Bogues Bringing Game to B’More’s City College

Ron Bailey, Publisher

November 21, 2008 – Tanodrio ‘Nardie’ Bogues has moved from Columbia, MD to Baltimore, and as such will suit up for City College High School, a frontrunner not only to win the battle for Charm City supremacy, but a school also on the short list of schools with legitimate state title chances. In addition to shooting, ball handling and passing skills, Nardie, a senior, also brings a distinct B’More hoops pedigree to City College.

“My uncle is Mugsy Bogues” shared Nardie recently: In Baltimore, for those that don’t know, Mugsy is a legend, one that despite being 5’3” carved out a 13 year NBA career, at 136 pounds mind you. A ball pressure, push man dynamo, Mugsy also starred on Dunbar High School’s early to mid ‘80’s team, one that is still talked about nationally to this day.

Nardie Bogues is primed for a big year at City College High School. He plays travel team ball with the Baltimore Stars. (pictured provided by Bogues)

Mugsy is involved with Nardie’s development and life, something the young man values. “I get a lot of respect” due to his uncle, shared Nardie, himself a 5’8”, 150 pound point guard. “A lot of people would look at me differently if I wasn’t his nephew”.

Of course that entails a certain level of pressure, which Bogues embraces. Of further advantage is the time Mugsy spends with his nephew: “He always works with me all the time…We work on ball handling, situations and other skills. He still has those skills”.

When not drilling with a former NBA pro, Nardie shared he practiced solo this summer; overall he worked “almost everyday”, which included developing his “strength, and ability to finish”.

City College’s head coach, Mike Daniel, believes Bogues will make an impact on his team – a squad loaded with six talented guards. “I think he’s going to be huge in what we do” said Daniel today, of his expectations for Nardie, who is battling for a starting job. Whether he earns that role immediately or not, Daniel is sure “eventually, he’s going to make some noise at point guard”.

Given the big adjustment between Howard County and Baltimore City hoops – of which Daniel noted “It’s a lot more physical in the City” – it may take time for Nardie to get his ‘sea legs’, but get them he will. When that occurs, expect both City College and himself to prosper, with other schools besides Xavier (New Orleans) and Quinnipiac providing looks.

While you can’t expect Nardie to be his uncle, the young guy shared “I’m just trying to do my thing”. And that’s pretty good itself.