It is crazy to think' Phenom Hoops told you about a young prospect to watch nearly three years ago in 2023 Elijah Strong (Link) and now Strong is one of the premier prospects in the state for his class.' He has only continued to rise up the rankings and develop his game, now being one of the clear leaders at Myers Park.

The forward is coming off a special high school season, averaging 17 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, helping the Mustangs deep into the playoffs.  And now, he is looking to make his mark again with Team Curry this summer.

We speak with Strong about all the latest, reflecting on his past high school season, his excitement about getting another title this summer, and what has been going on with his recruitment.


Phenom: Overall, how did this past season at Myers Park go in your eyes' What do you think you were able to show more with your game'
Strong: This past year was great in my eyes; it was just how well everyone got along off the court that really made us excel on the court.

Phenom: We have seen the development in your game but from the start of the season until now, what areas have you really been looking to work on and develop more'
Strong: My ability to create in the face-up post, I have established that I will be an undersized 5 but mostly a 4, and in order to maximize my potential my decision making in that area would help me separate.

Phenom: You really had to step up as a leader for your team this past high school season. What was your mindset in stepping up and what is your excitement about the future for you and your school'
Strong: Being a leader requires so much more than just using your loud voice; I had to learn how to have genuine conversations with the guys on and off the court, but I'm excited to see what this future brings' coming back with 8 guys that were in the rotation after making an Elite 8 appearance.

Phenom: For people that haven't seen your game, how would you best describe your game and how you like to operate'
Strong: A versatile forward, a guy who can do it all.

Phenom: What is your excitement about playing again with Team Curry this year' What are some of your personal goals and team goals for the summer'
Strong: I'm excited, we have a really good team. My personal goal is to simply get better' that's all I ask for and I need to change my approach to the game a bit' but my team goal is to run it back and win another national title.

Phenom: Recruitment has picked up for you. Your latest offer came from Appalachian State. What did that program have to say when they offered and what kind of relationship have you built with them early on'
Strong: App State is a program I have been talking to for a while now, it was as simple as they told me they liked me as a person and a player.

Phenom: You also hold offers from schools like Wofford, High Point, and Radford. How consistent have they been with you and who has been standing out strong'' Also, does anything stand out about each of those'
Strong: All schools have been in touch with me.

Phenom: We constantly see that other schools are showing interest your way.  Who has been showing strong interest towards you and what have they been saying'
Strong: Providence, ETSU, Indiana State, and Furman are my most recent interest, they've all been saying they are watching and they just want me to improve and tighten up some things that's pretty much it.

Phenom: Have you been able to make any visits or have any upcoming visits' If so, where did you visit and what did you like, and for future visits, do you have any specific dates and places'
Strong: I have not planned any visits yet. Kind of want to wait that out for another month until some time free's up on my end.