“I'm a playmaker, and I'm going to score. At the end of the day, my job is to put the ball in the basket.” -The Flash, a.k.a. Dwyane Wade
“I Get Buckets,” is a term used far too often by today’s youth. Scoring, is an art form. We have all seen players score at a torrid pace for a short period of time. The few players that can get a basket, regardless of the help defense stacked against them, are special. The “40 Ball,” is chased by many, but attained by few.
Today we start a new feature series called “Running The Wings,” which discusses the the fine art of scoring from the wing spot (or shooting guard, small forward) on the floor. Make no mistake about it, the players in this section, get buckets.
Next up is Norcross High wing Brandon Boston. The dynamic scorer plays AAU basketball on the Nike EYBL circuit for Athletes Of Tomorrow. Boston is ranked #19 in the 2020 class in the United States. - By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on Instagram and Twitter.
TheDribbleDrop:We have seen now, more than ever, the use of hybrid forwards that can defend multiple positions. Why do you think that is the case? Is it due to the lack of true centers, or the fact that hybrid forwards provide room for a more versatile offense?
Brandon Boston: The game is evolving. I feel like there are a lot more guards than frontcourt players. Even the bigger guys strive to make their games more versatile. You see a tall player like Kevin Durant who can create at a high level from the wing. Guys like Durant and Giannis, they are just big guards to me.
TheDribbleDrop: As a wing, what do you prefer at the point guard spot alongside you: A pure passing point guard that is looking to set guys up and knock down shots, or a pick and roll heavy, ball dominant guard who will hit you in spots to knock down shots?
Brandon Boston: I’m looking to play with a guard like Chris Paul. I need a point guard that is looking to find me.
TheDribbleDrop: Lets focus on defense real quick. What do you think is harder to deal with: having to switch on pick and rolls and defend point guards or battle a guy down low?
Brandon Boston: Battling down low. Right now I’m a skinny player but I’m wiry strong. I’m not scared to mix it up down low, but bigger players can be a handful to deal with.
TheDribbleDrop: What is the ideal style of play based on your skill set?
Brandon Boston: I like a fast tempo. I love to run and create on the fly.
TheDribbleDrop:When you catch the ball in the half court, what is your ideal, go-to move?
Brandon Boston: Well I’m going to the rim. With the left hand, drop the ball in front of you, jab left and we’re crossing right and going to the rim strong for a finish.
TheDribbleDrop:Tell me one great piece of advice you got from a teammate, coach, or older player you know that gave you a edge in the art of scoring.
Brandon Boston: Keep your motor high. Bring it every play. High energy at all times.
TheDribbleDrop:A lot of kids do a lot of “Ball watching” nowadays. They know what to do with the ball in their hands, but they don’t know what to do without it. Do you think cutting hard and reading screens properly is a lost art with today’s youth?
Brandon Boston: Well I think a lot of kids are so focused on going one on one. I think kids nowadays aren’t used to creating offense without the ball. Cutting backdoor and having faith that a great pass is coming on the fly. I understand spacing and the impact of hard cuts. You get to the right place and the ball is coming.
TheDribbleDrop: Who are your top five wings in the NBA right now?
Brandon Boston: Kevin Durant. Jayson Tatum is on his way. Lebron James. Giannis. Paul George and I also like Brandon Ingram.