence inside the paint. His length makes him a productive shot-blocker and rebounder on the defense side of things. What’s most impressive about Koverman is his smoothness and versatility on offense. As an eighth grader being one of the biggest kids on the floor at all times, he was expected to fill the frontcourt roles, but he can also be a point forward when the opportunity presents itself.
Koverman spent this spring/summer playing with the DMV Stags where he aimed to improve on his foot quickness, strength and overall IQ for the game. As he continues to work on those aspects while adjusting to the varsity level, Koverman is beginning to become more comfortable overall on the floor.
“Coach Maynard just always tells me to trust the process,” Koverman told Prep Hoops. “There’s going to be good moments and bad, but I just have to get through them mentally. He tells me I have a high basketball IQ, so just letting the game come to me and being more physical are two things I need to focus on.”
The Bulldogs are currently 6-4 on the season. Koverman is averaging nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks per game coming off the bench as the sixth man. When I spoke with Coach Maynard, he had nothing but high praise for Koverman.
“He has such a high basketball IQ,” Maynard said. “He can score at all three levels and he rebounds well at the varsity level for a guard.”
Coach Maynard went on to say that there will be points this season where Koverman is featured at the point guard slot because of his ability handle the ball and his decision making.
Navy, Radford, High Point, IUPUI and UMBC have all expressed interest in Koverman. He’s taken an unofficial visit to UMBC already.