Recruiting Report: Tyler Beard (2020)
The prospect with the most buzz in the state of Illinois heading into July is Whitney Young point guard Tyler Beard. The #3 2020 prospect is an explosive point guard who established himself among the top floor generals in the Midwest with his play at Nike Elite 100 Camp in St. Louis early in June. It was definitely a breakout week for him on the national scene.
“The Nike Elite 100 Camp was one of the best experiences of my life so far. There was talent all-around. Everyone there was you know like top 5 in their own states! Playing well against that type of competition gave me the knowledge I needed to go back and win everywhere I go. It also made me see how much better I still had to get. I feel like I’m one of the best, but the best is yet to come.”
After his monster performance and rave reviews from scouts his phone blew up when June 15th hit and college coaches could contact 2020 prospects.
“It’s been a blessing. Seeing the hard work payoff is great, but there’s still much work to do to get where I want to ultimately be.”
He has had schools from coast to coast reach out to him over the last few weeks. Beard mentioned the schools that he is hearing from most consistently.
“Butler, Nebraska, Michigan, Illinois, Mizzou, Valpo, and Florida Atlantic, are the schools that contact me the most. I feel I’m Butler’s top priority.”
Beard recently took a visit to see Butler.
“The visit was amazing. The campus and dorms were great. The gym was even better. I loved the time I spent there. I honestly can say I liked everything about it.”
On the visit Beard landed an offer from the Bulldogs. He said they were very high on his abilities.
“They said they liked the Chicago toughness that I brought to the court. The ability to pass and also make plays for myself. Intangibles.”
UIC and Valpo also got unofficial visits from Beard in June. He said similar things stood out to him about both visits.
“The family and brotherhood of the programs is what stood out. It’s what they build their programs on.”
Illinois has showed some early interest as well.
“I’ve talked to Chin (Coleman). Nothing much really to it. Going to schedule a visit soon, but that’s pretty much it.”
Beard runs with Meanstreets 16U on the travel team circuit. Up next is Peach Jam where he will play the best of the best in front of tons of college coaches.
Here is our evaluation of Beard from the Nike Elite 100 Camp.
Beard put his name on the radar of national scouts with his play and rightfully so. He was consistent throughout the week at the lead guard position. Beard embraced the opportunity and showed he could be a true point guard at the high major level with his play. Worked very well around ball screens exploding off them getting to the rack as well as winning in one on one situations off the bounce. Burst of speed with the ball in his hands. He was solid shooting it pulling up from three. Crisp passes in both the half court and in transition. Threw several outlets on the money and was outstanding finding his teammates for lobs in the half court. Rebounded well from his guard position. Overall we were impressed with how he competed against elite level competition throughout the week!