JaQua Wright 6’6 215 2019 IC Norcom High School, Portsmouth VA
At 6’6 215 JaQua is a standout paint presence for Norcom High School but it’s not so much because of his ideal size as it is his mobility, his nimble feet and soft touch around the rim that impresses. JaQua can post you using duck ins on occasion and a quick drop step move or a very nicely executed jump hook or he can face up and hit the jumper with three point range. In a game last year, Jaqua went 5-7 from beyond the arc and shows nice form on his jumper looking very comfortable and competent shooting the three ball. He is most comfortable facing the rim moving off the ball and hitting the catch and shoot jumper. Does a nice job stepping to the ball gathering himself showing good footwork and release or using the ball fake and a one dribble finish at the rim. His soft shooting touch and consistency are really impressive. Uses his big frame to fight through contact and finish with either a dunk or layup off the glass. He is ideal for pick and roll and pick and pop type scenarios. Runs the floor well and has tremendous upside as a 3/4 type once he works on his conditioning and his body becomes more defined. Defensively he does a good job protecting the rim and rebounding especially on the offensive end. He boxes out well and is quick off his feet on his first jump, has strong hands and protects the basketball. He does use his large frame to box out, rather than just reaching for loose balls. Defensively, he’s a good shot blocker off of the weak side as he has good shot blocking instincts and is always ready to provide help and rim protection. His combination of length and shot-blocking instincts allows him to affect shots, whether it be as a help defender or when defending a shooter. JaQua moves his feet well when tasked with defending the perimeter and is surprisingly mobile. He has sufficient lateral quickness making him capable of guarding other stretch four types away from the rim. There is a lot to be excited about with JaQua’s skill and size. As his body becomes more defined with weight training and conditioning he’s going to be a potential D1 forward and certainly figures to be no worse than a D2 prospect now. He plays for a coach who has won 6 state championships and a program built on defense and accountability so he has the discipline and winning culture that will benefit him as he continues his development and prepares for the next level.