JACKSON, MS -- When you think of basketball in Jackson, Mississippi some legendary names come to mind. Players such as Othella Harrington, Monte Ellis, Mo Williams and most recently Malik Newman have been McDonald’s All Americans. While there are a number of others who have flown below the radar in this hoops hotbed, one name that won’t be below the radar for much longer is 2017 Velma Jackson guard Nick Weatherspoon.

Weatherspoon is a freak athlete who made a name for himself with his defense, rebounding and high flying dunks on the Adidas circuit this summer. The brother of current Mississippi State freshman Quinndary Weatherspoon also maintains a 3.2 GPA and was willing to talk with Next Up Recruits about his goals for the season and schools he is currently considering.

Q & A with Nick:

NextUpRecruits: Entering your Junior season what are your strengths and some things you need to improve in your game?

Weatherspoon: My strengths are playing whatever role my team needs me and getting to the rim and finishing. I need to work on my jumps shot becoming more consistent.

NUR: What do you see as your natural position at the next level and also what positions on the floor do you feel you can defend?

Weatherspoon: I definitely see myself as a point guard and I feel like I can defend either guard position.

NUR: Coming from Velma Jackson which has won 3 straight state championships, what are some goals you have for yourself and your team next season?

Weatherspoon: Just to become a better player and a better leader. I need to lead my team on and off the court and do whatever it takes to win.

NUR: Being a younger guy on a State Championship team last season, what are some of the things you have to do in order to step up and be the leader of the squad?

Weatherspoon: I need to play more defense, be more aggressive offensively and shoot the ball more. I just need to set the tone every day in practice.

NUR: Having seen your brother Quinndary go through the recruiting process what are some of the things you can take from that experience to help yourself

Weatherspoon: I will look at the guys that are leaving and coming in at my position and I will look at how I relate to the coaches. You have to have some kind of bond with the head coach.

NUR: With that being said, who are some of your offers currently?

Weatherspoon: Mississippi St, Ole Miss, UConn, Miami, Florida St, Memphis and Ohio State.

NUR: Do you feel any increased pressure to stay in state? Whether it’s Miss. St. Ole Miss, or Southern Miss?

Weatherspoon: No I don’t feel any pressure to stay home.  Between me, my coach and my family, we all just want to make sure I go where I’m comfortable.  If that happens to be in the state of Mississippi then that’s where I’ll be.

NUR: What has made Velma Jackson into one of the top high school basketball programs in the South and a 3 time state champion?

Weatherspoon: Velma is where all the talents at now and if you’re a basketball player in Jackson that’s where you want to go. We work hard nonstop and compete at everything on and off the court.

NUR:  Is there someone at the next level College or NBA that you model your game after?

Weatherspoon: It wouldn’t be anybody but Russell Westbrook, that’s who I model my game after with the way I attack the rim and my explosiveness.

NUR: Having seen you play multiple times, one thing that stands out to me is the way you rebound the basketball, for a guard you are an elite rebounder. Where does that come from?

Weatherspoon: My coach makes me rebound and if I don’t I’m going to hear about it. I don’t mind going down there and helping the big guys rebound and I like being physical. I follow my shot and get rebounds on the offensive end, my coach makes sure we all rebound.

NUR: Lastly, what is your main motivation to be the next player from Jackson to make it to the next level?

Weatherspoon: My motivation to make it is my family. My mama and daddy work hard all the time and I’m going to make it so they don’t have to work so hard and I can take care of them one day.