Coach's Analysis: Trevon Faulkner
We spotlight one of Western Kentucky's key in-state targets for the 2018 class in Mercer Co. (Ky.) shooting guard Trevon Faulkner.
InsideHilltopperSports.com caught up with Mercer County head coach Josh Hamlin to get a full analysis on what the 6-foot-4, 185-pound prospect brings to the table.
- On Faulkner's strengths and overall game:
"Trevon is a smooth offensive player who attacks the rim relentlessly. He has a great ability to get to the free throw line. When he gets to the line, he is a very good free throw shooter. Trevon’s mid-range game is very good. He scores in a variety of ways on the offensive end, and is only going to continue improving. Trevon is extremely unselfish with the basketball and is a good passer. His ability to see the floor and to read defenses is something that he is truly gifted with. Trevon is one of the hardest workers that I have been around (collegiate or high school) and is always in the gym trying to get better. He is never satisfied and always understands that there is something that he can improve."
"Despite being a terrific offensive player, Trevon excels even more on the defensive end. Trevon is very aggressive on the defensive end and rebounds exceptionally well. I think that Trevon is one of the top 3-5 on the ball defenders in the state right now. Most of the times, Trevon’s best offensive games come from when he is most engaged on the defensive end. His ability to pressure the ball handler and anticipate passes while off the basketball is something that wherever Trevon chooses to attend school the fans and coaches can expect to see from him day one on campus."
- On what Faulkner needs to improve on:
"One of the things that Trevon is working on to improve is to become a more consistent 3-point shooter. We have spent some this spring and summer working on Trevon’s release. It is very quick and he elevates exceptionally well with his jump shot, but sometimes he shoots the basketball on the way down. This is something that we are continuing to work on each day in the gym. In college, Trevon will play probably play more point guard and look to get others involved (while still looking to score) and improving his 3-point shot will only make his transition to college basketball a little easier."
- On Faulkner's leadership abilities:
"Trevon is the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. He shows up during school at 6 AM to get in extra shots and work. He finishes every rep in the weight room, touches every line on sprints, and holds his teammates accountable. Sometimes with talented players, they allow their talent to lead, but not Trevon. Trevon is extremely vocal. The thing I have been so impressed with is the maturation of Trevon. Early in his career, Trevon was just the supremely talented underclassmen on an extremely talent veteran led team but that has changed. Trevon has matured so much in that regard that this summer he was walking some of our younger kids through defensive assignments when he wasn’t on the floor. He was talking to guys during scrimmages about offensive reads and rotations. Trevon would make one heck of a coach whenever his playing days are over. Having your best player be your best leader makes a coach’s job that much easier and that is what you get with Trevon Faulkner."
