Reid Travis Review

In the 2013 Minnesota Timberwolves Shootout, DeLaSalle High out of Minnesota lost to Blue Valley Northwest from Iowa 57-52. While the home team lost the game, their nationally acclaimed big man Reid Travis (#29 – 2014) had himself quite a ball game with 29 points and 15 rebounds. 

1^st Half

5-12 FG’s, 4-5 FT’s

Travis struggled a bit in the first half with his shots close to the rim, but still managed to score almost 75% of DeLaSalle’s points in the first half as the Islanders trailed 19-24. All five of Reid’s baskets came close to the basket in a mixed manner. He cleaned up several of his own misses as Blue Valley Northwest did not have the size to match-up with him while also hitting lay-ups and a short four foot jump shot. Travis did miss his only shot outside of the paint which was a 14 foot jump shot from the left wing. 

 2^nd Half

6-8 FG’s, 3-5 FT’s

Travis established his post presence right off the bat in the 2^nd half as the tempo and scoring increased for both teams. In a much more efficient 2^nd half, Travis led his team back and forced Blue Valley to send double and triple teams in the post. All eight of his shots came from within the paint with six of them connecting.

 Strengths:

Athleticism, strength, and rebounding.

Travis corralled 15 rebounds during the game with several coming on the offensive end. At 6’8” and 240 pounds, Reid is already built for the college game and definitely won’t be one of the freshmen that needs to find the weight room upon his arrival on campus. Travis used his size and strength and dominated in the post against Blue Valley in the second half. A star on the football field as well, Travis brings his gridiron experience to the hardwood.

Weaknesses:

Go-to post moves and outside shooting.

The majority of Reid’s points came from offensive put-backs and over powering his defender with a distinct size advantage. When Blue Valley Northwest began to send extra defenders to the post, Travis struggled with quick decision making. Over the next year and a half, Travis will need to perfect either a short jump hook or one dribble power move to score consistently against defenders with similar size and athleticism. Travis showed off solid form at the line going 7-10; however he will need to establish a consistent 10-12 foot jumper to excel in the college ranks.

Overall:

Despite the loss, Reid Travis was physically superior to his competition. He controlled the glass and the paint in the second half. Travis already possesses the physical traits to become a successful player at the next level and will now just need to continue to hone his post moves and shooting ability.