Profile Of Trent Strickland

Trent Strickland has been a valuable player early on this season for Mike Preston's Hargrave Military Academy program.

The 6-4, 198 pound small forward from Hendersonville, N.C., is bound for Wake Forest next fall.

And although he might not be the perimeter sniper that teammate Stanley Asumnu is, Preston says that Strickland does a lot of the little things that help programs win ball games.

In a recent 105-100 victory over Celestial Prep of Philadelphia, Strickland scored 14 points.

Thanks to his strong frame, Strickland likes to post up other guards and forwards. He can score effectively with his back to the basket and scrap around the rim for loose change.

However, if Strickland is going to make the transition to the wing at the ACC level, he will need to significantly upgrade his handle and three point shot (low release point). His lateral quickness appeared to be just average, so it's also not a certainty that he will be able to defend quicker perimeter players at the high major level.

On the plus side, he is a physical defender who is willing to give up his body and draw the charge. He is also unselfish and willing to share the basketball with teammates. Right now, his short-midrange perimeter game is stronger than his long distance shooting ability.

According to Coach Preston, Strickland is still working on getting a qualifying test score this fall. Rivalshoops.com will keep you abreast of any changes in Strickland's academic status this winter, so stay tuned to this site as the basketball season kicks into high gear.