pic via Indiana Elite North Twitter
On Monday, 6’9″ 2020 Charlie Peterson of North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. The high academic Peterson chose Army over a final grouping that also included Air Force and Indianapolis University. Last season for North Central, Peterson averaged 11 Points on 51% shooting from the field. The big added 6.5 Rebounds and 1.5 Blocks per game.
What Peterson is Today
Peterson stands a sturdy 6’9″, with long arms and a great work ethic. He can act as a rugged rebounder, but also able to knock down the catch and shoot, pick and pop 3-ball or finish with touch around the basket. Peterson is a bouncy athlete, much more so than you would initially think, and he is continually getting better. This should be a player who comes into the Patriot League, and carves out a role quickly, only to have a very good career there.
What Peterson Said
What sold you about going to Army'
“What really sold me was two things. 1.) The opportunity West Point gives you on and off the court. They give you the opportunity to play mid major basketball and compete at a great level. Also, West Point will set you up with countless opportunities in corporate America as well as in service. 2.) Meeting the team and getting the chance to bond with them made me realize they are all just like me. I was told the ball stops bouncing for everyone some day and West Point provides me with countless phenomenal opportunities off the court. Being a part of something bigger than myself and having the chance to make the dance (NCAA tourney) for the first time is truly something special.”
edit via Charlie Peterson Twitter
Stylistically, how do they match what you do'
They play fast. For my size I've been told I run the floor well and I play fast. Also, They plan to make me into a stretch four/three which I think is the position I'll be able to play my best basketball at.
Did the military aspect play a part in your decision'
Military aspect definitely did play a factor which really made me know everything I’m getting into. At the end of the day, I'm going to give it everything I have to make it to the NBA (which allows me to put off service until after I retire) but if it doesn't work out having a degree from West Point will set me up for the rest of my life. Serving my country would be an absolute honor, It's given me freedom for my whole life. I've never been opposed nor afraid to serving and having my father and both grandfathers serve only makes serving more of an honor!
What We’ve Said
Peterson is a player where you know what you’re getting from him. He can do a lot of things as a big, but he also works very hard and enjoys the dirty work. After watching him as a rising junior at our Indiana Top 80 event, Jamie Shaw wrote, “First off, Peterson walks into camp with a 4.7 GPA. A very high academic prospect. He has a basketball look about him, with long arms and a sturdy frame. On the floor he is very bouncy with a great skill set. He shoots the ball with touch and range, off movement or in pick and pop situations. While he still needs strength, he showed the ability and footwork on the block. Peterson is a strong rebounder and a vocal, very competitive, player. Very soon his interest should start turning into offers. A lot to like here, and someone who could take a drastic jump over the next year.”
After viewing him in that same Indiana Top 80 event, college coach Matt Qualters stated, “Many considered Peterson one of the breakout performers of the camp. His high basketball IQ paired with his effort made him one to watch throughout the course of the day. He has the size and the ability to stretch the floor. His shot making ability makes him a tough guard, as he is a match-up nightmare for individuals of similar size. His ability to rebound the ball provided extra opportunities for his team while limiting the opportunities of opponents. His quickness and movement without the ball helps provide him with open looks from a plethora of locations on the court. Defensively, his on and off-ball defense is excellent, forcing opponents to finish through and over his size and length. Peterson will continue to make big leaps over his final two seasons and will definitely be one to keep an eye on as his stock continues going up.”