A fast-rising prospect in the state of North Carolina has been 2023 Collin Tanner and deservingly so, as he stepped up in a big way this past high school season for Wayne Country Day and is helping lead the charge for Team Curry this summer. We recently wrote about Tanner as a player that deserves more attention from college coaches, having this to say:
“It should be no surprise to see Collin Tanner on another edition of 'why doesn't he have more offers'' At the absolute least, he's a 6-foot-6 knockdown shooter with size, range, and fluidity. That being said, Tanner is way more than just a shooter. He's proven capable of legitimately leading a team, propelling Wayne Country Day to a 25-8 record while posting nightly averages of 21.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 1.3 SPG with ridiculously impressive 65/43/74 shooting splits. The transition into travel ball has been seamless. While Team Curry is very balanced, Tanner has more than maintained his status as a leader and overall difference-maker. He's also a quality rebounder, useful defender, and capable shot-creator for himself and others.”
We also recently spoke with Tanner about the latest his way, including a look back at this season, his focus and drive this summer, and what has been going on in his recruitment. See what he had to say.
Phenom: How has everything been going as far as basketball these days'
Tanner: Basketball has been going well, just been focusing on getting better and better each day.
Phenom: Rolling back to your high school season, what was your mindset coming into the season knowing you had to elevate your game'
Tanner: I'm not sure if you mean for a high school season or for AAU but my mindset going into school was proving that I could lead a team to success and be 'the guy' on my own team. My mindset for coming into AAU was to show that I could play at a high level.
Phenom: You certainly showed more about your game, really filling it up. What do you think you were able to show more in what you can do on the court and how you developed as a player'
Tanner: During school ball, people kind of looked at me as a big fish in a small pond and I just wanted to show that I can compete and play at the highest level.
Phenom: What are some areas you are hoping to improve in more this offseason'
Tanner: This AAU season my coaches at Team Curry really challenged me to be a high-level defender so I would say that my biggest growth this year isn't even on the offensive end but showing people and coaches that I can guard at a high level.
Phenom: What is your excitement playing with Team Curry and how do you think it can help you as a player, playing with those guys'
Tanner: Team Curry is a very talented team and I think I've grown the most from our practices, which are very intense. Every time we practice, we compete and push each other to be better.
Phenom: Heading more into your recruitment, you just earned an offer from Brown, a very good school. What did they have to say when they offered and what they liked about your game' What all do you know about the program and what stands out early on with them'
Tanner: Brown is different from every other school that has been recruiting me so far. They were more interested in Collin Tanner as a person and less it has a basketball player.
Phenom: You also added offers from Coastal Carolina, High Point, and Campbell last summer. How often have you been in contact with them and what kind of relationship have you built with them'
Tanner: I have good relationships with Coastal Carolina, Campbell, and High Point. I talk to coaches from all three schools frequently and they often check in just to see how I'm doing.
Phenom: What other schools have shown interest your way but have yet to offer' Any schools stand out from those interest in your eyes'
Tanner: I've heard a little bit from Wake Forest and Virginia Tech, but I talk a lot with UNC Greensboro and UNC Asheville. Recently I've spoken with Columbia, another very impressive Ivy League.
