That's because if a certain level of talent isn't blessed with the body of Superman as well as his ability to run and take to the air, the question remains just what can be done to flag interest from college coaches?
There are multiple paths to tread and each requires a level of hard work, dedication and exposure so let's find out from senior Andy Enriquez of Woodland Christian High in particular. Let's learn just what he has done to create the best odds of playing college hoops, at any level, on scholarship or as a walk-on.
Certainly not anywhere near the biggest or strongest at 5-foot-10 and 145 pounds, Enriquez is averaging 14.8 points and 5.0 rebounds thus far this season and is sneakily effective on the offensive boards.
"I started [playing basketball] at an early age, also soccer and baseball," Enriquez recalled. "But I had some talent so I started taking it seriously in middle school."
In fact, he cites his very first coach as one of his hoops influences. "My grammar school coach is the one who introduced me to basketball as a kid." He also offers thanks to "my parents for their time and investment" as so many mothers and fathers quickly learn that ferrying around sons and daughters to practices and events is consuming and that involvement in high school and travel team sports doesn't come cheap.
Enriquez sees his best skills as "My basketball IQ and ballhandling, knowing when to take over, when to facilitate."
Aiding that collection of knowledge is his making an effort to watch games, especially college basketball. "It helps me pick up things. Like our team is struggling right now attacking a 2-3 zone. So I look for stuff like that."
He has also assumed a leadership role. "I now know how to keep myself calm and, with my teammates, I'll use positive affirmations but also let them know what to do differently if something isn't working."
There are no concerns with academics and Enriquez is looking to major in kinesiology in order to become a physical therapist. This will facilitate the options of being a trainer or a basketball coach.
An element of realism is always present in his consciousness. "My goal is to play small college ball at the DII level, to go wherever I can get playing time. I know I may need to play junior college ball for two years and possibly even be a walk-on.
Regarding the latter, within his geographical area sits a bevy of options with Sacramento City, American River, Cosumnes River, Sierra, Delta as next step community college possibilities.
His prep history is indeed interesting. "I transferred a week after being cut as a sophomore at Jesuit High and I sat out a month at Woodland Christian before I could play. Woodland had a lot of seniors then but the coach saw me play and thought I would be good as a next up player."
Enriquez's regimen last summer was to wake up at 7:30 a.m. and be at gym by 8:00. The initial work was 90 minutes of mostly ballhandling followed by shooting off the dribble and off the catch and then more reps at a higher intensity. He also played pickup with older guys alongside conditioning drills and weightlifting. 2:00 p.m. was his departure time.
Someone who hasn't taken anything for granted, he calls "playing high school basketball" itself as one of his best moments with the game. "It's a blessing and I give all the glory to God."
Asked to differentiate the major differences between his freshman year and now, he said, "it's "confidence due to all the hard work I've put in plus being mentally stronger and knowing your role. Experience is huge."
Regarding this spring and summer, "my plan is to play on a travel team, play in some events and work on my game and body."
Get better, get bigger and get noticed. The latter would indeed be another blessing.
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