Cub Basketball: Senior Preview

Jason Brown, Cub News Writer

Note for Mrs. Cooper: Similar to the note on Cade’s article, if there’s a media day photo we could use for each guy I think that would be good. Jason added some pictures on the google doc but I can’t find them again online to give credit, and some are just low-quality pictures anyway.

As the Cub basketball season is underway, we would like to give a special thank you to the seniors and their contributions to the team. 

Wearing #3, we have 6’2 170 lbs point guard Sonny Wilson. Wilson has been a 4-year starter for the Cubs and a leader and role model every time he steps on the court. His hard work and dedication have made him a 2023 Mr. Basketball candidate and he looks to add the award to his collection this year. Wilson has been compared to Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard and it is clear to see that they have a similar playstyle: both are explosive, great shooters, and playmakers, but also able to fight for rebounds and have a strong defensive presence. This season he hopes to bring home a state championship and add even more hardware to the collection. He mentioned how “the goal is to win a state championship, but that starts by staying focused in practice along with the games.” During his time with the Cubs, Wilson’s favorite memory was the bonds made between him and his teammates. Whether it was just playing games or going out to eat, they always had a good time. Wilson has recently committed to the University of Toledo and we wish him the best of luck with his college journey. Sonny, thank you for your contribution to Cub basketball! 

Wearing #24, we have 6’5 205 lbs center/power forward Zavier Banks. Banks has been a 3-year starter for the Cubs and continues to be one of the most dominant post players in the state. He has been a leader and role model for the team and made some of the most memorable game-winners last season. Banks is somewhat similar to Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George. This is because of the way they can create their own shots, their ability to be efficient in the pick-and-roll game offensively, and also their great hustle on defense. Banks wants to win a state championship this season and he is confident in his guys. He believes that the team “must take it one game at a time and each game prepares us for the state championship”. He looks to pursue basketball in college and has picked up many offers over the off-season including from  Albion University and Michigan Dearborn. During his time with Cub basketball, Banks’ favorite memory was the team bonding: “whether it was games, practice or even outside of basketball” It is clear to see that Banks is very close with his teammates. Zavier, we wish you the best of luck with your college journey and thank you for your contribution to Cub basketball. 

Wearing #11, we have 6’1 160 lbs shooting guard Tarrance Reed. Reed has been a role player for the cubs these past two years, but Cub fans believe that this will be Reed’s breakout year. He is also a leader and role model for the younger players on his team and is always striving to be better. Reed has a similar playstyle to Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson or Portland Trail Blazers point guard, Damian Lilliard. This is because he models his shot form and off-ball play after Thompson and his ability to handle the ball and shoot off the dribble after Lilliard. Reed also hopes to win a state championship and add even more hardware to the collection. He is determined to bring the championship mentality to practice every day, knowing it will show up in games. During his time with Cub basketball, Reed’s favorite memory was winning the district championship last year against Oak Park, as well as building relationships with his teammates. The recruiting is starting to pick up as Reed has attracted many colleges in the off-season and it looks like more will continue this season. Tarrance, we wish you the best of luck with your college journey and thank you for your contribution to Cub basketball! 

Wearing #0, we have 6’4 195 lbs forward Kamdi Nwamba.  Nwamba has been a strong contributor with his hard work and dedication to the program. His work ethic has been inspiring to young players and he has come into his own throughout the years. Cub fans are waiting for Nwamba’s breakout year and are looking forward to watching him this season. He has drawn comparisons to Oklahoma City Thunder shooting guard Lu Dort with his defensive play and ability to get to the rim and score. Nwamba is determined to help the Cubs get to the state championship this season and with his mentality, there is no reason they can’t. During his time with Cub basketball, Nwamba’s favorite memory was making Varsity for the first time along with his first bucket against Catholic Central last year. During fall ball he was able to pick up an offer from U of M Dearborn and looks to pick up more offers as the season progresses. Kamdi, we wish you the best of luck with your college journey, and thank you for your contribution to Cub basketball!