Prospect Spotlight: Tyrus Baynham Jr. (2019)
Listed at 6-foot-4 1/2, weighing 190-pounds, small forward Tyrus Baynham Jr. is a hybrid, with superb athleticism and length, which makes him one of the most exciting two-way players in his class.
Baynham can play shooting guard, as he can shoot the basketball off the dribble and off the screen. His release is just as quick as former NBA player Ray Allen. Defenders have a hard time trying to block Baynham’s shot. If a defender can’t rip the basketball out of Baynham’s hands while he’s still on the floor, chances are he’s going to get a perfect look at the basket.
Baynham is more dangerous when the basketball isn’t in his hands. He doesn’t stay in one spot on the court. He runs in circles around the court, forcing his defender to chase him coming off multiple screens. Defensively, Baynham is a legit shot blocker. During his junior season at Franklin Road Academy, he had a lot of defensive stops at the rim.
Baynham loves to play defense just as much as he loves to score. He has quick feet to be a small forward. Baynham can guard a team’s point guard if he’s asked to do so. He gets his defensive mentality from San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard.
“I love playing defense. I think defense is my No. 1 strength besides shooting the ball very well,” Baynham said. “I like playing defense. I like getting after it, getting low, blocking shots. Turning defense into offense is what really drives me to keep going in a game. I love Kawhi Leonard’s defensive drive. I love his mid-range game.”
Baynham’s ball handling is solid in the open court, but he admitted it needs to improve in situations when he’s pressured. From a scoring perspective, he can get points from different areas of the court. He can shoot from the left and right wing. He can shoot from the corners. His mid-range game is solid.
One of Baynham’s attributes that’s being overlooked is his passing ability. He has good court vision, willing to give the basketball up to the open man, instead of trying to score in traffic. Baynham is an unselfish guard/forward despite the fact he can score at any given time.
Baynham’s only offer is from Tennessee State University, but has interests from Vanderbilt, Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee State, Wichita State, Belmont, UAB, and Murray State. He is heavily considering reclassifying to be a part of the 2020 class, but will sit down with his family before making a final decision.
“It’s just what my family thinks what’s best for me, what can get me some more looks,” Baynham said. “That’s what matters.”