By Bobby Narang
Yorkville Christian High School senior guard David Douglas, Jr. is a player on the rise this Summer.
Douglas learned all the ins and outs of becoming an elite player last season. He watched former teammate Jaden Schutt become one of the top players in the country last season. Douglas witnessed how Schutt, a Duke freshman guard, handled the pressure of high expectations and dealing with opponents — and fans — targeting him every game.
Now, it’s Douglas’ turn.
“I’m trying to step into a leadership role,” Douglas said. “We lost seven seniors and a couple of other guys. We played tough. Josiah (Mayes), Trey (Lombardo) and Brady (Sovern) are all back, but we have a very young team. I learned from Jaden to be a very hard worker, don’t listen to the outside noise, whether it’s good or bad, and to keep working and focus on your goal and your dream.”
The Mustangs will need Douglas to step up his game following the graduation of several top players, plus the transfers of some notable rotations players. The Mustangs, including Douglas, have the added pressure of defending their Class 1A state championship.
“Last year he was the fourth or fifth guy on everybody’s scouting report, but now is at the top,” Yorkville Christian head coach Aaron Sovern said. “It’s different how you handle that role. People are not driving and kicking out to you. His game is developing. He extended his range, won the three-point contest downstate. His pull-up game has really developed the last six months. He can get a defender off-balanced and stop and pop and finish at the rim. On backdoor plays, he’s dunking.”
The 6-4 Douglas, who has an offer from Minnesota Duluth, said he’s worked on his strength and conditioning to handle the rigors of leading the offense.
“My defense has improved,” Douglas said. “I know I can shoot and be a playmaker. It’s going to be interesting. This will be the first time at the varsity level experiencing this. I want to keep everybody on the varsity team on the same page. We learned a lot (in June). We’re getting better as a team.”
Douglas is set for a breakout July after averaging 10.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. He made 50 three-pointers in his junior season.
Sovern said Douglas is a player to watch in Chicagoland next season.
“He’s a quiet leader, but now is being more focal and starting to embrace that process,” Sovern said. “He hitting the weight room, and using his length to be a presence on the defensive end. He has one to two chase-down blocks a game, demonstrating his developing athleticism.”