A gift parachuted into North County this year when Nash Avery, a 6-foot-8 freshman swingman chose to attend his hometown school instead of going private. He initially intended to play for Bishop Ireton in Alexandria, Virginia, even competing on its DMV Hoops Live squad over the summer.
As the Knights transformed from a bottom-dweller into a serious candidate for the county championship, much of the credit has been laid on Avery’s shoulders. Going into the last week of the Anne Arundel regular season, he ranks 10th in the county, averaging 16.8 points per game, while also pulling down 10.3 rebounds per game.
Avery recently talked with The Capital Gazette about his choices and goals.
Editor’s note: Some questions and answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.
What brought you to North County?
I just wanted to get more of a guard experience. At Ireton, it wasn’t that they’d limit me to a certain spot, but I wasn’t getting the work I need, being used as a center. I have the natural skill to play anywhere on the court, and I want to improve in the guard spot, maybe even try small forward.
Are you getting to do that?
Yeah, I’m getting a lot here and outside of school, in training. Mostly ball-handling and getting open, easier shots.
So how did you end up going public instead of private?
I was really close to going to Spalding, actually. But when I got there, there was going to be a 30-day wait until I could actually play in a game. I couldn’t do that — that’s wasting half the season. But I don’t mind coming here. I know a lot of people. I grew up here.
So when you arrive at North County, is it how you pictured your high school team?
Probably not. I originally thought I was going to go to one of the DC private schools. When I told [my teammates] I was gonna come here, they were pretty shocked. But, wherever life takes me.
Preseason starts, you’re getting to know this team that hasn’t had a lot of luck or competitiveness in the last couple years. What is that like, coming from programs built to be competitive?
I think it’s better because as I get to improve them. I’m also improving myself. It’s not always best playing around high-level guys, although sometimes they push you to be better. But that’s why I came here. I want to push them to be better.
It’s kind of cool that this team has completely turned around. What has that experience been like to watch a program just shape so fast?
It’s really good in my eyes. They didn’t succeed last year, but we’re succeeding a lot more now. We beat Glen Burnie, and the last time we beat them was a while ago. It’s a really big difference to see them winning.
Other than the obvious — height and high-level experience — what do you feel you’re bringing to this team?
I wouldn’t say hype, but definitely bringing energy. I’m not gonna say there wasn’t any here, with Carlos [Pineda], Josiah [Bryant] and Kevin [Burks]. They form a team even if I wasn’t here.
Coaches talk about you. One told me he thought you had “high Division I,” even “NBA potential.” Have you ever heard people talk about you that way, and what would that do for your motivations and what you’re building toward?
I hear a lot of people talk about me that way. My last coach compared me to Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown [of the Boston Celtics]. Right now, I compare myself more to Giannis Antetokounmpo [of the Milwaukee Bucks] because I’m like a high-motor player. I’ll play wherever I’m needed during a game. But if it’s an easier game, I try to work on the things I need to get better at.
Talk about that motor a little bit. What do you feel separates you from maybe some of the other high-level guys?
Definitely point defensive side. If we need to get a stop or a rebound, I’m gonna be the guy to get it.
As you know, this team hasn’t had a lot of success in recent years. What would it mean for you to bring them to a new level this season?
If I can bring this team a championship, it would mean a lot. This is my hometown.
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