Storyline: Markelle Fultz lifted himself up from basketball obscurity to high school phenom the old fashioned way–HARD WORK!
This article is a passion project for me. See, I’m one of the few columnists who actually believe the “One and Done” rule needs revamping.
Too many underdeveloped, immature players have been flooding the NBA recently. It’s like EVERYONE is turning the other cheek when it comes to evaluating young college talent.
They’ll talk about how his jump shot is suspect, he doesn’t play defense, he’s not quick enough, or strong enough, etc. Well, how is an NBA franchise supposed to reverse its fortunes if the player they draft isn’t ready to make an impact … for at least four years?
Courtesy: MySportsFantasyTalk
But now comes the exception to the rule: University of Washington’s Markelle Fultz. Fultz is just a Freshman, but there’s a twist to his story. He wasn’t hyped-up because of potential. He’s hyped-up because of talent.
Sure, he was a McDonald’s All-American. Sure, he had a pile of offers from the top programs, like Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, North Carolina, and Maryland. And, sure, he has been told he’s the best thing since sliced bread.
The praise goes on and on for Fultz and, truth be told, it’s all well-deserved. Markelle stands out from the pack and is carving out his own niche.
But there’s another twist to this story.
There weren’t pre-season lists with his name littered all over them. There weren’t whispers of instant NBA fame attached to his name. There weren’t shady agents offering his mom, Ebony Fultz, gifts in exchange for her son’s services.
Courtesy: Rush the Court
Markelle Fultz lifted himself up from basketball obscurity to high school phenom the old fashioned way–HARD WORK!
He rose through the ranks at Dematha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. He played on the freshman team where he earned M.V.P. honors. He then starred on the JV team his sophomore year before making the leap to the varsity.
Basketball trainer, Keith Williams, helped Markelle hone the skills that eventually helped him become a McDonald’s All-American. This kid can shoot the ball from range, has exceptional court vision, possesses superior athleticism, and is versatile enough to play both guard positions. His body (195 lbs.) is NBA-ready. The only thing coaches at the next level have to do is get Fultz to be more selfish.
I believe not being handed anything–and working hard at every stage of his development–made Markelle Fultz the exception to the rule. He started from the bottom, Now he’s on top.
Great read short and sweet keep up the good work