Name: Elijah Espinosa
Height: 6-8
Position: Power Forward/Center
High School: Red Land (PA)
Graduation Class: 2024
AAU Club: TCBA Wolfpack
GPA: 3.5
Status: Uncommitted
Elijah "Espo" Espinosa is a 6-8 Power Forward from Etters, Pennsylvania. He’s a rising junior at Red Land High School, and runs with the TCBA Wolfpack on the AAU circuit. Espinosa is an up-and-coming prospect in South Central Pennsylvania.
I first discovered Espinosa at the Jr. 76ers Classic at Spooky Nook last month. He was playing my cousin’s team, South Jersey Jazz on a Sunday afternoon and I was intrigued even in warmups.
I know, I know, layup lines are layup lines. But seeing Espinosa float when dunking, and looking like one of those players who show off in warmups, it opened my eyes as I didn’t sleep much the night before. But then later in the game, there was a defensive play that really made me say to myself, “Yo, who is this kid?”
South Jersey Jazz was on the break, and one of their guards had an easy lane to the paint. Next thing you know, I saw Espinosa FLY down the middle, and pin the layup as it was going in. Yes, it was goaltending but the fact that a player busted his butt to go make an extra effort for his teammates, I haven’t been that impressed in a long time.
No matter the name.
I caught up with the 2024 prospect on his life experiences, player development and preparation for junior season.
Check it out below:
Elijah Espinosa Interview
When did you start playing basketball?
"I started playing basketball at the age of 6."
Describe how you are as a player from the skill standpoint?
"As a player, I would describe myself as someone who has a lot of presence on both ends of the floor. I would say that a considerable part of my game on defense would be shot-blocking, and on the offensive end, I would say using my athleticism to score would be my biggest strength. So in conclusion, I would say I am a player with a lot of presence on the floor."
Many people don’t know, but you’re adopted. Talk about your experiences of growing up in Etters, your family experience and being an adopted individual adapting to your environment?
"Being adopted was indeed a blessing, as I was put into a better situation that would later put me into a better position for my basketball career. Growing up In Etters has been influential because it's a place where everybody knows everybody. So It's great when you have played with the same kids your whole life in basketball."
I know that you missed the majority of your sophomore season due to injury. But how was year two for you?
"Missing my season was very hard for me because of the never-ending desire to play basketball. But during my therapy and rehab with our trainer, I came back and my ankle and foot felt better than they did before I got injured. As I was doing rehab, I was still supporting my team from the bench. As I was watching games, I realized that you can still learn so much from watching your teammates play."
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?
"To improve, I've been in weight training focused on physical development, and I have also been Training With Believe basketball. These things have helped me tremendously as a player and a person."
What are your plans for the summer?
"In the summer, I plan on playing AAU for TCBA Wolfpack. We plan on playing tournaments in Scranton, Delaware, Virginia beach, and Maryland along with many at Spooky Nook."
How has summer basketball been for you?
"Summer basketball has been good as I am playing with my school team, and learning the offense under our new coach. I am coming into my own as a player because of summer league, and it has been very helpful."
As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college basketball opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?
"Things that I would look for in a college is a college that has a major that I am interested in. I would also look for a school that prioritizes academics because academics shape the rest of your life, no matter what your career is. I would like to go to a school with a lot of people around which creates opportunities to meet new people. As for the environment, I would want it to be very sports-oriented."
Which athlete do you look up to the most?
"I look up to Michael Jordan the Most for sure."
Who do you look up to as role models?
"My role models are just all in my family. They all teach me something, and help me so much every day."
I know it is still very early, but what are you looking forward to in your junior season?
"In my junior season, I would like to play some of my best basketball yet in my high school career I would like to get into more contact with colleges and I would also like to get better every day in basketball and school to make that happen."
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me this morning. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
"My motivation for people would honestly be, 'Bet on yourself always.'"
Twitter @enterespo_
High School Coach Information
Mike Mehaffey - Email
Contact Tyreese Smith
Instagram: http://instagram.com/tyreesesmithh
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tyreesesmithh
Email: pwdculturemedia@gmail.com
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