By Nick Storlazzi
@storlazzinick
Being listed at 6-foot-8, and weighing over 225 lbs, Carter Bryant has potential to be one of the best players coming out of this high school class of 2024, as he is currently ranked 10th in the country – second in the state of California. Finishing his senior year at Corona Centennial High School, Bryant’s size and speed make him unpredictable on both sides of the court. His 7-foot wingspan and strong frame allows him to get to the rim with ease, while also making him dangerous on the defensive side of the ball
Bryant has committed to the University of Arizona where he will play for coach Tommy Lloyd, and will look to make a major impact for the Wildcats next season.
The Springfield Student sat down with Bryant and asked him about his commitment to Arizona, his time at Centennial, and who he is off the court.
Who do you try to model your game after, or who was a big inspiration for you as a basketball player growing up?
“I would say, I model my basketball game after a few guys. I’m not really just one guy, but I would say Kobe, just for like the mentality, the way he approached the game, footwork and all those things. It’s shot making ability, the way he kept the game simple. Outside of that, I feel like I watched Kawhi [Leonard] just because he competes at a very high level for a simple basketball player, guys like Tracy McGrady, guys like Grant Hill, guys that are bigger wings that make shots at a high clip.
What kind of player would you describe yourself as when you’re on the court?
“I would say the guy that just wants to win. I feel like I play defenses at a high level, making it tough for guys to get shots. Because of my length, I like to pressure the ball. I like to be in the passing lanes. I like to just make your life difficult when you’re on the opposite side of me. I mean, I can make shots. I can make catch and shoot shots. I can get down there and play off the dribble. I feel like I’m a Swiss army knife.”
Once your time at Centennial is over, what are you going to miss most?
“I don’t know to be completely honest. I feel like I’m trying to just stay in the moment because I feel like a lot of times guys get lost in trying to get to the next level so quick, so quick that they kind of lose themselves and don’t allow themselves to grow. I’m just kind of staying in the moment looking forward to waking up tomorrow getting better. Whether that’s in practice, whether that’s watching film, I’m doing homework on and off the floor, whatever the case may be. I would just say that part.”
What is your favorite NBA team, or if no favorite team, who’s your favorite player
“I don’t have a favorite team, but my favorite player of all time is Kobe Bryant”
Favorite Basketball shoe to play in?
“I would say the Kobe 6 All Stars.”