Milton III gets it

Greg Milton III possesses an admirable set of elements that will serve him well in his journey through basketball world: an understanding of what he needs to do to continue progressing blended with the willingness to take that action as well as the level of confidence and understanding necessary to counter individual and team obstacles.

A 6-foot-2, 2018 prospect attending Cosumnes Oaks High as well as repping the Nor Cal Renegades travel team earlier this summer, Milton III offered "being able to create, playmaking, vision and shooting" as his current top skills. But he also added, "being a leader, a vocal leader, and always wanting to make my teammates better" to his list of strengths.

At this month's 2016 Nor Cal Summer Tipoff , he was described as a "competitive guard who plays hard, a physical driver, always on the attack, ok (set) shooter with 3 range, really good defender with quick feet."

His father, Greg Milton II, offered this about the foundation of his son's game. "Greg has a wonderful basketball IQ. I play the Magic Johnson old school highlights for him so he understands the excitement and how the energy rises on the court because of helping teammates score. He could go off and score 35, 40 points a game by himself but he recognizes how important unselfishness is. 

Just finished with his second year of high school. Milton III noted, "my freshman year, I was more of a creator, not a scorer so I worked on that." He also believes he has progressed with "my basketball smarts, vision and passing ability. I'm working on gaining greater awareness and becoming a defensive anchor for my team."

For some, it's a bifurcated sense of duties, a split between high school play versus travel team ball, Milton III included. "With the Renegades, we have a big man so I can focus on running the show but I do more of everything with Cosumnes Oaks."

He strongly endorses his father when asked about major basketball influences in his life. "It's always been my Dad from day one. He played at Burbank High and he pushes me hard and encourages me, making me stronger."

Citing one of his best basketball memories, Milton III said, "it was when I was 10 years old. We were in a league as the fourth seed in the playoffs but people were sleeping on us. We beat one team ahead of us and then went on to beat the undefeated team."  

Although still relatively young, Milton III is looking to major in business management during college. "I really want to play basketball first but you need to have a backup plan. My aunt worked [in management] for Macy's and my grandmother was in realty."

Cosumnes Oaks finished last season with an overall 10-15 record, 6-8 in the Capital Valley Conference. "Next year, we'll hopefully finish a lot better. We have the talent but need to get everyone, coaches and players, on the same page." Call him a straight-shooting, truth teller also.