Prospect Watch: Daniel Abreu (2020)
Class of 2020 forward Daniel Abreu of Willard is a versatile performer who brings value to a team in a great variety of ways.
The 6’5″ Abreu is a strong post player, but he brings so much more to the table. He has also developed into a very good ball handler and excellent team defender who can guard multiple positions. Whatever is needed for the team to succeed, Abreu is ready to provide it with his ever-growing skill set.
“All of the coaches I’ve had growing up have taught me different parts of the game,” Abreu said. “I was taught how to play in the post when I was younger, but later on, I’ve had coaches realize that I wasn’t going to be very big, so they started working to improve my perimeter skills.”
What has really stood out over the summer was Abreu’s passing skills. Even at the forward position, he displayed the ability to ability to find open teammates from anywhere on the court. He court vision and unselfishness makes him a player that a team can run its offense through. He played with the Missouri Flight 16U team that enjoyed a very productive grassroots season.
“I have really improved my passing skills,” he said. “Before, it was just getting ball and doing what I can. Now, I’m playing more of a team-oriented game.”
Willard entered the lineup as a freshman and averaged seven points a game. As a sophomore, he emerged as an even bigger impact player in helping lead Willard to a district championship and a berth in the Class 5 state sectionals. Abreu scored a game-high 14 points in Willard’s 43-42 victory over Waynesville in the district championship game.
“It was amazing to win the district championship last year,” he said. “We had the districts on our home court last year so it was a great feeling to win it in front of our own fans.”