By TOBIAS BASS
Layden Blocker is a 6-foot-2 sophomore point guard from Little Rock (Ark.) Christian Academy who runs with Brad Beal Elite on the grassroots circuit.
This season he averaged 20 PPG, 5 RPG, 3 APG, and 2 SPG. Blocker is currently ranked 57th in the country in the Class of 2023, according to 247Sports.com.
He holds 11 scholarship offers from Arkansas, Auburn, St John’s, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Central Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Oral Roberts, TCU, Southern Miss and Tulane, while major programs such as Texas A&M, Baylor, Missouri and Texas Tech have also shown interest.
As another high school basketball season comes to an end, I spoke to Blocker about his sophomore campaign, playing AAU with Brad Beal Elite this summer, and more.
Talk about your sophomore from an individual and team perspective? What challenges did you face?
“I accomplished some things individually, but we didn’t accomplish our team goals. Coming into a more competitive conference, I saw some growth in myself and as a team. Teams were tougher and more athletic. It challenged us because we’re a young team, but now we know what to expect.”
How do you think your leadership improved after being named team captain?
“After being named one of the team captains, my leadership role definitely increased. I had to be more vocal and communicate more with the coach. Being a point guard and the lead scorer on the team I feel like my leadership had to be at an all-time high.”
Talk about picking up several offers during the season.
“Picking up those offers in the middle of the season just let me know that coaches notice what I am capable of doing on the court. It’s just motivation to keep working hard.”
Blocker currently holds 11 D1 offers. (Arkansas, Auburn, St Johns, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Central Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Oral Roberts, TCU, Southern Miss, Tulane) Major programs such as Texas A&M, Baylor, Missouri, and Texas Tech have also shown interest
What do you hope to accomplish with Brad Beal Elite which has produced several McDonalds All-Americans over the years such as UNC guard Caleb Love, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, and Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum.?
“I really think playing for Bradley Beal Elite will be a good experience for me. It’s a great program that has produced many pros. I think it will be a challenge and help me get better to achieve my dream. I just hope to bond and win some tournaments with my team.”
How will you assert yourself on the floor with a new team?
“I will assert myself on the defensive end. Most coaches look for players that can not only put the ball in the basket but also can defend at a high level. I feel like that will separate me from others.”
What are you trying to improve on your game this summer?
“This summer, I’m just trying to get stronger and work more on my craft. In my opinion, my game is simple but still very effective. I just need to keep adding to my bag to help me reach my potential.”
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