Sheick Samoura Will Make Sure You Know His Name

On September 8, 2020 Sheick Samoura surprised many when he announced his commitment to Air Force. You see the surprise did not come because Samoura was not good enough, quite the contrary. Those who had seen Samoura play thought he was a great get for Air Force, in that league. However, the issue was, not many people (scouts, media and coaches all included) had seen Samoura play.

The first couple years of his high school career, the high academic Samoura attended the Triangle School of Math and Science. This is a school who had only had a basketball program for four years, and in those four years had amassed a combined record of 27-39. But for those who were looking closely you saw an athletic junior who averaged 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 blocks per game.

Yes, let me reiterate, the (then) 6’2” junior averaged 2 steals and 4 blocks per game, I will give you a second to let those numbers sink in. This was good for fourth in the state.

Since having been measured at 6’2” prior to the start of his junior year, Samoura has transferred to Fuquay Varina High School and shot up to 6’4” (almost 6’5”). He still brings that same type of energy, length and pop to the floor, however it is wrapped in a more skilled, stronger and more confident package.

Samoura started his senior season off just as one would expect, 26 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks against Holly Springs High. Looking ahead, Samoura may be the best wing still available in the Carolinas and the college coaches who did not know about him when he first committed to Air Force, should make it a point to know his name this time around.

What Sheick Said…

How would you describe yourself as a player?

Tenacious. Active and athletic. Trying to do what I can to help my teammates get better, and ultimately win.

You recently decommitted from Air Force, what all went into that decision for you?

It was mainly the military aspect. Nothing wrong with that, but I feel like I rushed things and realized that wasn’t for me, and what I want to do.

What do you feel like it is you “want to do”?

I want to be a forensic pathologist

So academics are really important to you?

Yes, coming from the School of Science and Math, I have a 4.2 and a 1450 SAT (2-part). I am actually young for my grade, I skipped a grade early on for academic purposes.

What schools have hit you up since you announced your decommitment?

I have heard from Siena, UMass, Niagara as well as Princeton and Fairfield.

What did you work on, with your game, this summer?

Shooting, a lot of shooting. I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t a great shooter last year. It still isn’t where I want it to be, but it’s a lot better.

Sheick Samoura Scouting Report

The first thing you notice about Samoura is he may be the most instinctive defender in North Carolina. He uses his exceptionally long arms and quick twitch athleticism to jump passing lanes and block shots all over the floor. He has quick feet and great anticipation when guarding the ball as well. Offensively, he plays with a nice pace on the ball, initiating offense at times with this team. He gets downhill in a decisive manner and has the ability to finish (and he tries to finish) on top of your big man’s head. He gets to the free throw line with a quick first step. In his season opener he finished going 2-4 from three and 4-4 from the free throw line, so the jump shot is showing promise.

There is a lot to like here, and when you couple that with a 4.2 GPA and a 1450 SAT, the upside is immense.