COACH O’s CORNER

I recently had the privilege to witness Makani Whiteside in a basketball workout alongside some of Southern California’s top talent. To say I walked away impressed is an understatement.

Makani is a 6’3 2019 PG that takes a no nonsense approach to honing his craft.  Blessed with length and an imposing frame, Makani is an absolute menace on the court.  He stays in attack mode and lives in the paint. Currently he’s working on finding more consistency on his jump-shot and becoming more of a vocal leader at the lead guard spot. Makani recently transferred from St. John Bosco to play for legendary guard coach, Derryck Taylor at Taft. There he will team up with Eybl MVP and Virginia commit Kihei Clark to form one of the best backcourts on the westcoast.

After the workout I sat down with Makani to discuss his goals, who is recruiting him, and his taste in music.

COACH O

Who’s currently recruiting you?

MAKANI

Arizona, USC, Tulane, Davidson and San Diego State are a few of the schools that are recruiting me the hardest.

COACH O

In an ideal world what college(s) and/or conference would you like to play in?

MAKANI

I’m not really sure, I do know that whatever college I go to I want to come in and be able to make an impact right away.

COACH O

In your current state what would you say are your biggest strengths?  What areas are you looking to refine?

MAKANI

I would say my biggest strength is my ability to get to the rim and make plays, finishing or finding someone open on the perimeter or dumping it to a big.

An area I’m looking to improve in is consistency on my shooting form.  I tend to change my form depending on the shot and situation but I’m working on keeping it the same every time.

COACH O

What are some goals you are looking to attain this year? Team ? Individual?

MAKANI

One of my goals this year is to average a double-double in points and rebounds. 15 plus points and try to get at least 6 assists a game.

For the team goals, looking to win the City Title and State Tourney this year.

COACH O

What’s your typical workout regimen? Off Season v In Season?

MAKANI

During the season I like to workout before school and get up shots. Sometimes get another workout after practice.

In the off season I usually do my lifts in the morning. Followed by getting in the gym to work on shooting and handling with some conditioning.  I usually go to the sand dunes later in the day and do conditioning there.

COACH O

Which player do you emulate the most? Why?

MAKANI

The player I feel like I emulate the most is Russell Westbrook. I’m about the same size as him and I feel that I have the same playmaking abilities as him. I can grab boards, assist, and score.

COACH O

Top 3 movies of all time?

Top 3 Rappers?

MAKANI

Movies: Cars, Sleepless, and Friday

Rappers: Lil Wayne, T.I., and Kanye West

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Let’s not judge him on his taste in music….  No Jay Z or J Cole?  Makani is very committed and has an old school mentality. Whatever college he decides to attend will be getting a throwback workhorse with the new age swag.