Academics and ball important to Hollins
The city of Memphis is producing quality basketball players at a high level right now. One of the best is Andre Hollins of White Station (Tenn) High School. The versatile Hollins not only is getting it done on the basketball floor, but in the classroom as well.
At the AAU Super Showcase in July, Hollins really opened up eyes with his play. He continued that strong effort through the high school season, and had a very solid junior season.
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"We made it to the state tournament for a third time in a row," said Hollins of his junior year. "That is a great accomplishment for my team and myself. I had a few games during the season where I struggled, but for the most part I had a good year."
Always known as an explosive scorer, the 6-foot-3 and 200 pound Hollins set out to prove that he can do more than that. For Hollins that meant getting after the glass and being a good rebounder from his shooting guard position.
"I rebounded very well," Hollins explained. "I had about six or seven rebounds per game, and averaged about 16 points. I just think I really improved rebounding the ball."
When it comes to recruiting, Hollins is hearing from a mix of highly thought of basketball schools and academic schools.
"It is going well," said Hollins of his recruitment. "I am hearing from Ole Miss, Arkansas, Stanford, Harvard, Oklahoma has called, Vanderbilt, and Memphis are the main schools."
Coming from a family the really values education, Hollins says that the attention from schools that are known for their academics is a great honor.
"It is a good feeling to know I can get a great education, and at the same time play basketball," explained Hollins. "It is a great opportunity for me."
Also impressive for Hollins is that schools close to home such as Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Memphis are showing him so much attention.
"It gives me options if I want to stay close to home," said Hollins. "I am not close to a decision yet, but I just feel honored that the schools near my hometown want me so bad."
For the number No. 72 player in the class overall and the No. 17 shooting guard things remain wide open with his recruitment, but he does know what he will be looking for in a school when the time comes.
"First of all I am looking for a great education," Hollins said. "Also I want to have a good relationship with the coach. I wanted to feel like I am at home at a school. Also I want to go to a great basketball program, and just feel like I am making the right choice."