By JACK LeGWIN
Special to ZAGSBLOG
SUWANEE, Ga. — Asante Gist is ready to show that he has become one of the best floor generals in the country.
Listed at 5-foot-11, Gist impressed all weekend long at the Norman Parker Nike Memorial Classic, averaging 18 points and 9 assists per game for a BBA 17U team that went 3-1 before having to leave early due to a travel issue.
“Summer’s going good so far,” Gist told SNY.tv after a win over Grassroots Elite. “I’m still working on my jump shot, still making everybody on my team better, and maturing more as a point guard.”
Gist has fielded offers from Rutgers, Seton Hall, UPenn, South Florida and Fordham, and lists interest from Arizona, Louisville, Florida, UConn and N.C. State.
“Rutgers and Seton Hall have been there from the start,” Gist said.
The rising junior from Roselle Catholic (N.J.), heads the backcourt with Isaiah Briscoe, and averaged 13.4 points per game as a sophomore for the Lions, leading them to a 21-10 record. That included wins over Miller Grove (Ga.) and St. Anthony (N.J.).
Gist feels like RC has more to accomplish down the road. With everyone coming back, they will be among the favorites to win the New Jersey Tournament of Champions title.
“It’s going to be a sight to see,” Gist said. “We feel like we underachieved this past year. We were a Top 10 team in the country for a little bit last year, so we’ve got everyone coming back. We’re going to come back next year with the mindset that we want to win a national championship.”
A tough guard who can affect the game in multiple ways with his ability to shoot the ball, and lead a team, Gist says that playing in the New York/New Jersey area has made him tougher, and has helped to shape the player that he is today.
“Everyone in that area is tough and gritty,” Gist said. “Everyone is scrappy and tough because everyone is trying to get theirs. It makes you learn to work hard. I mean, city guard is a stereotype, but I think it’s a good thing.”
Photo: Scout Hoops
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