While long-established hotbeds like Chicago and New York are going through downturns in talent, the South is rising once again.
Led by former Kentucky star and current Washington Wizard John Wall, the humble state of North Carolina is beginning this young decade as the home of the highest quality basketball talent in the nation.
And, by the looks of it, Torian Graham of Word of God Christian Academy (NC) could be the next big name in line.
The high-flying, 6’4” guard from Durham whose AAU team, DC Assault Gold, is taking part in the Hoop Group Pittsburgh Jam Fest, takes the ups and downs of new-found recognition in stride.
“It’s really exciting, but at the same time we have a big chip on our shoulder,” said Graham of being part of the new generation of basketball players from North Carolina. “Sometimes we get frustrated because people expect a lot from us and if we don’t show up one game, people will think we’re not who we really are.”
Graham is explosive on the offensive end, with incredible bounce that makes his above-the-rim style tough to defend. At Hoop Group Pittsburgh Jam Fest, he had 13 points in a pool play game against Dayton Metro. He works best in transition when he can get out and run, the place where his athleticism is most lethal.
“It’s really exciting. There’s a lot of competition and I just come here to get better,” Graham said of Hoop Group Pittsburgh Jam Fest.
He is drawing collegiate interest from such high-major Division 1 schools as Kentucky, Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Kansas, Florida, and many others, mainly in the Big East and ACC. “Everybody is equal at this point,” he said.
Graham says he will continue to work on his ballhandling which, coupled with his impressive athleticism, will spell even more trouble for defenders down the line. He hopes to improve while playing on the AAU circuit and of course it wouldn’t hurt, he said, to bring home a few titles.
“I know I came here to win this time. Last time I came up a little short, but now I’m here to win.”
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