Recruiting Update: Brandon Doss (2018)
Brandon Doss- 5’9 PG
Shroder High School- Class of 2018
Prep Hoops Rank: NR
2017-18 Averages: 15.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.7apg, 2.8spg
Floor-Ceiling: D-III-D-II/NAIA/JUCO
It has been a complete role change for Brandon Doss this season as compared to last. After two years playing the wing alongside Derrick Heard and Stevie Smith, both of whom transferred out of the Shroder program, Doss is now the veteran ball-handler on a young Jaguars squad. But this is not a totally new position for the senior. “In junior high and 9th grade I handled the ball a lot,” Doss said. “When I came to Shroder in the 10th grade (from Gamble Montessori), we had a lot more talent which lead to lots of open shots. So, I played more like a small forward.”
But as Doss has shown this season, playing with the ball in his hands does not seem to be an issue.
“I worked a lot in the summer on creating off the dribble and making plays in the pick and roll,” he states. And in the pick and roll game is where Brandon can be at his best. When getting down hill he has the quickness and athleticism to create havoc at the rim. But where he has improved at in my eyes is in the mid-range. He is doing a better job at pulling up on a dime and finishing with pull-up jumpers around the free-throw line. All of this adds up to a young man that can score of the dribble while being able to knock down perimeter shots (51/40/66 shooting splits this season). As for whether he prefers playing with or without the ball, Doss does not have a preference. “Either way it’s part of my game, so it doesn’t matter,” he states.
And just impressive as he is on the offensive end, defensively he is one of the better guards that I have seen play this season. Brandon has quick feet and hands which helps him consistently harass ball-handlers and pick their pockets. He also does an outstanding job beating opposing players to their spots, causing them to pick up their dribble in dangerous spots.
To add on with his offensive and defensive skills, Brandon is also looked to as the leader of the team for Coach Will Johnson. When watching a Shroder game Doss can be seen rallying and supporting the other players during good and bad times. Always making sure players are in the right position and understanding their jobs on the court is a task that Brandon has taken on full steam.
“I am a player that believes in defense first, that’s what wins games. It’s a part of my game that I always work on. You are also getting a player that can score the ball who will uplift his teammates.”
Right now, Mr. Doss sports a 3.3 GPA with plans to major in either Sports Management or Engineering. He stated that he currently has interest from the D-II and III levels along with NAIA, JUCO and prep school interest. According to a Twitter post from the Ohio Elite Basketball Association, he has some interest from DePauw, Methodist, Davis, Oberlin and IU-Kokomo. A high-character, high GPA performer who can plays both ends like Doss should have plenty options come end of the season no matter the level.