Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Houston, TX (Future150) -- After what he considered to be a disappointing showing at the 2012 Future150 Camp in Houston, Texas, 2016 guard Hunter Janacek was determined to make a strong statement during the 2012-13 high school season. Janacek showed that he has the potential to be a future star but felt frustrated at times due to the overwhelming competition he faced during the camp.
“Heading into the Future150 Camp at The Gym, I did not know what to expect. I stepped on the court and got hit with a major dose of reality. I had yet to even play a varsity basketball game and then all of a sudden I was going against the top high school players in Texas. I held my own, but I knew I wasn’t competing at the level I expected. This camp quickly helped motivate me and push me to work harder than ever before. I knew nothing would be handed to me,” Janacek commented.
Fresh out of 8th grade, Janacek measured in at 6’0” and possessed a leaner frame that limited him against tougher, more physical opponents. However, since the camp, Hunter has grown to 6’2.5" and has added close to 20 pounds of muscle. The transformation of his body is paying huge dividends for the freshman at Scarborough High School in Houston.
Last week against Sterling HS (TX), Janacek got hot and dropped 26 points against a talented team that worked hard to shut him down. While they were able to hold him in check during the first two periods of play, Hunter went off in the 2nd half, scoring 22 of his 26 points in the final 16 minutes of play. The performance last week was one of many 20+ point games for the freshman who is now averaging just over 14 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 8 APG.
Janacek, who prides himself on being a complete player, has been working extra hard in the gym over the past few months and the work is showing. Late nights, early mornings, it does not matter to Hunter, he is dedicated to becoming the best player he can be.
“I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of great coaches over the past few years. Each one of them has pushed me to become a better player each and every time I step on the court. It does not matter what time I call, they are always willing to help me in the gym. I do not take this opportunity lightly; I want to be the best. I am willing to do whatever it takes,” Janacek shared.
One of the biggest reasons for his improvement has been the work of Player Development Specialist - Coach Adam Barnes in Houston. Coach Barnes, who does a lot of work with the Future150 family, had great things to say about Hunter and his work ethic. Hunter had similar comments regarding Coach Barnes.
“Coach Barnes has been huge to my game. I met him at the Future150 Camp in Houston and since then he has been the primary reason my game has elevated to the level it is at today. Getting in the gym with Coach Barnes only motivates me to push myself harder and harder. The technique and skill work he teaches is second to none and I know the work will only help me as I work to get ready for the upcoming AAU season.”
Speaking of AAU, Hunter has made a commitment to play with the Houston Defenders 16U team led by Head Coach DJ Anderson. DJ, who led the program this past season, is getting a solid team player who can knock down shots from anywhere on the court while also working to get his teammates involved in the action.
Hunter declined to name a top 5 list, but it is clear to see that whoever is lucky enough to grab this kid's attention, they are getting a steal.
"I have a few dream schools, but at the same time, a lot can happen in the world of basketball over the next three years. I am going to be patient and take my time. Education, location, and relationships are all important to me. Wherever I end up, I know that it will be the right place for myself, my family, and the school I am attending."
Janacek is a bright kid with an even brighter future. Stay tuned to Future150 for more updates from Hunter.
Comments:
Be the first to post. Just use the form below.