Nate Britt is getting it done

Robert Stephens, Special To i 95Ballerz.com

High school junior has had impressive year.

September 18, 2011 - The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, better known as the DMV has been a hotbed of basketball for college caliber players. Tre Kelly - Dunbar (South Carolina), Ty Lawson - Oak Hill Va. (UNC), Adrian Bowie - Montrose Christian (Md.), Nolan Smith - Oak Hill Va. (Duke), Quinn Cook- Oak Hill Va. (Duke), Chris Wright - St. John’s D.C. (Georgetown), Kendall Marshall - Bishop O'Connell (North Carolina), Tyrone Johnson - Montrose Christian (Villanova) are just a few of the guards that have been recruited. Let it be noted that Lawson attended McNamara, Smith went to Riverdale Baptist, and Cook was enrolled at DeMatha before their transfers to Oak Hill.

When I entered the gym at Gonzaga Collegiate High School and the offices of head coach Steve Turner for my interview I encountered Kris Jenkins a 6’5 starting forward for the Eagles. He just come from study hall and was getting instructions from (assistant) Coach Jenkins. Nate Britt was sitting on the coach doing an interview with ESPN Rise magazine. In the next ten minutes while I waited the coach served as mentor as well as educator to the student athletes that walked thru the door.

Gonzaga’s record since Britt arrived at the northwest school two years ago is 53-14. Last year Britt received First team All-Met honors from the Washington Post as a sophomore as he led the Eagles to a 26-8 record and a berth in the WCAC championship game.

Britt lets a jumper go in the Boost Mobile 24 Elite game.

I had a chance to talk with Nate about this years summer season and this years WCAC season.

First of all you have a very special relationship with your father Nate Sr. Can you describe that relationship?

“ My father has been my biggest influence in my life.” We have been through everything.” “When I was young he would work with me on my basketball skills.” “ I would not be in this position if not for him.”

When did you first realize you were a point guard and good
play at a high level?

“When I was in middle school (Mater Dei) my coaches and
my father worked with me on my skills.”

This summer Britt received the Weekend Warrior award at the NBA top 100 CAMP at UVA. Britt averaged 16.3pts. per game and was considered the top point guard in camp. Britt who plays wth DC Assault AAU during the summer participated in the Adidas upper 64 in Las Vegas, the NY2LA summer jam in Milwaukee, the Desert Dual in Gilbert, Ar., Labron James Skill Camp at Akron, Ohio, the Pitt Jam Fest,Pa., the Adidas Invitational at Indianapolis to name a few. Britt capped off his summer being selected to play in the Boost Mobile 24 Elite which was held at Venice Beach.

During the summer do you approach these games any different from scholastic ball during the winter?

“No my game pretty much stays the same.” I know what I can do and what I can’t do.” I don’t try to do too much.” I want to distribute the ball.”

What do want to work on right now while preparing for
the upcoming season ?

“My shooting from the three point line.” I have been working
with coach JT all summer and he’s helped me with improving my stroke.”

What’s the goal for this upcoming year with the Eagles ?

“The goal is to win the WCAC championship.” I want to
lead Gonzaga to the title.”

Some of the schools on the lists for Britt’s talents are the
Hoyas, Maryland, Arizona, North Carolina, Duke, Villanova, and UVA to name a few.

How do you manage your time?

“My father and coach Turner keep things in perspective.” They make sure that things don’t get out of hand.”

Thank you for your time.

“Your welcome”.

I had the pleasure of meeting Officer Britt after my interview
and he made it a point to let me know “ its wide open as far as Nate’s college choice.”