Hubbard is Honing His Game

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Schools are starting to notice Hubbard.

June 25, 2010 - Tyler Hubbard has long earned recognition as a shooter, one that tickles the twine from deep. Being a smart young guy, at 6'0", 167 pounds he understands a solid Division I future will encompass more.

"Right now Coach (Stu) Vetter is going to play me at the two (shooting guard)" said Tyler, a Class of 2011 guard at Montrose Christian School (MD), of that institution's coach's plans for him. "He's trying to get me toward playing the one (point guard). I'll be a one in college". Accordingly, expect more than the two dimes he averaged last year, and 10 points supplied in six-man action.

Tyler Hubbard shooting last season at Montrose (photo supplied by Hubbard).

That transition to the lead guard is progressing now as well, given Hubbard concentrating on "Bettering my ball handling, court vision and decision making". The first point is being addressed via "running drills with coaches", particularly those of the two ball variety. The last two benefit from "dribbling up the court and making better decisions" - something shooting guards typically don't do.

And there are, and have been, the film sessions: "I study tape of current point guards...I studied (Montrose alum and NBA first round draft pick Grevis (Vasquez) this year, a lot. I learned a lot; he gets teammates involved very well. Makes decisions on the floor...He's a great leader".

All of this is bearing fruit during travel team play with DC Assault Blue, coached by Ty Johnson. So far the team has won two 'chips' including the Big Shots DC Assault confab, and during the upcoming open scouting period - allowing Division I college coaches an opportunity to see players perform personally - the plan is for Hubbard to play point guard.

Johnson on Tyler: "Tyler is one of the purest shooters in country. He has tremendous work ethic and is a joy to coach. With his improved defense and ball handling abilities, (this summer) the D1 coaches will be in hot pursuit of his talents."

Hubbard is excited about the squad's upcoming six tourney schedule, saying "We have a talented team. Me and Chris Leach are like a dynamic (backcourt) duo. We have Teon Barnes. Mike Hemsley, Jay Thomas from Anacostia (High School) and Corey Spence. Of Johnson the coach, Tyler opined "Coach Ty is a good coach. I like his intensity, gets the best out of players, and will get you to the next level".

The proof of that is seen in Hubbard's burgeoning school list. According to Tyler, he is getting interest, including some scholarship offers "from Quinnipiac, Loyola (B'More), Bucknell, Navy, Northeastern, James Madison, St. Francis (PA) and a couple of other mid-majors. Niagara is recruiting me hard".

More schools will surely follow suit, with the winner offering, per Hubbard "A good academic setting", along with the chance to "make an immediate impact".

Stay tuned for Tyler Hubbard's eventual college choice. Before it’s reached, he'll make even more impact than presently has been made.