By DYLAN LUTEY
Robert Wright III enjoyed a stellar three-year career at Philadelphia powerhouse Neumann Goretti High School, and easily could have finished out his high school career there.
But in April, the 6-foot-1 point guard from Delaware made the decision to transfer to national power Montverde (FL) Academy to play for legendary coach Kevin Boyle in order to prepare himself for his college career at Baylor — and ultimately his dream of playing in the NBA.
“Montverde was a move to help push Rob to the college level as close as possible,” his father, Robert Wright II, told ZAGSBLOG. “Playing with and against guys who will play in the Power Five in college. [Boyle] is a coach who has been successful with managing multiple 4-5 star players.”
Boyle, a New Jersey native known as a disciplinarian who makes good players great, has coached seven players chosen Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the NBA Draft. His current star, Duke commit Cooper Flagg, could end up being his fourth overall No. 1 pick in 2025.
Though Montverde’s season has just begun, Wright III’s time there is already paying off. Last week he was named to the Naismith High School Player of the Year Watch List.
The list includes several of his Montverde teammates in Flagg, Liam McNeeley (Indiana), Asa Newell (Georgia) and Derik Queen (uncommitted).
“It feels great and I’m honored to be on this list,” Wright III said. “It feels like the hard work and commitment is paying off.”
It was hardly Wright III’s first major honor. He was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania in 2022-23 after leading he Saints to a 22-3 record and a berth in the Class 4A state tournament. As a junior, he averaged 23.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists, helping his team reach the state championship game During his time with Team Final, he won Nike EYBL regular season MVP honors and averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 assists (2nd highest on the circuit), and 5.2 rebounds per game.Future Bear @robertwr1ght on the Naismith High School Player of the Year Watch List!!! 🐻 #SicEm pic.twitter.com/Fbi5YTYA2l
— Scott Drew (@BUDREW) November 17, 2023
With his son now at Montverde outside Orlando, Wright II hopes the level of competition will help make the transition to the D-1 level and beyond easier. “Similar to what he’ll see both in college and the NBA,” Wright II said when asked about the level of basketball at Montverde. “Being around guys who want it as much as you and chasing the same goals is special. It shows the trained eyes he is definitely one of the best overall players and the No. 1 point guard in the country. It will help him be seen prospering at the highest level in high school.” Wright III is already reaping the benefits of playing with and against the top players in the country. “I have learned that the game is played very physically and you have to be tough,” he said. He has also taken in knowledge and wisdom from Boyle, who has produced a ton of pros, including former No. 1 picks Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons and Cade Cunningham; No. 2 pick D’Angelo Russell; No 3 picks Joel Embiid and R.J. Barrett; and No. 4 pick Scottie Barnes. “I have learned how important the basic fundamentals are on the court even though most don’t see it that way,” said Wright III of what Boyle has taught him so far. He is also doing his best to take in as many Bears games as possible and watching closely with the intention of envisioning his role when he steps on to campus next Fall. “I have been watching Baylor a lot; every game I can watch I am tuned in,” said Wright III. “I can see myself running the point guard spot and just playmaking on the offensive side with assists [and] scoring and on the defensive side being a pest and doing what the team needs me to do to win.” Wright III initially chose Baylor in September 2022 over Louisville, Miami, Syracuse and Wake Forest. His dad was impressed with head coach Scott Drew’s resume and has built a strong relationship with him since his son’s decision. “Coach Drew is family,” Wright II told ZAGSBLOG. “His staff, tenure, and dedication to getting better as a program [all stood out]. I watched numerous guards that were not always nationally ranked grow while at Baylor.” Davion Mitchell (Sacramento Kings), Jared Butler (Washington Wizards), Keyonte George (Utah Jazz), Kendall Brown (Indiana Pacers), and Jeremy Sochan (San Antonio Spurs) are all former Baylor guards who are currently in the NBA. Before he gets to campus next fall, Wright III has set lofty goals for himself and his team. Montverde has won the GEICO Nationals six times under Boyle, but was upset last year in the quarterfinals. “My goals are to win GEICO [Nationals], go undefeated, get 1st-team All-Defense in the NIBC, lead the NIBC in assists, get 1st-team all NIBC, 1st-team Naismith, and [be a] McDonald’s All American,” said Wright III. Lofty goals for a player who’s ready to do the work. Follow Dylan on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookBaylor commit and future Montverde ⭐️ Robert Wright was CLUTCH as Team Final advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1 point win over JL3 tonight 69-68 🔥🍑 pic.twitter.com/vzcCWzkKis
— League Ready (@LeagueRDY) July 8, 2023
