Recruitment Spotlight: Colby Gennett
One of Idaho’s top players, Colby Gennett Colby Gennett 6'5" | SG Post Falls | 2020 State ID committed to Central Washington University last week. Prep Hoops Idaho’s #3 ranked player was kind enough to discuss what went into that…
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Continue ReadingOne of Idaho’s top players, Colby Gennett Colby Gennett 6'5" | SG Post Falls | 2020 State ID committed to Central Washington University last week. Prep Hoops Idaho’s #3 ranked player was kind enough to discuss what went into that decision, provide some advice to current student athletes who are trying to be recruited, as well as a firsthand account of prospects that we should be keeping an eye on next year. Read our insightful Q & A below:
What was your decision process behind choosing CWU?
“When choosing CWU as the college, I looked at many different factors that played a role, but at the end of the day, I decided that every college I was getting looked at could give me academically, and athletically the same chances. So, it really came down to opportunities. I wanted a place that was going to be an adventure and push me in other ways than basketball and academics. Having trips to play some Alaska schools, I personally thought would be a great experience. Plus, the coaching staff…are going to push me like never before which I know I need and want.”
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in terms of being a college athlete?
“It’s actually really simple… I’m looking forward to proving every school that passed up on me wrong and to show that Idaho is a place where high leveled basketball players can come out…especially in North Idaho.”
What do you feel like you are bringing as a basketball player to the CWU basketball program?
“What I feel I’m bringing to CWU is an athlete that is all around a decent player but also knows there is much to improve on in all areas. Also, just the mentality of someone who wants to reach their full potential. Like I said, I’m mainly determined to show doubters what the Idaho boys can do, and this mentality is what I really think is going to be seen at CWU.”
What is your favorite memory from your high school basketball career?
“Throughout my high school career, I had many memories I’ll never forget, but my all-time favorite is when in my sophomore year, I went for a dunk on Big O (Onyeka Okongwu) from Chino Hills in the Tarkanian Classic, and he just absolutely destroyed and fouled me in the air, but now, I can tell people when I’m old that I went for a dunk attempt on most likely a lottery pick in the 2020 draft. Other times were this year, like on our trip down to Boise. There was just so much team bonding with my guys and it’s memories like that I won’t ever forget.”
Who was the toughest opponent that you faced in high school and why?
“By far the best and toughest basketball opponent I went against was James Akinjo who played for Salesian High School and now at Arizona University. The reason why was simply this man was training with professionals like Kyrie, and his handles showed that as he was one of the most explosive first step into a pull-up that was unguardable even if you were taller than him.”
What piece of advice would you give an athlete who is going through the recruitment process?
“If I had to give any advice to athletes going through the recruiting process, it simply would just be play like there is always a scout watching you. Those easy AAU games or blowout high school games, just never give up because of the score because colleges notice that, and you never know when they can be watching. It’s simple I guess, just always show hustle nonstop and it’ll get you somewhere.”
What words of advice would you give to your underclassmen Post Fall teammates who are returning next year? (Post Falls was defeated this year in the 5A State Championship game by Borah High School)
“I’d tell them that the feeling of ending your high school career on a state championship loss is terrible, and that I know you guys have it in you to go out and get in that position again. But it’s those extra minutes after practice shooting and getting a ball handling drill in or even lifting over the summer when no one is looking that will put you in a place to rise on Saturday night with the state banner instead of the red second place trophy.”
As a firsthand observer, what Idaho 5A players or teams do you think will stand out next year?
“I really believe that (Southern Idaho) basketball is going to be a lot different than many other years because all the powerhouses down there have lost elite basketball players that have played a huge roll over the past few years; with that, I can see teams that have been on the border like Boise can rise to a higher ranking. Of course, without Austin Bolt Austin Bolt 6'4" | PF Borah | 2020 State ID , Borah took a big hit, but that is the exact mindset everyone had after they lost (Ellis) Magnuson from two years ago to EWU, and they did pretty well this year. So, I think Borah again will be coached up to be an elite team still. I really think that Northern Idaho Basketball is on the rise for the following years because I think Lake City has a solid freshman class with Kolton (Mitchell) and Zach (Johnson). If they trained a little tougher and coached the way I know, they can get something done by their senior year. With Post Falls, I really am excited to see what the junior class can do in their senior year. I think Alex (Horning) improved drastically on his inside game this year, and when he can show the teams his stroke from deep, it’ll only help even more. Personally, I think Cole (Rutherford), at times, can be the best point guard in the state. It all relies on his mindset. When he takes it to the hole with the mindset of finding the open shooters and finishing strong, he’s hard to stop, as seen in the Rocky (Mountain HS) game this year. For Caden (McLean), he’s just an all-around shooter. When his stroke is on, it’s hard to stop. I really see him having a great senior year, not only scoring, but distributing to his team. The rest of that team are straight up hustlers. They all know what they got to do…and I really believe that if they work their tails off this summer and preseason and have the mindset of not wanting to be watching the other team take the trophy or the net down in front of them, I think this squad can do something special.”
With that, it was another great season for Colby Gennett Colby Gennett 6'5" | SG Post Falls | 2020 State ID as he averaged 15.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.7 steals for Post Falls High during his senior year. A four year starter, Gennett is one of the better talents to play in the area. He had an excellent career as a player who could take anyone off the dribble, finish with finesse in the lane, be a threat to pull-up from deep, elevate to finish at the rim against anyone, and be one of the best lock-down defenders in the state. Best of luck at CWU to Colby Gennett Colby Gennett 6'5" | SG Post Falls | 2020 State ID and congrats on a great high school career.