By Jamie Shaw
Demonte Buckingham
6’3/200/Guard
Henrico High School (Richmond, Va)
Team Takeover
Introduction
Demonte Buckingham burst onto the scene last high school year as he lead his Henrico team to the 5A Virginia state finals. The previous year Buckingham played as the fifth starter, for Henrico. This Henrico team won the state championship game and then graduated the other four starters.
There was no doubt that Buckingham thrived in the role of being “the man”. He took the role to average 19.5 points 11 boards 2 steals and 1 block per game. While running most of the offense through Buckingham, Henrico went on to a 22-7 record and a great run through the state play offs.
Buckingham is an attendee of the NC Phenom Exposure camps, this past summer Buckingham moved over to the Nike sponsored Team Takeover program. He previously played with Team Richmond.
Positives
Buckingham has a high level of straight line explosion to his game, it is almost surprising. Buckingham is not only able to finish high above the rim, but he also uses his thick frame to absorb contact when attacking the paint. On the ball, Buckingham has a good handle, and excellent vision. He is able to see the floor, using his size.
Buckingham is naturally thick bodied, he has good size and long arms. He has a unique ability to both play on and off the ball, and provides and nice asset in the half court. Defensively Buckingham uses his long arms and great anticipation to really get into the passing lanes.
Needs Improvement
While he can be considered a shot maker, Buckingham needs to continue to improve the range on his jump shot. He gets to the free throw line often, and has a good looking stroke.
With as much as he plays on the ball, with Henrico, Buckingham needs to continue to tighten his handle and decision making in full court situations.
Moving Forward
There is no denying that Buckingham is a high level talent. Most importantly, he has demonstrated the fact that he is a winner, at every level. There is some unique ability to his game which really intrigues the eye.
Skill wise Buckingham does a lot well, but don’t let him fall into the “he does a lot well nothing great category”. He has elite level composure to compliment his high level court vision and straight line explosion. It will be interesting to see him step into another year of being “the man”.
2013 NC Fall Phenom Camp Evaluation
http://phenomhoopreport.com/nc-phenom-session-2-player-evaluations-team-12/
The post Player Evaluation: 6’3 2016 Demonte Buckingham appeared first on Phenom Hoop Report.