Prospect Spotlight: Marcus Banks (2021)
Whether we all agree with it or not, the reclassification and transfer route to private schools has become the norm in high school sports across the country. In Virginia, it took a little bit longer than other states, however you can not argue that taking an extra year to improve your body and game will make you ready for the next level.
With the increased popularity of transfer rates and reclassification, some conferences across the state have made rules to regulate the competition. One of the top private schools in the state, the TCIS based out of the 757, have done that, making kids decide to reclassify before their sophomore year if they want to transfer in and do so within the conference.
That means kids like Walsingham’s new 6’3” guard Marcus Banks have to make a decision very early, and for Banks it made sense after having a breakout summer playing with Boo Williams Dip 15U and finishing the summer with their EYBL 16U team. A lights out shooter from Williamsburg who put up big numbers late in the season at public school Lafayette, he continued his success throughout the summer and wants to build on that moving forward.
“It affected my decision a lot actually,” Banks said about his summer success and his choice to reclassify and transfer. “Comparing this year to last year, I’m a whole different player. I stepped up my defensive game, improved my communication skills and became a leader on and off the court. I feel like I can improve and get the exposure I need at Walsingham under Coach Billy Barnes.”
Banks made a name for himself in VA after a big summer with Boo Williams.Banks’ success both on and off the court has already drawn college interest as he picked up an offer from Hampton and claims that he’s seen early interest from ODU, VCU, UCLA, Oklahoma State and George Washington. He finished the summer ranked #14 in the Vantage Hoops rankings for the class of 2020, and his reclassification to the 2021 class means that coaches will get another year to watch him develop.
As far for what he wants to do at Walsingham, he’s focused solely on the season coming up.
“My individual goal is to make honor roll every quarter and to make first team TCIS,” he said. “My team goal is to win a state championship and make my new school proud of me.”
What’s almost as impressive as his game is Banks’ mature mindset about the game and the recruitment process. He knows what it will take moving forward, and doesn’t take anything for granted.
“I understand this is an opportunity to be recruited at the next level, and it means a lot to the coaches that are choosing to recruit me. I work hard everyday in the classroom and on the court and I have a real passion for the game, this is what I love to do. I’m coachable and respectful, I’m a team player and I’m very unselfish.”
“I believe I need to work on everything because I’m not the best and I know this. That’s what keeps me humble and makes me work harder at my game everyday.”
While it’s still early in his career, Banks’ should be a big time scorer in the TCIS the next four seasons. With his humble attitude and good work ethic, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see him explode on the recruitment scene within the next few years.