Rebuilding Around Leadership and Shooting

 

Communication is one of the main things that Coach Will Roberson emphasizes throughout each drill. Everybody talks, everybody participates, and everyone is expected to maintain a certain level of fundamental sharpness. This current roster will carry many of the same values that The Burlington School has consistently held throughout Coach Roberson's tenure, despite a somewhat different mix of talent compared to years' past. They are going to score a lot of points, in large part because they have shooting, a pair of hyperactive guards, and the ability to push the pace whenever they desire. Like last year, Ja'Dun Michael is expected to lead by example and appears ready to start taking over as a two-way alpha dog. The process will be gradual, but it's likely to begin shaping up this season.

 

6'2 '20 Ja'lil Michael

The biggest takeaway this morning was Michael and his overall emergence as a dynamic all-around threat. He's shooting the ball with supreme confidence right now and knocking down shots at an incredibly efficient clip. Michael has a strong, athletic frame and can effectively toggle between either guard position, given his shooting and ability to defend. He's vocal and takes genuine pride in defending, able to frequently make his assignment uncomfortable while removing all possible space to operate. Michael possesses nice IQ, quickness, and awareness on both sides of the ball. Folks should expect to see him in an expanded role this season, and he should begin getting looks as a scholarship-level player.

 

6'2 '19 Heath Gulledge

You won't find many players that understand their role and skillset better than Gulledge, who has been shooting the ball incredibly well over the last few years. Today was no different. He knows how to get to his spots and score from all levels, especially from beyond the arc. Gulledge has a quality feel for the game, able to really punish opponents with his ability to move without the ball, quickly set up, and hit jumpers, regardless of defensive pressure. He has great positioning on defense and has continued to make strides on that end of the floor. Gulledge should be prioritized this upcoming season by D2/D3 programs, as he embodies the phrase 'knockdown shooter.'

 

6'0 '19 Michael Wade

Many of the prospects on this team have clearly defined roles on a night-to-night basis, but Wade could arguably be their x-factor on any given night. He's a sharp, quick point guard that effortlessly gets by opponents and touches the paint. His three-point stroke has continually improved over the last year or so, while his ability to penetrate and finish has always been prominent. Wade creates well for himself and others; he has the ability to initiate the offense, relocate, and easily score on a cutting opportunity. He also provides a tricky mix of in-between shots, with runners and floaters, whenever necessary. Wade should also be getting looked at as a scholarship-level prospect, as he could definitely help a college program next season.

 

6'6 '21 Ja'Dun Michael

The youngest player on this team is Michael and, as mentioned above, this is the year that he needs to take over and let his alpha mentality shine through. He is equipped with all the tools to be a star, especially given his blend of size, strength, and two-way polish. His offensive approach to the game is unselfish, but he possesses the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Today, Michael shot the ball pretty well from beyond the arc and continues to become a more consistent threat from there. He's virtually unstoppable inside the arc, especially given his ability to score with his back to the basket or when facing-up. Michael plays with a strong IQ and understands how to play the correct way on both sides of the ball. Last year, Michael was great, but he has the ability to outperform expectations this season. His fluid two-way versatility allows him to truly play three positions at the high school level, and that'll be a big part of The Burlington School's success throughout this upcoming year. UNC-Greensboro was in to see Michael today.

 

6'9 '20 Mylyjael Poteat

Their lone big man is sidelined with a recovering knee injury from earlier in the year. He is expected to return sometime in the latter part of October and should be extremely valuable on this squad. He's big, strong, and will likely be their leading rebounder, especially once he returns to full health. Poteat will be another D1 prospect to monitor over the course of this season.