Rob Whitfield will be a hot target among D1 coaches this April. He has a smooth demeanor, one that is full of confidence and ability. Typically combo guards are labeled that because of their deficiencies. Whitfield is labeled as a combo because he can handle the ball and run a team just as well as he can shoot from deep, deep range.
Last summer, suiting up for Team Wall, Whitfield was injured. His injury kept him out the majority of the summer. For high school ball, Whitfield plays for Wake Christian Academy, a small 1A private school in Garner, North Carolina. However, despite his participation in the prestigious NC Top 80 or his gaudy numbers he consistently put up in high school, Whitfield remains somewhat under the radar.
After his participation in the NC Top 80, we wrote, “Rob Whitfield combines athleticism and a matched skill set. He is silky smooth in the open court and his game appears effortless at times. Rob has natural gifts especially on the offensive end of the court. He can score from all levels and can literally take over a game. The next step in his development is to push himself on the defensive end of the court. His length and quickness could be a strong attribute in being an outstanding defender. Rob has outstanding lateral quickness and a quick first step. Right now, he doesn’t quite understand how good he could become.”
As noted, in the Top 80 write up, Whitfield has a silky smooth handle from the lead guard spot. He is quick into the lane and a very good passer in the half court set, this past year at Wake Christian he averaged 4 assists per game. While slender, he has very long arms and a very quick first step defensively.
Uniquely just as natural of a point guard as Whitfield is, he is also a naturally gifted shooting guard. Whitfield is very athletic, doing great things in transition. He also carries deep range with a soft touch. This past year, Whitfield averaged 22.3 points and shot 45% (with 190 attempts) from beyond the arc.
April will be a big month for Whitfield. A month that should see him start to pick up college offers. Schools like Wofford, Duquesne, JMU, and others have started recruiting Whitfield.
D1 Coaches, you will want to join in on the sidelines during the Spring Hoops Fest LIVE April 16-17 to get your eyes on Whitfield.