Prospect Spotlight: Jacob Boles (2018)
The modern style of basketball requires players to be versatile. Jacob Boles demonstrated that he has that attribute for Georgetown Day on Saturday at the IAC/MAC Challenge. At close to 6’5, we saw him impact the game with his communication, motor, and ability to protect the rim inside, but he also displayed the confidence to step out and be a threat on the perimeter as well.
“I’m a finesse small forward but can stretch down to the 5. I can shoot 3’s and post up,” said Boles of his overall game. “I’m working on my ball handling, I’ve gotten better offensively, but when I get my handle tighter I’ll be able to attack off the dribble more than I do now.”
The Hoppers started the season with 13 players, but on Saturday they only had 8 suited up for their matchup against Episcopal. Boles didn’t come out of the game, and showcased his intelligence on defense by challenging shots without fouling.
“My defense is the most underrated part of my game. I’ve held every big man we’ve played against to their season low, and I’ve been guarding real 6’9 and up centers all season,” Boles explained. “I communicate. I direct our defense and make sure everyone is in place. We have a super young team and I’m the only senior so it falls on me to be a leader.”
Georgetown Day is one of the best schools in DC academically, and have a super challenging curriculum. Boles says he’s doing well in school. GDS doesn’t calculate GPA, but he estimates that he’s close to a 3.8 when you factor in his AP classes. Colby College in Maine was looking at him earlier in the year, but Boles says has not really been actively recruited. What can he bring to a college program down the road?
“Work ethic. Because our school doesn’t have a great program it’s been up to me to direct off season workouts, and it’s mostly been me and Jordan [Rayford ’21] alone in the weight room over summers.”