Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
Ex-N.C. State commit Rob Dillingham close to naming a Top 5
By ZACH SMARTWESTFIELD, IN — After decommitting from N.C. State in March, Class of 2023 guard Rob Dillingham is close to announcing a new Top 5.
The 6-foot-4 guard from the CP3 Nike EYBL program said Coach John Calipari and Chin Coleman of Kentucky, Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway, Auburn’s Bruce Pearl and staff and Arkansas’ Eric Musselman and staff have been most consistent in his recruitment.
All were out and watching the high octane guard this weekend at the Nike EYBL Session II.
John Calipari, Jai Lucas and Chin Coleman courtside for 2023 five-star guard Rob Dillingham pic.twitter.com/Nqf1S2NpOY
The Hickory, N.C native said he shifted his gaze toward being a battle tested leader and a true, traditional point guard at Kanye West’s Donda Academy (CA) this season. Dillingham reflected on this past year as a transitional year for him, as he shouldered less scoring weight and rapidly found his niche as a facilitator.
“Really, it was my first time playing with a lot of elite level players, so it allowed me to become a facilitator and create,” Dillingham said.
Now seizing the leadership role at Donda Academy, Dillingham is stoked with confidence for the upcoming challenge. The program is expected to ramp up the national schedule for the 2022-23 campaign.
Dillingham had several flashy, timely passes and displayed his ability to hit the outside shot with consistency. He scored 17 points and doled out five assists, spearheading CP3 in a 83-55 victory over the NY Rens.
Dillingham said he feels a sense of pride to represent Hickory.
He’s the most celebrated and intensely chronicled athlete the area has seen since former N.C. State star Chris Washburn. The talented but troubled Washburn has overcome drug issues which hampered his career.
For Dillingham and CP3, they have unfinished business this spring and summer.
“We are trying to win it Peach Jam, because we could’ve won it last year and we know that,” he said.
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