Name: Ines Goryanova
Height: 5-7
Position: Point Guard
High School: Putnam Science Academy (CT)
Graduation Class: 2024
AAU Club: New York Gauchos
Offers: Canisius, Elon, FAU, George Mason, Hofstra, Monmouth, Montana State, St. Peter's, Temple, UAB, Wagner and Xavier.
GPA: 3.9
Status: Uncommitted
Ines (In·ess) Goryanova is a 5-7 Point Guard from Grays, Essex. Goryanova is an international prospect from the United Kingdom where she most recently attended the Barking Abbey School playing for the London Lions in the British Basketball League. She's also the daughter of former European basketball standout and coach, Diana Naydenova-Goryanova, who played throughout the continent in Austria. Bulgaria, Croatia and Italy winning championships and making a name for herself. As you can see, the younger Goryanova grew up in a gym. Ines told the RPN that it was always a dream for her to come to America to live the basketball dream and play at every level of in order to be successful. With her mother's guidance and her stellar play throughout her freshman year, Goryanova was offered by the Putnam Science Academy, located in Putnam, Connecticut, to be a part of their program. Leaving behind family and friends across the pond wasn't easy for Goryanova but in order to find success, there had to be sacrifices. Goryanova has been in workouts for the Mustangs since arriving this fall and is looking forward to creating her own path in the States. Let's get to know more about the British hooper!
BREAKDOWN
STRENGTHS:
Athleticism
"Goryanova is pretty strong with the rock when dribbling or penetrating into gaps. With solid strength in her core, she's able to power through defenders and move laterally."
Can score at all three levels.
"Strong scorer from all three levels. Goryanova told the RPN that she looks up to Diana Taurasi and it shows once you see her move. She really knows how to put the ball in the hoop at a young age!"
Elite Passer
"Goryanova reminds me of Jason Kidd when passing the ball. She can get really crafty on the drive and creates for others with highlight reel passes."
Floater Specialist
"One of the more smoother parts of her game, Goryanova excels at using the pull-up floater. Only being 5'7" as a guard, she uses the floater to her advantage when scoring over taller defenders."
Highest IQ in the building.
"If you need a natural playmaker on your team, Goryanova is your girl. One of the highest IQs that I have seen from one of my prospects, she is always a play ahead and makes the right reads. Whether that's scoring on offense, making the right pass or stepping into the passing lane for a steal, Goryanova is a very intelligent basketball player."
Leadership
"I usually talk more about a prospect's skillset, but one thing that Goryanova preached to me over time for her project is her leadership. As a Point Guard, it's very important being vocal and overseeing every aspect throughout a game. It is something that Goryanova prides herself in."
Lights out shooter
"Goryanova rarely hits the rim on made shots. European hoopers are known for being skilled shooters and she adds right into that category. Whether that's from deep or pulling up in the mid range, you can count on Goryanova to knock it down."
Scrappy Defender
"Goryanova is a bully on offense, but more technical on defense. From what I've watched and picked up on. Goryanova excels at jumping passing lanes and getting steals throughout games. It is very valuable to have a point guard that is a strong two way player especially with this era of basketball."
THINGS TO IMPROVE ON:
Becoming more aware while penetrating.
"Goryanova is a very aggressive scorer, but sometimes she can be too aggressive especially when attacking the paint. Sometimes, she gets caught up in attacking into crowded space and having tunnel vision. Goryanova told the RPN that this is something that she has to work on and with playing in the States now, this is something that will need to be fixed immediately."
Pressuring the ball on defense.
"Goryanova is solid off the ball, but she told the RPN that she needs to improve with guarding on the ball and applying more pressure. But I believe that Goryanova will adjusts over time to American play on this side of the ball with the help of her coaches and trainers. She's already bright in many other areas of the game and this will come naturally."
INES GORYANOVA Q&A
When did you start playing basketball?
"I started playing basketball when I was around 3, or 4."
Describe your game.
"I like to shoot a lot, but also share the ball with my teammates. I would say I'm unselfish, but take care of the ball when needed. I like to run the court, fast breaks and get the whole team running. On defense, I like to hustle for the ball and talk during defense too."
How was your freshman season playing with the London Lions in the Women's British Basketball League?
"It was amazing, I learned so many great things from great players that have so much experience, and they definitely passed some of that on to me. I learned so many new things and not just skill wise, but for example how to be in close game situations and things like that. Also, having people like Kennedy Leonard help me throughout the whole season really got me to a better level of me being a young player. At the beginning, it was difficult because I wasn’t used to playing with older players so I wouldn’t really speak up on the court. I would get quite nervous but as time passed, I got more comfortable and settled in."
Leaving your home country during these crazy times must've been very hard for you. How was the process of coming to the states in order to achieve your dreams?
"In the beginning it was definitely hard for me to adjust and to live by myself, but I really settled in and got used to it now. I miss my family a lot and it’s been difficult without them as they’ve always been there for me."
What is a typical day for you like at Putnam Science Academy?
"Some days we have a 6 A.M. So we wake up early then train and after that we go to breakfast. Then we go to school for a whole day and after school we have weightlifting. Then, we either have practice or a break for 2 hours. Some days we have study hall and some we don’t and later in the night we have dinner and then we shower and that’s it. if you have work to do then you do your work, but if you don’t then you can just rest and chill."
Growing up in the gym with your mother who's a former pro turned coach, how has her impact rubbed off on you in terms of your development as a student-athlete and role model?
“She has been my biggest role model and my biggest supporter through my whole journey. Without her I honestly wouldn’t even be where I am today. Whenever she has time, she’s training me and pushing me to my limits. We would even get into little arguments but then we work again, on and on and on. She definitely helped me love the game even more than I already do and she’s been one of the most important parts of my basketball journey."
What are some of the biggest differences or similarities that you have noticed between British and American culture?
"One main thing is accents. Like people from different states and places all sound different which is so cool to me. Also, the food portions here for fast food are way bigger than the UK ones."
You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?
"I always push myself to my best ability because what’s the point of training if your not training properly. It’s not going to benefit anyone and especially not you. I just think its not good to waste your time when that one training session could have improved your skills massively and had a great impact. Our training sessions consists of a lot of running drills like the three man weave and one more drill. We also do a lot of one-on-one and two-on-two and we play scrimmage too."
Which athlete do you look up to the most?
"My mum, Diana Taurasi."
Who do you look up to as a role model?
"Kennedy Leonard."
It’s still very early, but what are you looking forward to in your sophomore season?
"I just want to play and win this seasons title and improve as a player as much as possible."
Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people?
"Always push yourself. No matter what, it will benefit you in the end and no one else."
Ines Goryanova - Putnam Science Academy - 2024
Ines Goryanova Freshman Season Highlights with Barking Abbey (2020-2021)
Ines Goryanova Preseason Highlights with Putnam Science Academy (Fall 2021)
Twitter @inesgoryanova
High School Coaches Information
Devin Hall - Email
TaNaija Smith - Email
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