One of the top targets for Kentucky in 2012 is Arkansas product Archie Goodwin.
Goodwin is said to be the best player in Arkansas since Joe Johnson who plays for the Atlanta Hawks.
Nate Olsen of Vype Magazine talks about Goodwin’s work ethic and how it matches his talent.
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It didn’t take the [B]UALR[/B] players long to realize they were witnessing something special. The high school kid more than holds his own in pick-up games with the college guys.
“They play with him and say, ‘He is going to be a Top 10 pick in the NBA Draft,’” UALR senior guard [B]Solomon Bozeman[/B] said. “He dominates.”
[B]Sylvan Hills[/B] junior [B]Archie Goodwin[/B] wows fans and college coaches alike with his athleticism. However, Bozeman said it’s an intense work ethic that allows Goodwin to rank as one of the Top 20 players in the country.
The pick-up games at UALR’s Stephens Center, which began when he was 14, are just a part of his regimen. A self-proclaimed ‘gymaholic’ Goodwin has dedicated most of his free time to honing his craft.
“I’m always in the gym. I even workout after games,” Goodwin said. “All I want to do is play basketball. I put the extra time in now because I want to go to college for a year, and then go to the NBA. That’s what drives me.”
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Goodwin also has a great support group, and his family seems like his strongest asset to his development as a person and a player.
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Goodwin’s success began with a solid foundation. His father [B]Archie Goodwin II[/B], who played at [B]Arkansas State[/B], introduced him to the game when he was four.
“He always got me excited because he is only 5-foot-9. But he can dunk,” Goodwin said.
His stepfather, [B]Datron Humphrey[/B], who played high school basketball at [B]JA Fair[/B], continues to emphasize hoops fundamentals and discipline. Together, with Goodwin’s mother, the family has kept Goodwin on the right track.
“They make sure I don’t get big-headed,” he said. “They are going to keep me grounded, and make me work hard.”
Bozeman points to a few years ago when the parents wouldn’t allow Goodwin to play summer basketball because his grades slipped.
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Archie already has 2 AAU National Championships, but he is wanting a whole lot more.
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“I won’t feel comfortable leaving high school without a state championship,” said Goodwin, who averages close to 28 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists per game. I am focused on that. I have already won two (national AAU championships.) I want to win one on every level.”
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Archie Goodwin is all over Kentucky’s radar, which was more apparent after Calipari offered him after a visit to Sylvan Hills High School game.
Goodwin’s work ethic alone has me hoping Cal will grab him for the 2012 season.
[I][SIZE=1]Article Source: Ihigh.com[/SIZE][/I]
