Recruiting report: Zaire Wade (2020) takes over reins at Heritage
The Zaire Wade era at American Heritage-Plantation has officially commenced.
Heritage turned over its starting lineup from 2017-18 and the team is Wade’s to run.
The Heritage junior — the son of Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade — took his game to another level this summer playing for E1T1 on the Nike EYBL circuit. Wade is looking to make yet another jump this high school season under coach Brent Maffett.
“Doing great at Fall League,” Wade said after a game at Washington Park in Hollywood. “Right now we’re just a young team. Everybody is new. We’re doing the chemistry. Trying to get that going before the season starts.”
Wade, Stranahan senior transfer Cyrus Nance and athletic junior Andrew Volmar are a good place to start. Freshman big man Darius Tigner has also impressed.
Heritage is coming off an 18-5 season. The Patriots were eliminated by Suncoast in the Class 6A regional quarterfinals a year ago.
“My goals for this year: have a breakout season,” Wade said. “I’m really trying to get myself to the next level. I think I had a great summer.”
Wade’s play on the travel basketball circuit earned him first major scholarship offer — from Nebraska of the Big Ten Conference. College coaches feel the 6-foot-2 standout is a natural point guard.
“[I have a] lot of interest,” Wade said of major D-1 programs. “Got interest from Arizona State, Michigan State, Georgia, you know, schools like that.”
And now dad, Dwyane, will be nearby for his junior season after signing for one more year with the Heat and available next year for Zaire’s senior season of high school.
“I don’t know how long my son will play basketball,” Wade recently told the Sun Sentinel’s David Furones. “I don’t know if it will end after this or after a 16-year NBA career. I just love watching him do what he loves to do. I love watching him compete, and I love watching the journey. A lot of it reminds me of myself.”
Nance, meanwhile, is a huge boost to Maffett’s lineup. He was the glue to Stranahan’s up-and-coming program a year ago and averaged in double figures at 11.1 points a game.
Nance is a proven scorer and gives you everything he’s got — including on defense.
“I’m just looking to be competitive,” Nance said at Fall League. “I’m looking to take a group in and help them push and get somewhere.”
As for playing on the next level, Nance said, “I’m looking for mid-level D-1. Wherever I can come in and make a difference on a team. I’m the type of guy that’s going to come in and give you 100 percent. So, that’s what I would like to do for any program.”
If you have high school basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer via e-mail at PatALammer@Gmail.com or via text at 954-661-9671.