Markelle Fultz: One and Done

Markelle Fultz wants to be the best player the game has ever seen.  The University of Washington Freshman has been the talk of the town for some time now.  Rumored to be the number one pick in this summers NBA draft, Markelle has been keeping his focus on the here and now.  The 6’4 Point Guard out of DeMatha Catholic in Maryland has all of the ingredients of a NBA star, but what separates him from the pack is his drive and hunger to want to be the best player on the floor every night.  Although his Washington Huskies have had a terrible season, he has been the bright spots for them this year.
Markelle wasn’t always heralded as a great player.  In fact, Markelle didn’t make his HS basketball team as a sophomore.  Coaches told him he needed to go play JV instead.  Having a coach say those words would break the spirit of any young baller on the come up.  That would make any player want to transfer schools, and definitely result in holding some resentment towards the coaching staff.  Markelle didn’t complain and pout about the situation.  He got in the gym and worked at his game relentlessly, until he proved that he belonged.  Markelle not only belonged, he ended up a McDonald’s All American with a plethora of options for college.  After choosing to go to Washington University he now has a good shot to be the number one pick in the draft.  If that isn’t a success story I don’t know what is.

The Boston Celtics own the rights to the Brooklyn Nets 1st round pick this year.  With the Nets so terrible it’s possible that the first overall pick could fall to Boston.  Boston would no doubt choose Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball.  With Isaiah Thomas claiming the throne in Boston it’s going to be tough for a rookie PG to make a strong impact, but Markelle’s talent will probably shine through.  He has that type of potential.

At 6’4 Markelle is a rather big PG.  Along with his height he is athletic and has a very high basketball IQ.  This could be disastrous for opponents trying to guard him or vice versa.  He fits the mold for the NBA new era PG.  Today, pro offenses often use high ball screens to get defenses on their heels.  PG’s need to be able to handle the ball and be able to shoot off the dribble just in case the defender chooses to go under the screen.  Markelle has the ability needed to become a star at the next level.  The spacing at the pro level would benefit his game as well.  Playing at Washington hasn’t been fun this year.  They were 2-16 in conference and I’m sure he’s ready for the next challenge.  He may become the next young phenom making waves in the NBA.  Stay tuned.