Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
St. Louis, MO (Future150) -- Projecting talent from the middle school level to the higher levels of basketball can be a tricky thing. You never know how much more certain prospects will grow, how driven they are to improve, etc. One indicator that usually sticks from youth basketball all the way to the NBA level is skill. More often than not, when we see a highly skilled player in 7th or 8th grade, they tend to pan out.
One prospect in the 2022 class from our Future150 Elite24 All-American Camp that really let his skill shine through in August was Missouri guard Larry Hughes II.
If the name sounds familiar, which it probably does for most basketball enthusiasts, it's because his father was a 1997 McDonald's All-American before playing one season at Saint Louis University before departing for a long and successful NBA career.
While there's certainly an expectation for the children of professional athletes to perform when they become of age, 'L2' isn't feeling the pressure. The 5'11" shooting guard not only has sprouted two inches over the past three months, but he showed excellent shooting and playmaking ability at Elite24 Camp. We especially loved his high IQ on the floor, which allows him to play competitively against kids much older than him.
Being the son of former highly touted high school prospect and collegiate/NBA star certainly has its advantages. Personal insight into the recruiting process will certainly help Larry II.
"Recruiting for me was an experience. It's even crazier now. We talk a lot so he will always know whats real and what’s not. He has his eye on high level basketball so we will talk throughout the process and keep it as simple as can be," he told Future150.
Playing right now at Whitfield School (MO), he's headed to familiar territory next year, where he'll be suiting up for his dad's alma mater Christian Brothers College High School (MO). Before he starts his high school career, he has some goals for this season.
"I want to get stronger, win some tournaments & really make a name for myself before I head to high school next year."
Like most kids, he has some lofty goals for his career, but he has an excellent support system in place to help him. Oh, and his bloodlines certainly don't hurt his chances either.
"My dad played in the NBA and was succesful, and I'd like to follow that same path. I want to be a high school all-american, go to a division one college and eventually play in the NBA."
Being in the headlines for so many years during his own journey, it seems like Larry is just fine with being a dad along for the ride.
"I enjoy watching all my kids doing things they are passionate about. I support him 1000%. His goals are set, so it's my job make sure he gets the opportunity to reach them. I like to see him hoop. He shoots the ball way better than I did. It’s fun for me to watch his style of play and how he plays the game. We talk all the time. Keep god and family first, and handle his business in school, because that’s what it’s ultimately about."
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