Tatum’s play wins Gatorade award
ST. LOUIS Four-time NBA AllStar Anfernee Hardaway starred in the most recognizable shoe commercials of the 1990s, but “Lil’ Penny” downshifted into a supporting role Thursday as Chaminade College Prep (St. Louis) senior forward Jayson Tatum became the headliner.
Disguised as a beat writer and sitting among local media, Hardaway ambushed unsuspecting Tatum at a bogus news conference in the school auditorium and handed him the 2015-16 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year trophy.
“I think it’s pretty shocking for me to be holding this award right now,” said Tatum, 18, a Duke signee. “To be listed among the guys who’ve won it before, well, I’m honored just to be a finalist, let alone win it. This is right up there with winning a state championship. I was in the audience the day (Chaminade alumnus and Washington Wizards guard) Bradley Beal won this award. This was always a dream of mine.”
The 6-9 wing, who is the No. 2 recruit in the nation according to ESPN, led the Red Devils (27-5) to the Class 5 state championship, averaging 29.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and three assists. The state’s three-time Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, he is also a 2016 American Family Insurance All-USA first-team selection.
“I’m honored to be part of what is such a special day for Jayson,” said Hardaway, 44, now a philanthropist and the head coach of Memphis East High (Memphis), which produced the 2015-16 Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year, sophomore guard Alex Lomax. “I’ve known Jayson a long time, and I know how hard he’s worked. I coached a Gatorade state winner this year, so I know what it’s about. But national, that’s numero uno.”
Tatum ranks first in school his- tory with 2,676 points and 1,028 rebounds as well as No. 2 in assists (393) and blocks (200).
“Jayson Tatum has clearly developed into one of the most complete offensive basketball players in the high school game,” said Paul Biancardi, national director of recruiting for ESPN Basketball.
The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes outstanding athletic excellence as well as high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court.
Tatum is now a finalist for the Gatorade Male High School Athlete of the Year award. USA TODAY High School Sports administrates the nationwide selection process in collaboration with Gatorade.
“This is right up there with winning a state championship. ... This was always a dream of mine.” Jayson Tatum, on winning Gatorade boys basketball player of the year for the third time