Model Laboratory School in Richmond has seen a lot of success and wins in the last few years. Rising Senior Adam Durham-Lewis has played a large role in the recent successes of the program. As a Junior, Adam averaged over 20 points per game and contributed over 4 assists per contest for Model. I recently caught up with the Senior guard to discuss his game, his recruiting and his goals for his final season at Model.
PHKY: Describe your game for people who have never seen you play. What are your strengths? What do you need to work on?
ADL: I would describe my game as an all around scorer and a go-getter. I can score in many ways. I can get to the hole and finish with the best and draw contact and get and ones because I’m a strong guard. I can go ISO with anyone and get past them for a tough pull up jumper, floater, layup or a nice kick or dump off. I’m always looking to dish out for the better shot but I can also create my own shot against anyone with crossovers go left or right, step backs, fadeways and I can put smaller guards with me in the post because I can overpower them. Pick and roll is a strong suit for me because if a big is on me it’s game over because I can torch them and go past them or find the easy mismatch down low or come off hard and attack or hitting a jump shot. I’m never going to be the tallest or most athletic on the court so I always am playing 110% and I make sure no one is going to work harder than me because I gotta make up for my lack of height and athleticism. My strengths are being good under pressure attacking double teams. I stay calm and always can find a way out of it. I can score in anyway I need to , I have great court vision and can hit shots either set or having to create my own shot and hitting stepbacks or fadeaways. I can go left or right off the dribble so no matter what wing I’m on I can go. I’m a quick guard and can beat other guards off a jab step and than hit a nice pull up. On defense I’m in your face and aggressive and I’m never going to back down. My weaknesses are not being able to fully guard big guards 6’3” and above. Although I never back down and always contest their shots it’s just harder because I’m 5’11”. Another weakness would be I’m not fully comfortable hitting shots coming off screens without the ball. But I’ve been in the gym 2-3 hours a day this summer working on moving without the ball and hitting shots. My vertical is a 31”, which I am still on a workout program to improve that so I can stay with bigger guards and jump with them. Because I have to make up with my height.
PHKY: Who did you play AAU for? How did the season go?
ADL: I didn’t play for an AAU team this summer. I Only played 1 tourney with Hoop Dreams and that didn’t work out so I was in the gym everyday by myself or with a coach getting shots up and working on my mid range and 3’s and hitting shots while moving and coming off screens
PHKY: What can you take from AAU season and help your game this high school season?
ADL: Although I only played 1 tourney, I noticed how big and athletic future D1 guards are so what I took from that is that I need to keep working onn my athleticism to make up for my height. And I won’t be playing against D1 prospects in a lot of my high school games so improving my athleticism will be a huge advantage during high school ball. I also noticed the pace is a lot quicker so I will take the fast pace and try to take my team to another level by pushing them to play fast and efficient
PHKY: Are you hearing from any colleges? Any offers yet?
ADL: I haven’t gotten any offers yet but I have an NCSA profile and have many college team elite camp invites but I haven’t gotten a chance to go to them.
PHKY: What are your expectations for this high school season?
ADL: I plan on leading my team to the 11th region tournament this year and maybe even state and winning 20+ games. My team and I have improved a lot since last year and I’m excited to show everyone how great our team has gotten. I think Malik Johnson and I are one of the most talented backcourts in the region and can help lead this great team along with our great coaches.