Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Callum Richard
Class: 2023
Committed to: East Tennessee State
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
'The tools were always evident, even as a young middle-school prospect, and he's worked tirelessly to improve since then. Richard has only continued to hone his foundation as a long, wiry big man who clearly knows how to make his post presence felt from the low block. His body should only continue to add strength over the coming years, but his touch, feel, and steady interior presence already allow him to make a lasting impression. Richard prefers to set up in the post, but can operate from the elbows or space the floor if necessary. He rebounds and blocks shots well, and runs the floor hard in transition.'
'After years of steady development, Richard has really blossomed into a quality two-way big man with length, touch, and timing. He's a wiry and fundamental with the ability to finish above the rim or out of the post. Richard finishes well over either shoulder, can kick out to open teammates, and rebounds the ball effectively on either end of the floor. He runs well in transition and does a great job of capitalizing on his chances within the flow of the action.'
'If it's been said once, it's been said a million times: big men always take longer to fully develop into a finished product. Although he's certainly not the only recent example, Richard has progressed an unbelievable amount over the last calendar year. The size and general understanding has been evident since his middle-school days, but the improved strength, toughness, and sheer consistency only heightens his appeal to college coaches. Richard is a reliable post scorer with patience, footwork, and soft touch over either shoulder. He utilizes his length well to protect the rim and secure rebounds on both ends of the floor. Expect Richard to keep trending upward.'
'2023 6'10 Callum Richard, as the big man continues to get better every time we see him in action. Richard has gotten stronger, put on some muscle, and continues to show his ability to be a true low-post player in the paint, sealing off his defender, finishing well around the basket and at the rim. Double-double type player that just continues to get better.'
'He's a long, wiry, fundamentally sound post prospect with a high motor, unselfish approach, and clear desire to make hustle plays. Richard takes advantage of his scoring opportunities out of the post, able to consistently finish or kick-out to an open teammate. He's a quality rebounder and shot-altering presence despite his lack of physical strength, and runs the floor very well in transition. Coach Bates on Richard: 'Callum is a good kid with very good length. He's coachable and plays with a high motor. Finishes well, just needs confidence to truly dominate. Callum had a good showing at camp, and was a bright spot for us today. He could protect the rim better, and needs to challenge shots vertically/use his length more.'
