Nassir Little’s high efficiency at all three levels and
multi-faceted skill-set has led to the 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward’s rapid
ascension of the high-major recruiting mountaintops.
After
shooting 60 percent and 50+ percent from 3-point territory during back-to-back
seasons, Little has spent this spring gauging his grit amongst a “who’s who” of
the nation’s most hotly-pursued recruits.
Averaging 17 points for 1Family AAU and authoring impressive
showings at the Adidas Eurocamp and NBA Top 100 camp at the University of Virginia,
Little now finds himself under a national microscope.
Fans across the country are tuning into his every
move, even sparking a war of words on Twitter as to which NCAA destination is best-suited
for his all around game. It is all indicative of how far Little’s blink-quick
evolution has taken the Class of 2018 recruit.
Pulling off displays
of athleticism which only an elite few at this level can replicate, the
five-star recruit will attend Adidas Nations in Los Angeles this weekend.
“Arizona,
Kansas, SJU, Miami, Georgia Tech, Florida, those programs are pretty much all in heavy right now and
calling us all the time,” said 1Family’s Brad Augustine, who along with player development specialist Darryl
Hardin has helped cultivate a sudden, All-American caliber presence in Little.
“I’d have to attribute it to the kid’s work ethic,
that’s been the number one factor in his development. At the same time, Adidas
provided a great stage for him to compete on. He got the opportunity to play
against some kids who were ranked higher and he took advantage of those
matchups and came out on top.”
Little’s Big
East build, feel for the game, and immeasurable intangibles (coach-ability, 4.6
Grade Point Average) has helped the Florida product gain significant appeal throughout
the country. July will provide another big stage for Little, of Orlando
Christian Prep.
With Little’s stock gaining potency at perhaps
the most opportune time of his prep career, conventional wisdom indicates the
Blue Bloods will enter the conversation this July.
“UNC is still calling heavy on the kid,” said
Augustine.
“I’ve also been speaking with (Duke assistant coach)
Nate James. I know they will both be out to watch him more closely in July.”
One overlooked aspect of Little's is
his strength.
Myriad forwards of Little’s style and make-up enter their freshmen season barely tipping the scales at 185 pounds.
Myriad forwards of Little’s style and make-up enter their freshmen season barely tipping the scales at 185 pounds.
Adding bulk and preparing for the physical demands of the high-major level tends to
become a priority.
Adapting to the rigors of the increased strength and conditioning is an oft-noted struggle in the quantum transition from high school to the Division-I level.
Adapting to the rigors of the increased strength and conditioning is an oft-noted struggle in the quantum transition from high school to the Division-I level.
“I think that has given Nas the advantage over a lot
of guys slotted in his category— his body size and physicality,” Augustine
explains.
“That
translates to college. I think he can come in and be an impact guy immediately.”