Prospect Spotlight: Zaire Wade 2020
For the past several years, Sierra Canyon has had no shortage of big names and talented players. From Marvin Bagley III, Cody Riley, and Remy Martin, to Cassius Stanley, K.J. Martin, and Scotty Pippen Jr., the Trailblazers have trotted out…
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Continue ReadingFor the past several years, Sierra Canyon has had no shortage of big names and talented players. From Marvin Bagley III, Cody Riley, and Remy Martin, to Cassius Stanley, K.J. Martin, and Scotty Pippen Jr., the Trailblazers have trotted out impressive rosters.
This season, they got a couple of returners from last year’s state championship squad, but they’ve added some key new faces as well. The new players have looked solid so far in fitting in with their new team. One player to keep an eye on as the season progresses is Zaire Wade.
Wade arrived at Sierra Canyon this summer after transferring from American Heritage High School in Miami. It’s no secret who his father is, but Wade is trying to carve out his own name in the basketball world.
He’s developed into a legit college prospect in his own right and he currently holds offers from DePaul, Rhode Island, and UC Riverside. UC Riverside has been the school that Wade has been in contact with the most recently, and when it comes time to choose a school, he knows what he’ll be looking for.
“I’m going to be looking for a program that actually wants me. I know a lot of people are focused on going to a big-name program, but I’m focused on all schools,” Wade told Prep Hoops. “Whatever school I can come in and be effective right away, have a good relationship with my coaches, and just bond with the players.”
The past couple of seasons, the Trailblazers have had very strong point guard play. Whether it was Martin leading the charge and dishing to Bagley and Riley, or Pippen and Duane Washington switching off and taking primary playmaking duties, it was a position of strength.
But heading into this season, there appeared to be an opening for someone to step in right away and contribute at the point. Tookey Wigington has been the starter so far, and Amari Bailey can certainly run the point at times, but Wade is someone who could potentially help fill that opening.
He is an unselfish player who looks to get his teammates involved when he is running the offense, and he knows that the team has multiple scoring options he can defer too. He initially started the season as helping to stabilize the second unit, and he’s currently out with an injury, but he’s fit well so far with his new teammates.
“When I came here, not everybody was here at first. When we found out who the whole team was, we have guys that can score, guys that can do different things,” Wade said. “The point guard position was kind of open. I think that the reason that coach [Andre Chevalier] brought me here was because he knew I’m a floor general, a point guard. Whatever he needs, I can fill it in.”
Wade is one of the seniors on a team that includes several young players. His value to the team goes beyond just what he can bring on the court, but also extends to being a leader, someone the rest of the team can look up to.
He’s already developed such a role with Bronny James, who is facing his first year of high school basketball and all the media scrutiny that accompanies it. When Wade first arrived at Sierra Canyon, although he was one of the newcomers, head coach Andre Chevalier pegged him to be one of the team’s leaders, a role that he has since embraced.
“Coach told me when I first got here that he wanted me to be a leader for this team, no matter the names or anything like that,” Wade said. “Just because I’m a little more mature with my age. On the court and off the court, I’m just looking to help lead the guys. When it comes to on the court, it’s talking, being a point guard and the leader that I am.”
With the season fully underway, Wade is well aware of the past success Sierra Canyon has had, particularly in the postseason, and he knows the type of expectations that follow. He’s up to the challenge of trying to help the team continue that type of success.
He’s also hoping to churn out a couple more college offers. He believes the type of national stage that Sierra Canyon plays on, as well as his improving game, will definitely pay off when it comes to his recruitment.
“My last school was a great school, but there wasn’t a lot of basketball colleges there at our games. I had a good season, but I didn’t really get a lot of offers,” Wade said. “I came here just to learn. It’s already a powerhouse school so I’m not coming here with any pride or ego, I’m just learning. I’m really looking forward to trying to win a state championship and getting more recruited.”