Playing behind successful Division-one talent certainly played its dividends as Nate Britt emerges as one of the top point guards in the class of 2013.
To say his sophomore season was amazing is an understatement.
Britt reached heights that no player has in nearly six decades. As a sophomore, Britt became the eighth sophomore to become All-MET in boys' basketball since 1957.
He joins Willie Allen, Michael Beasley, Adrian Dantley, Harold Fox, Cliff Hawkins, Fred Hetzel and Chris Wright.
He also capped off his sophomore season being named the DC Gatorade Player of the Year.
Lindsay wasn't able to attain the Gatorade Player of the Year award but was runner-up when Tyler Thornton won his senior season at Gonzaga College HS. Kris Jenkins, another rising sophomore, was also the Gatorade Player of the Year runner-up this year behind Britt.
It should be noted that Britt was the youngest of all Gatorade POY winners this year and he not only won it as a sophomore but has a chance to win the award multiple times.
In his sophomore season, Britt averaged 13.6 points, 5.2 assist, four rebounds and three steals per game. He was also the catalyst for a 26-8 team that finished third in the ACIT basketball tournament.
Coach Turner spoke very highly of his coveted point guard and went as far as saying, "He's certainly on course to becoming the best [point guard] when he walks out the door."
There are many things Britt is working on this off-season. He's actively working on his strength and according to his coach, "He puts in a lot of time in the weight room."
Britt weighs about 170 pounds but his ability to get to the rim and finish strong is still unmatched. His offensive attack is consistent but outside of scoring coach Turner believes he's a special leader.
"He learned a lot from Tyler Thornton and Cedrick Lindsay, who both played in the NCAA tournament this year," Turner said. "I've always liked his leadership ability. With [Thornton and Lindsay] gone, I've asked for [Britt] to step up and he's come through. He makes guys around him better."
One thing he's really working on developing is his jump shot. Britt, his sophomore season, was a consistent shooter from the field but expanding his range is must for the 6'2'' guard.
So far, many college programs have taken interest in the rising star. Arizona, Baylor, Duke, Georgetown, Miami (FL), Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Texas Villanova, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Xavier are just some of the few programs that have expressed interest.
Florida and North Carolina have also been two big names surrounding Britt's recruitment. He holds offers from Georgetown, Miami (FL), Pitt and Xavier.
But with such a tough decision ahead, coach Turner doesn't foresee any decision being made anytime soon. "I certainly see him playing it out until the end of the summer," he said. "He's looking to gather more information, learn more, and develop a relationship with coaches."
Off-the-court, Britt works just as hard as he does on the court. His academic strengths definitely speaks measures about Britt being a true student-athlete.
Academics will also play a huge part in his decision and according to his high school coach, balance will be the key.
All of the schools that Britt is considering have strong academic backgrounds and could have an equal chance at landing the talented point guard. But, don't assume a decision will be made soon. as noted before, he may wait it out and coach Turner also said, "I don't think there is a timetable for his decision."
For the most part, Britt is a flawless athlete that continues to progress as a student-athlete under coach Turner.
Coach Turner has turned out many great guards during his tenure as head coach and Britt may be the next one out. Britt has tremendous upside and is willing to work on his game to continue getting better.
Heading into his junior season of high school, Britt can continue and hopefully join Thornton as the only player to be apart of 20-win seasons all four years at Gonzaga College HS.
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