We first say Donte Tatum the Summer before his freshman year of high school, and instantly we were sold that this kid is special. His game is predicated around strength and production. Some may even consider Tatum to be a bully on the court. However, there is no doubt that he punks out opponents throughout the course of a game.
The first time we saw Tatum was at a Phenom Hoops Live event, two years ago. His team was shooting a free throw and Tatum was standing at the 3 point arc. The shot caromed off just as perfect as Tatum’s timing was. Just like Michael Jordan did, so famously many years earlier, Tatum crashed the boards and threw down a vicious put back dunk off the missed free throw.
It was a completely breath taking moment for all in attendance, but as we mentioned before, we were all instantly sold that this kid is special. Fast forward now to his junior season at Cary High School.
It was a magical season for Cary. They finished 30-2 on the year and made a run to the 4A NCHSAA state finals. Tatum was a central driving force behind the run. Tatum led the team in scoring, averaging 18 points per game. He used his strength and explosion to shoot 60% from the field, but he also went 38-81 from beyond the 3-point arc for a 47% average.
Tatum also averaged 6 boards (2 of them offensive), 3 assists, and 2 steals per game. His performance at last year’s Grassroots Tip Off Classic LIVE prompted us to write, “Donte plays with a great motor allowing him to flat out fly in transition. Plays above the rim effectively despite not being an inch taller than 6’2”. Defensively he has great instincts and uses his lateral quickness to make plays on and off the ball. Attacking guard that likes to get to the rim using his athleticism to score through contact. With an added jump shot, he is incredibly tough to defend”
A defensive stopper, a multi-level scorer, a winner college coaches need to be all over this kid. He already carries an offer from Maryland Eastern Shore and a lot of the MEAC, SoCon, Big South, and even some A Sun schools are picking up their interest.
College Coaches, don’t miss the boat here. This is the kid that succeeds. Make sure to see him at Spring Hoops Fest LIVE April 16-17. After that, you may be too late.