This past season the capital district saw a handful of local talent reach their goals and dreams of playing Division I basketball. Jordan Gleason, a rising senior from Watervliet High School and a member of the class of 2013, hopes to follow that same path. This past year he starred for head coach Orlando DiBacco. According to coach DiBacco, “Jordan’s best attributes are his ability to defend both on the ball and off the ball. His competitiveness separates him from others. He hates to lose.” Basketball is clearly a priority for this Watervliet High School standout but the solid work he has put into his education will open doors that sometimes are left shut for many talented players that cannot get it done in the classroom.
On the court, Jordan’s even temperament and steady play afford him the luxury of allowing the game to come to him. You won’t see many forced shots or poor decision making come out of this player. He is very level headed and has an almost methodical approach for baiting his offensive and defensive opponents. Once he strikes he can mix it up in a variety of ways within his very talented and diverse skill set. Quick and athletic, Jordan can rise to the level of the competition he is facing. He has exceptional jumping ability coupled with a great anticipatory defensive mentality. Jordan tracks the ball very well and can read when a pass is coming in an offense allowing him “pick off” after “pick off.” He has been able to refine these skills in his school program along with his spring season position on the highly acclaimed Albany City Rocks Nike Sponsored AAU Travel Team. This experience has allowed him to compete with and against some of the best talent in the country. Jordan has been receiving mid major attention and is a very likely a full scholarship player at the Division 1 level.
Upstate Scouting Service had the opportunity to ask him several questions about his summer plans and what the future may hold. Take a look at what he had to tell us:
Jordan Gleason #1
2011-2012 Season Stats
Points Per Game 17.8
Assists Per Game 2.0
Blocks Per Game .8
Rebounds Per Game 4.7
Steals Per Game 3.1
Points 446
Q: What are your plans for this summer?
A: I plan on playing AAU with the Albany city rocks , getting stronger and working hard over the break to improve everything overall.
Q: Are there any select camps or clinics you will be attending?
A: Nothing is set in stone with any camps at this point but there is a lot of possibilities.
Q: What would you consider your best attributes to be as a basketball player?
A: My ability to get all of my team mates involved. I bring energy on the defensive end and I let the game come to me.
Q: What position do you see yourself playing at the next level?
A: point guard / combo guard
Q: What abilities can you bring to the next level as a player?
A: My ability to shoot the three, get to the basket, defend, steal the basketball and rebound very well out of my position. With those things I can help my team win on what is left for my high school career and continue when I go to the college level.
Q: What are the things you need to keep improving on?
A: Overall “everything” can always improve. I have been doing a lot of work on my jump shot and ball handling this year which has improved my game. But as any athlete knows improving is something you always have to work on. Your game is never too good…work, work and more work.
Q: Have you been contacted by any schools, and if so who has shown interest?
A: There have been several different schools which have shown interest including:
SIENA, UALBANY, NORTHEASTERN, CENTRAL CONNECTICUT, BUFFALO, ROBERT MORRIS and UNCG
Q: What type of program are you looking for at the collegiate level? (Ex: highest level, best overall fit, best academics?)
A: I would say that we are looking for all of the above. I am looking to get the best education possible, and to play at the highest level where I would fit. Overall the two most important things would be best education and best fit into a college program such as a place where I can see myself playing for all 4 years.
Q: How do you fair academically?
A: I work hard and do well in the classroom. I carry an 85+ average
Q: What are your aspirations for the upcoming high school season?
A: I want to lead my team to a state championship and become ready for the next level
We anticipate seeing Jordan during the summer and when next season begins. Coach DiBacco has a very good nucleus of returning talent and Watervliet should once again be a major force in New York State. Coach DiBacco will rely on Jordan in a variety of ways next season including paving the way for the younger players in the program. “Next year, Jordan is looking forward to becoming more vocal and helping younger players push themselves to be ready for varsity level.
1 Comment
Awesome, nice article