Connecticut Recruiting, Recruiting Features, Zach Smart

DWIGHT POWELL CONTINUES IMPRESSIVE JULY

6-foot-9 IMG Academy product stars on the court and in the classroom

by ZACH SMART

One player that stood out today was Dwight Powell, a silky-smooth, 6-foot-9 forward with tremendous upside both on the court and in the classroom.

His blend of smarts and a versatile basketball package (at 6-9, he’s handling the rock and jacking up threes) has made first-rate schools such as Stanford, California, Harvard, and Georgia Teach front-runners on his list of potential Division-I suitors.

As of right now, the Toronto native is seriously considering Cal and Harvard as his future hardwood homes.

A cool customer, Powell. Is not sweating the decision. He speaks softly but carries a big stick on the court, ripping down boards and taking the soul of other big men.

While his presence in the post is his major selling stone, Powell embraces the idea of being a jack-of-all trades.

“Personally, I like to consider myself someone who does it all,” said Powell, who plays at the prestigious IMG in Florida.

“Right now, I’m working on fixing up my jump shot, mechanics wise. I’m also trying to develop a better handle.”

Lofty goals for someone who’s widely regarded as one of the nation’s elite bigs.

But then again, can you expect anything less from Powell?

He’s a young, ball-playing Albert Einstein, a brain surgeon with a the ability to manipulate and swat shots on the defensive end, finish with authority on the other end.

A brain surgeon he may be, he’s also got the “touch of a surgeon,” to paraphrase the legendary prep scout Tom Konchalski.

He’s got a feathery jumper that sets him aside from other forwards of his makeup.

“At school, we play a tough schedule but we work a lot on just getting better,” said Powell.

As far as attitude, immeasurable intangibles, versatility, and coachability, you likely won’t see anyone better than Powell.