Cali's High-flying shooting guard Cassius Stanley Showcases his Talents on Both Coasts
Cassius Stanley driving past as defender during the Slam Summer Classic last month at Dyckman Park. Photo Credit: Jeffery Armstrong/Visions by Jeff
Playing at one of the top proving grounds in basketball is a rite of passage if you consider yourself an elite basketball player. Here in NYC Dyckman Park has become a proving ground for not just basketball players in NYC but players across the nation.
The Slam Summer Classic Vol. 1 on August 18th was the perfect opportunity for many of these players from outside the NYC area to accomplish that goal. Out of many of the top prospects that played, many of them stood out and one of them was Cassius Stanley a 6-5 guard out of Los Angeles, California. Stanley showcased his high flying skills as well as some of his outside shooting touch. Cassius Stanley's 16-point performance capped off an eventful two days in NYC. It's also worth noting that Stanley's Dyckman Debut was on his 19th birthday. After the game, I had the chance to speak to him and he spoke highly about his experience at one of NYC's hallowed grounds . “ my first experience playing here at Dyckman was great the crowd, the atmosphere and the announcer it’s crazy out here". Says Stanley.
Stanley's Debut at Dyckman Park was one of many highlights of a epic summer for the rising senior guard at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California. Stanley made his return to the Nike EYBL circuit to finish his AAU Career with Team Why Not? a team sponsored by 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Stanley led Team Why Not? to their first Peach Jam Championship appearance in the program's first year. Despite falling in the title game to Team Take over Stanley has high hopes for the program. “Playing on Team Why not was a great experience Russell Westbrook was really involved with the team and we were able to make the Peach Jam Title game in our first year which was very unprecedented. I really think the future is bright with this program". along with a strong final AAU season, Stanley was also selected to participate in numerous camps including Pangos All-American camp and Nike Basketball Academy as well as others.
When Cassius Stanley wasn’t at a camp or AAU tournament he was back home in LA playing at another well-known proving ground in his own hometown, the Drew league out in South Central with Team Hometown Favorites. Cassius played along side with several of his Team Why Not ? teammates and local ballers from the area and USC incoming freshman Kevin Porter Jr. Cassius Stanley described the differences between playing at both courts. “At Dyckman, it’s a lot more one on one and its about your skill set. there isn't any help defense being played so you got to guard your man. At the Drew league, it’s more pro basketball than street ball you have to call plays, help defense, and ball screens. I would say its more of well coached professional game". Not many players in the nation can say they had the chance to play in Dyckman and at the Drew League and Cassius is one of a few players that said he did.
Impressed with his first time experience at Dyckman, Stanley definitely sees himself returning in the near future. " Oh I definitely see myself coming back to Dyckman in the future I had a great experience here and it was really fun".
Slam Summer Classic Vol. 1 Highlights courtesy of SLAM on You Tube
Stanley's big summer has come to a close, and he already has his mind set on his last season at Sierra Canyon school in Chatsworth, California with many goals on his mind. "My goals for this upcoming season is to win a state championship, become a McDonald's All-American, get all of the accolades and continue to improve as a player and prepare for the next level". With Kansas, USC, Arizona, Oregon, UCLA and Texas as his final six schools, It's a sure thing that what ever school lands him will get an ultra-athletic wing who will make a huge impact.
Cassius Stanley's Drew League Debut video courtesy of Baller Visions on You Tube
