When recruiting, an immeasurable intangible coaches must take note of is a player's drive to win.
Anytime you are willing to invest four years in a recruit, gauging the winning mindset is essential.
Those who find individual accolades meaningless and surrender self-interest for team glory tend to last.
In NTSI's combination guard Dylan Angel, head coach Chris Chaney sees this insatiable hunger for victory as the most appealing attribute.
"He's the ultimate winning type of kid," said Chaney of Angel, a Tampa native who found his way to NTSI's backcourt following a Mid-Season transfer from DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla.
"He possesses all the tools necessary to be a good, reliable four-year player. He had a very good high school career which ultimately culminated with a loss to Tony Bradley (now a newly-minted champion at UNC) in the playoffs. He's also a good student and has the maturity and mindset to make a seamless transition to college and be a key contributer from the get-go.
At DME this season, the prep and post-graduate team did not have the same high-rankings and highly-touted recruits as they have in previous years. They underwent a brutal down year, stuffed in the talent-stacked SIAA's lower percentile.
Thus, weighing the transfer market to renew his winning ways was the best option for Angel. NTSI's style of play, a speedball and disciplined up tempo pace that entails consistent work and hustle, was also better suited for the post-graduate.
"At DME we had a lot of set offenses that were drawn up to take time off the clock," the 6-foot-2 Angel said.
"At NTSI, we were told to run the fast break and score as quick as possible. The part of my game I really had to refine was my quickness and driving capabilities. I really think that playing at NTSI and the level of play really helped me adjust and refine those aspects of my game."
A deft-shooting stroke, decision-making off the dribble, and defensive tenacity are key attributes which render Angel a safe bet to win the plus/minus stat on the floor.
Chaney was comfortable giving Angel the keys to the offense. Angel scored 11 points in NTSI's signature 100-87 win over Mount Zion (MD). In one of back-to-back wins at the prestigious National Prep Invitational, Angel kicked in a game-best six assists while orchestrating the offense.
A tactical and well -built guard, Angel adapted to the higher level by becoming more crafty with his slashing and displaying more of a knack for attacking.
Angel is open to playing both positions at the ensuing level.
"I initially saw myself as an off guard just because of my catch-and-shoot game and my role as a scorer," Angel explained.
"Because of how I see the floor and because of how I make decisions and execute under pressure I could definitely play the 1 as well."