The Hoop State League has brought us all a great chance to preview teams and see what these high schools' teams will be working with this season. One team that I was personally intrigued in watching was West Charlotte, as they have a few known names that will be taking the court.
Getting another glimpse of them in action, gave us just yet another chance to watch 2023 6'9 Donovan Raymond. We have watched this young man in action several times and it is clear, the time is now for this big man. From watching last year at West Charlotte to where he is today, he has made terrific strides in his game but far from the finished product.
This past weekend, this is what we had to say:
'Raymond had a really strong showing in Week 3 of the Hoop State League, one of his best and most consistent performances. He showed you a glimpse of why so many schools should be looking his way and he continues to develop and show what the end product could be. You just don't see too many bigs with his mobility, ability to defend out on the perimeter, and bring such a strong presence down low on both ends.'
Raymond brings a unique feel for the game and in just a year's time, he has really expanded and worked on his game which is why more schools should be looking his way… the potential is there. For someone at 6'9, he moves incredibly well on both sides of the floor, running from rim to rim, showing a better understanding of the game (and it is coming easier for him), a fluid defender that is capable of stepping out, and he is continuing to show improvement in his offensive game/touch.
The class of 2023 in North Carolina is loaded and has some incredible talent but it may be time to start looking at Raymond in that area as well. He is coming off a shortened sophomore season in which he averaged 8.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game but showed in Week 3, where he averaged 16.5 points per game, that those numbers could increase for a big junior season.
The time is now for Raymond and for college coaches to recognize.
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Long, fluid, and potential: 2023 6'9 Donovan Raymond (West Charlotte)
