McGruder Continues to Make Name for Himself

Ron Bailey, Publisher

March 3, 2007 – Rodney McGruder, a 6’5”, 195 pound sophomore swingman attending Washington, D.C.’s Archbishop Carroll High School may be unknown to some, but those who chart the growth of young basketball players are quite aware of what he brings to the table. After playing with D.C. Assault’s 16 and under team this year, his will be a common name among recruitniks.

How can a young player, who recently indicated at a D.C. Assault practice recruiting information from “Pitt, Clemson, Seton Hall, Buffalo, UConn” and others has been received be somewhat of a sleeper one may ask? Assault’s Director, Curtis Malone had an interesting take on that.

“He’s to me, not a sleeper” commented Malone. “Last year as a freshman, he was the best freshman in the Metro Conference” continued Malone, referring to what is now known as the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. “Carroll’s team had a lot more around him (thereby removing some focus on McGruder this season)”.

That last statement was a direct reference to Canadian national and fellow D.C. Assault swingman, junior Kris Joseph. Malone believes the AAU/travel team “circuit will help them” - including practices and games (Joseph will compete in 17 and under ball) - and when added to the tandem’s joint high school experiences, can only advance both kid’s impact during the 2007-2008 high school campaign.

Despite as he put it, "At the start of the season we started out strong" but ended up struggling down the stretch at Carroll this season, McGruder (center), distinguished himself.

The development work has already started for McGruder, as D.C. Assault practices have been initiated, in addition to weight training sessions and individual workouts.

McGruder, a native of Lanham, MD, who shared he dropped “around 13 points per game, six to seven rebounds, and three to four assists” for Carroll this season, listed “working on ball handling, (overall) skills, and strength” as his developmental focus.

Malone agreed with that laundry list, opining “When he gets that handle better, he’ll definitely be alright”.

As an all-court player, capable of doing work around the basket and on the perimeter while also pounding the rims, the ability to handle the rock with greater confidence and use strength to muscle smaller players and battle larger ones, could make Rodney close to unstoppable.

That true swingman focus, marked by versatility, when coupled with defensive tenacity, sets McGruder apart. Interestingly enough, defense played a key role in his self described highlight of the year. “It was when we played Bishop Ireton (a WCAC competitor)” recalled Rodney. “I got a steal, and their point guard came up under me. I ended up dunking hard”.

The college he picks, which will be one that incorporates “great academics and basketball” - regardless of playing style as that “doesn’t make a difference” to McGruder - can expect the same thing.

As will 16 and under circuit foes this spring and summer.