It has been nearly a year since getting our first look at 2023 Elijah Strong at Myers Park open gym. Then, you could see he was a young prospect but one that could easily continue to develop and have the attention of college coaches.
Fast forward to now, after getting a chance to watch him in action again with Team Synergy, one can see that Strong has grown even more into his body, his game, and his understanding of his ability. This summer certainly gave many others a chance to see this versatile forward in action.
“This summer went pretty solid,” Strong told Phenom Hoops. “I’ve made a lot of improvement in handling the basketball to where my coaches can trust me with the ball on the perimeter and I have improved in shooting and being super consisted of making shots on the perimeter.”
Those improvements were certainly noted recently at the Phenom LIVE, as he brings a tremendous balance of perimeter game and operating around the rim. Strong moves incredibly well, handles the ball, can step out and knock down the jumper, and use his mobility well around the rim.
“He brings size to the table already at a young age but a versatile forward that not only can show touch and rebound in the paint, but also run the floor and finish with his jumper from the perimeter.”
Patrick O’Brien from Phenom LIVE
The strides he has taken with his game will be key next season and down the road at Myers Park, as he will be a big part of the offense. Strong couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity.
“I’m super excited,” he replied. “It was so fun playing as a freshman and getting key minutes along the side with some really good players but now knowing that I am one of those key players on our team, it motivates me a lot more to get to that goal that we want to achieve. Also, the fact that I get to be a sophomore but also a leader on our team and I get to be more vocal and things like that.”
Strong is going to be a big player in the 2023 class and it should be a matter of time when you start hearing his name consistently. He has already gained interest from schools like Elon, Charlotte, Liberty, and Mercer, with more sure to come down the road.