Name to Know – 6’7” 2018 Tavion Atkinson
By Jamie Shaw
Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery to bring out the absolute best in someone. A new set of goals, a new set of friends, a new group of people around a person can alter their path. 6’7” Tavion Atkinson is now at Liberty Heights in Charlotte, NC and things have changed.
Atkinson has always been talented, he has always had a natural skill set, one that was apparent from the second he stepped onto the floor. Atkinson has always been a big kid, blessed with a naturally strong frame and long arms.
Last year at Red Springs High School Atkinson averaged 14.5 points, 8.8 boards, 1.5 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 2.8 steals per game. When asked about Atkinson’s skill set, Liberty Heights Head Coach Mike Wright said, “Atkinson’s IQ is so high, he knows the game so well. He uses limited movements to get maximum results.”
With the change to Liberty Heights, Atkinson has taken his transformation seriously. Already his body fat is down and his explosion is way up. Long gone are the days of Atkinson hanging out around the perimeter, his skill set is very versatile. When he is on the block he posts hard and shows great hands and footwork. When he is in the high post, he was able to put it on the floor and showed great court vision, putting the ball on a dime. When he gets out to the wing he is able to attack the basket and make jump shots with range.
When asked about Atkinson as a person, Coach Mike Wright says, “Atkinson is one of the funniest kids I have ever coached. He stepped onto campus wanting to be a leader, he is willing to do anything to help the team as far from cleaning the gym or extending the possession.”
His game is similar to Cincinnati’s Gary Clark. Numerous Power 5 coaches immediate response when Clark’s name is brought up, “Damn, we missed on him.” Atkinson is turning into that type of player, and he knows it. You can see it in his development.
He is a late bloomer, however this change of scenery is coupling his natural abilities with a work ethic. When his motor is running hot, it is hard not to fall in love with the way he plays.