Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Gary Payton II - 2012

A 6'2 left handed Point Guard, Gary Payton II is a long, smart player who has excellent court awareness and off-ball skills. Gary has very adept ball skills, and is a decent passer as well. An extremely athletic player, Gary frequently plays above the rim, and uses his athleticism to be a force on the glass. Gary's best skill, however, is his defense, and it separates him from other point guards in his class. Gary uses his length to disrupt the ball, and create turnovers. Payton is difficult to beat with the ball, and his reactions and skills make him difficult to play against when he is off the ball. Gary makes a great addition to the Westwind team because he uses his defensive skills to create turnovers, keep opponents out of their offense, and start the fast break. The best thing about Gary is his ability to do a little bit of everything. He is smart and aware, which helps him anticipate and react to the action.

Gary needs to improve in his ability to shoot from the 3 point line with consistency. Gary is effective around the basket, and can shoot up to 20 feet, but not with a high enough percentage to be a real threat from the outside. Gary needs to develop consistency in his shot to become an offensive threat from every spot on the perimeter. Gary could also be benefitted by gaining more muscle in order to withstand the physicality of the college game. He is has been putting in work in the Westwind weight room and is seeing results.

Gary has recieved interest from schools in the Atlantic Sun and Big Sky conferences so far this season, notably Portland State and Mercer. He currently holds an offer from Florida A & M.  Wherever he goes, I expect Gary to immediately make an impact on the defensive end of the floor. I would be suprised if Gary was not an all-league defensive player at least once during his collegiate carreer. Click below for a highlight film of Gary Payton II.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9MBhXtk0qM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al5IAvLRhoA&feature=related
To learn more about Gary Payton II, please contact me at adam.desautels@westwindacademy.org. We are happy to have Gary and his work ethic at Westwind, and are excited for a good season with him on the court and in the classroom.