Oregon guard has smooth game
Given that they are just finishing their sophomore year of high school, the class of 2016 is still molding into shape. Based on the early returns, though, four-star Payton Pritchard figures to stay near the top of the heap.
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Already a two-time state champion at West Linn (Ore.) High, Pritchard is a 6-foot-1 point guard who currently ranks No. 46 nationally in the sophomore class. The floor general is a leader who is driven to prove that he can play at the highest level.
"I think leading the team and getting wins is my strength," Pritchard told Rivals.com. "I'll do whatever my team needs. If they need me to pass the ball I will do that and if they need me to score I can do that.
"I just want to be known as one of the best point guards in the country so every time I step on the floor I try to prove something to people who haven't ever seen me before."
One of the most sound point guards in the class of 2016, Pritchard doesn't have many holes in his game. He can shoot with range, he can create for others off the dribble and he is a pretty pesky defender. That's not enough for him.
"I can spread the floor out and I can drive and dish or finish with the outside jump shot," said Pritchard. "I'm working on floaters and next-level in-between game. I've gotten a little more mature and stronger. I don't do a lot of upper body stuff yet, but I've worked hard on my legs for athleticism."
Even though he has only completed half of his high school career, Pritchard has already scored offers from Oregon, Oregon State (from recently fired Craig Robinson), Wisconsin. Washington and Oklahoma (where his father Terry played football). Others showing strong interest include Villanova, Notre Dame, UCLA, Gonzaga, Iowa and Stanford.
"I think I'll look for an offense where they spread the floor and push the ball," said Pritchard about what he'll look for in a college. "I love to run and get it and go. But, I also would like a team that mixes it up. I don't really want a lot of sets but some pick and roll, I'm comfortable there."
For now, Pritchard doesn't feel any rush to make a decision. But, he's not likely to be a guy who drags things out until the spring of his senior season either.
"I think I would like to decide my junior year after my season," said Pritchard. "Or maybe even somewhere in between now and then so that I can have it out of the way and be able to focus."
Eric Bossi is the national basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
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