Prospect Spotlight: Zion Young – (2018)
G- Zion Young 6’3’’ Simeon / Spiece Indy Heat EYBL
The Class of 2018 will be adding another prospect near the top of the rankings in 6’3’’ Combo Guard Zion Young who is moving back to Chicago after spending a year Wasatch Academy in Utah and also a couple of years in Merrillville, IN. Young will be transferring to Chicago Powerhouse Simeon Career Academy where he will team up with rising Seniors Talen Horton-Tucker, Kezo Brown, Messiah Jones, Bakari Simmons & Kenny Pittman, as well as rising junior point guard Kejuan Clements. The Simeon Wolverines will have once again a very talented roster and will be looking to make another run downstate and the addition of Zion Young certainly helps.
Young made his debut with his new team at the Riverside-Brookfield Shootout and quickly made an impact. Young is a 6’3’’ combo who can play multiple positions on the wing but will most likely be suited to play the two-guard at the next level. Young is a strong player who can score from all levels and can make plays distributing the ball as well. He brings a lot of intensity on the defensive end, using his strength mixed with a combination of good foot speed to lock down opponents. I caught up with Zion to talk transferring, Simeon, and his game here!
Take me through the whole decision to transfer to Simeon and move back to Chicago?
“It was a long decision between me and my parents, I wanted to come back, and they felt it was alright to come back and do my senior year at Simeon. They thought I would get the exposure that I needed, and also play with the guys I grew up with. So, they felt it was the right decision.”
You talked about being back with some of the people you played, and grew up with for your senior year what does that mean to you?
“It is pretty good it’s like family, you grew up playing with your brothers and get to do it all over again. They know your strengths and weaknesses and you know theirs. It’s always bonding and never any dull moment.”
How was it playing out west in Utah for Wasatch Academy?
“It was very different from Chicago but it was a good season out there, we played against Finlay Prep, IMG & Chino Hills it was very competitive events we played in. We made it to DICKS Sporting National Tournament but lost in the first round but to be down there was a great achievement.”
How did the Spring with Indy Heat EYBL go for you?
“It has gone well so far we have won some games but just have to stay focused and get ready for Peach Jam.”
Going into your Senior year at Simeon what are you looking forward to achieving?
“To come here stay focused get a city championship and win state and just keep winning.”
For those you haven’t seen you play in a while or haven’t seen you play yet how would you describe your game?
“I am a bigger guard, I am physical, I bring athleticism and can get to rim any time I want to, can shoot mid-range or on the perimeter and have good vision and can get my teammates involved.”
What are some things this summer you want to work on and improve to take that next step in your game?
“Working on my stamina, and not getting tired. Communicating more with my teammates getting them involved. Also bring my energy to the team so they can carry it on.”
Jumping into recruiting a little bit what schools have you been hearing from?
“Schools recruiting me are Memphis, Georgetown, Virginia Tech, Drake and UConn, and I am going to take some visits in June. All schools have been communicating with me and just talking about my season game and visiting campus.”