Jason Pratt:
Future150 Senior Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Memphis, TN (Future150) -- Jeff Browning- Jr.Future150 National Anaylst
There are certain cities around the country that are touted as "hotbeds" for producing basketball talent. Memphis falls into that category, along with powerhouses such as New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, to name a few.
While it's true that the inner city schools produce massive amounts of college basketball prospects and signees each and every year, the outlining suburbs are also stocked full of talented and skilled players that add to the aforementioned cities' quest for that “best of the best” title.
On the outskirts of Memphis,Tipton County boasts several really good basketball programs in Brighton, Munford and Covington. And, Munford Middle School has a star in the making playing
as a 7th grader. Remember his name, Taelyr Gatlin, because you will certainly be hearing it a lot in the near future.
The 6-foot, 150-pound Gatlin is a freakishly long point guard that really knows how to play the game and is being touted by many in Memphis area basketball circles as the top 2018 player in the Memphis metropolitan area.
Jr.Future150 sat down with Taelyr to talk about this newfound fame among basketball gurus, if he had heard about it, and how it makes him feel to know he's being considered as a top 2018 player in the Memphis area.
“Yes, I have heard that from some and it's only made me more confident in my abilities and makes me want to work even harder to prove it true,” the talented Gatlin explained.
Taelyr also noted his strengths as his “ability to attack the rim, free throw shooting and leadership qualities”.
When asked of his weaknesses, he responded that he “needs to work on defense and his perimeter shooting”. But, we at Jr.Future150 have no doubt he'll be improving soon enough in those areas, as he noted since he told us that he works “everyday” on his game at school practices.
Asked about what he found most satisfying with his son's game so far, his father, Stan Gatlin, responded simply, “his work ethic”. For a young man with aspirations to play on the college level and in the professional ranks, a solid work ethic is a must.
We at Jr.Future150 will certainly continue to follow Taelyr Gatlin's basketball career over the next few years as will Cuonzo Martin at Tennessee and Josh Pastner at Memphis, as they've already had contact with the Gatlin's about Taelyr's game. We suspect many many more will come calling soon as he plays this upcoming summer with Team Penny.
Comments:
I am so very proud of my grandson Taelyr, and to see how dedicated he is in playing the game. It gives me joy to know that as a young man he is interested in something that is good and can take him to the next chapter in life. Stay Focus
We are incredibly proud of Taelyr at MMS! He demonstrates all of the qualities needed to be a great leader both on and off the basketball court! His unselfish play and support of his teammates makes him one of the best! Keep it up!!