Rick Lewis and Patrick O'Brien hit the road to get a glimpse of one, if not the, best matchup around the state of North Carolina to start the season for public schools. Independence traveled to North Meck for a HIGHLY anticipated matchup around the Charlotte area.
North Meck was able to secure the victory in the end but there were a ton of takeaways from the game. One of those was the play of senior and underrated 6'6 De'Drick Givens.
This is a young man that has put in the work and should have the attention of Division II and III schools with what he can provide on the court. He plays as a big for Independence but he impacts the game in an array of ways with his ability to step out to the perimeter, handle the ball, and produce in the paint.
Givens provides leadership and toughness immediately, as he finished through contact against bigger defenders, ran the floor incredibly well, and his ability to pull out defenders and put the ball on the deck or knockdown jumpers is highly intriguing.
'I am a very vocal player that loves to talk on defense,' he said. 'I play hard on both ends of the floor. I play the game the right way, very unselfish, meaning I don't just look for my own shot but want to make the right play.”
Right now though, his recruitment has been a little quiet but if he continues to showcase just what he can do on the court as he did against North Meck, schools should take notice of this unsigned senior at Independence.
Phenom Hoops Rick Lewis:
'Givens is a tough as nails blue-collar type player that will give you maximum effort and energy on each and every play. He impressed us with his hustle and grittiness and was relentless crashing the boards as well as chasing down loose balls. One thing is crystal clear, with Givens, you don't and won't have to teach effort.'