Class of 2018 4-Star Villanova Commit Brandon Slater Talks About His Summer

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Brandon Slater
Photo By. FanRag Sports

It seems that many recruiting sites all agree in having Brandon Slater in their Top 50. The 6’6″ 195lbs Wing is hard to classify as a shooting guard or a small forward due to his versatility. The Centreville, Virginia native has really made a name for himself on the EYBL circuit with Team Takeover (D.C.). He helped Team Takeover reach the daunting challenge of getting to the Peach Jam Championship game. Even though Team Takeover lost in the Peach Jam Championship Game, Slater had an impressive 19 points and 6 rebounds against the Oakland Soldiers.

The first word that comes to my mind when I think of Brandon Slater is smooth. His athleticism and impressive wingspan allow him to attack the rim with ease. One quality that stands out to me that I love about Brandon is his activity on the offensive glass. He seems to love to come weak side on the offensive glass when no one blocks him out. Brandon seems to really be evolving as a scorer that I believe will translate to the next level. He averaged 15.2 points per game at Paul VI (Fairfax, Virginia) his junior season. I expect Brandon to be around or surpass the 20 points per game mark for his senior season. His 3 point jump shot is consistent enough that you have to honor it. This allows to open up his offensive arsenal with putting defenders on their heels.

In my mind, Villanova is getting the perfect piece to their puzzle. Brandon reminds me a lot of Josh Hart, not in how their games match up to one another, but the role in which they play. Brandon will be that versatile guard that Josh Hart was at Villanova filling up the stat sheet in almost every category. Josh could impact the game without scoring the ball and Brandon has the same ability. His height and wingspan have helped display why his potential as a defender is high as well. He enjoys coming over the weak side for blocks and playing the passing lanes for steals to get out in transition. Many scouts believe Brandon has the potential to be a 3-and-D guy in the NBA. Either way, I think Jay Wright found the right guy for his program. We were able to catch up with Brandon to ask him a few questions.

How does it feel to already be committed to Villanova and not have to worry about your recruiting process for your senior year?

Brandon: It feels great to go through my senior year already knowing where I’m going. Now I can have a clear and more focused senior year.

How do you feel like you’ll fit in at Villanova as a freshman?

Brandon: I just want to come in and do anything they need me to do.

What was your experience like on the EYBL Circuit this Summer?

Brandon: It was a great experience playing against the top competition around the country every game.

Who was the toughest one-on-one matchup for yourself this Summer and why?

Brandon: For me Louis King, he is a very special talent and he is one of the best in the country. If I want to be on that level, I have to play against the best.

What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses on the court?

Brandon: My versatility, being to go inside and out. I am also good at playing off the ball. I need to work on everything, but keeping a high motor throughout the whole game is atop the list.

What player do you compare yourself to and why?

Brandon: Kawhi Leonard, he can affect the game in so many different ways just like I feel like I can as well.

What do you do differently than anyone else on the court?

Brandon: I like to pride myself on doing everything like floor dives, deflections, blocks, steals, charges, and making the extra pass.

Is there any particular style of basketball you like to play?

Brandon: Not really, if it has to do with winning then I love it.

What are your goals for your senior year?

Brandon: I am trying to lead my team to a conference and a state championship.

Another reason why I like Brandon Slater’s game is unselfish nature of making the extra pass. All of his teammates seem to enjoy playing with him due to his unselfish nature and willingness to do the little things to win ball games. Brandon is also a high character kid that Jay Wright won’t have to stay up late at night wondering if he is making the right choices off the court. I think this quality goes overlooked in the process of recruiting. I think Brandon has a high ceiling and will be fun to see the work he’s done to his game for his senior season. We at Basketball Society will keep you updated about Brandon’s development and success.

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