We recently wrote about Hickory Grove’s dominating guard AJ Smith but he isn’t the only prospect to have eyes on him, as 2021 6’9 Jacori Owens is making a name for himself as well.
Owens is a very intriguing yet still developing prospect. After a sophomore campaign in which he averaged 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds, the rising junior has been putting in the work this summer on developing his game and playing at an elite level with Team Charlotte 17u.
Already holding one offer, could Owens be yet another NC native that will blow up this summer and next year' See what he to say about what he has been working on and his thoughts on his recruitment so far.
It has been an exciting summer so far for you but what has it been like playing for Team Charlotte and the coaches'
Playing for Team Charlotte these past two years has been an amazing experience because throughout the program, there’s a sense of family all the way down from the younger kids to 17u. This was especially shown during the Phenom Hoops JMAC Showcase because it was the first time in a while this summer with all of our teams in the same place, which gave us the ability to support each other. For example, when our 15U team was playing Team United, our 16u and 17u teams were all there cheering for them.
What has been your focus with your game and how have the coaches been looking to work on your game at a high level'
In my own game, my coaches and I have been working on ball handling and scoring on offense. On the defensive end, I’ve been working on taking charges and applying more ball pressure.
How has it been to be competing at the highest of level and what has it shown you so far'
It’s been an amazing experience playing 17U for the past 2 years. Playing on this level has shown me the difference in intensity on every possession. Now, I feel that I can translate to the next level. Also, having a coach like Jeff that demands a lot of you and expects you to give your best every possession and doesn’t allow you to get away with any mistakes has been great for my development as a player.
How would you best describe your game on the courts'
I would describe my game on the defensive end as a versatile defender that communicates well and has very good instincts while on the offensive side, a good finisher around the basket and a mid-range shooter.
As far as recruitment, how has that been going for you overall'
Recruitment has been going well. It has picked up a lot especially since I’ve been playing 17u and I also cannot wait till June 15th. I’ll get a much better idea of what schools are recruiting me and which ones are not especially with the coaching changes this summer.
What have coaches been saying that they like about your game'
Coaches have been saying that they like my ability to switch onto multiple positions and block shots on the defensive end. Then on the offensive side, they like my ability to finish around the basket.
What interests and offers do you hold right now' And with the offers, what are your thoughts about each program (what stands out to you now)'
I have one offer from Charlotte. What stood out to me about the program was how detailed coach Sanchez’s practice was. They had a very family-oriented culture where you saw players and coaches really acting like a family and really caring for each other on a level that is past basketball and carries over in their everyday lives.
Do you have any future plans on visits, unofficials, team camps, etc'
I currently don’t have any visits or team camps scheduled but that probably will change after I get a chance to be more in contact with the coaches that are recruiting me and schedule things of that nature.