Prospect Profile: Joey Rodrick (2019 Cleveland HS/Nike Team Northwest 17U)
Nike Team Northwest’s 17U squad may be largely a guard-oriented team, but that has been just fine for Joey Rodrick. The talented 6-foot-4, 170-pound wing from Cleveland High School has fit in right well into his AAU team’s system this spring and he’s hoping continued success on the circuit will lead to the right college offers this fall.
“As a team we’ve been doing really well,” Rodrick said. “I’ve been shooting the ball really well and getting up and down the court. My mid-range jumper has been coming together a lot too.”
Rodrick is a talented offensive player who can get hot in a hurry. He can spot up and hit the three but also has the ability to create off the dribble and the athleticism to finish near the rim. Areas of improve include developing physically and containing his emotions at times.
Through playing with Nike Team Northwest, Rodrick has started to get some college recruiting attention. He’s heard from Cal Lutheran as well as Multnomah, where he’s participated in open gym. He also attended a camp on the East Coast and has since heard from Mount St. Mary’s in New York. So far he’s keeping all of his options open.
“I’d prefer to stay on the west coast but if there’s an opportunity back East, then I’d look at it too,” Rodrick said. “My biggest thing is I’m looking for a place that will help me develop my game and where I can get a chance to play. So if that’s a smaller school, then that’s fine with me.”
“I also want a a good school as far as education goes,” Rodrick said. “I’m really into business and marketing.”
The hope is a big summer with Nike Team Northwest under head coach Yusuf Leary will get Rodrick the right options going into his senior season. “I want to keep working on my game,” Rodrick said. “Coach Yusuf has been pushing me to be a better player in general. And for Cleveland, show more of a leadership role. I’m going to have to do that next year.”