2019-20 Philip Randolph High School PreSeason Preview
Looking to bounce back from last year’s drought and compete in the Manhattan Northwest A Division, the Cougars will lean on sophomore Tuwan Ellison (6’3) and junior Jordan Wiggins (6’4) to lead the way as a 1-2 punch to take over Harlem.
Ellison displays great athletic abilities on the open floor. According to his coach, Peter Gonzalez, he can become a great two-way player if he learns the defensive dance and plays every possession with intensity. Last year as a freshmen starter he showed flashes of being a new age play maker with the ability to pass and finish in transition.
With a 90 grade point average, Wiggins will bring IQ, shooting and play making abilities during games. He learned how to play basketball two years ago and has enhanced his skills tremendously from playing as a “protype bigman” to now being a POINT GUARD! Last year, he lead the team in 3 point attempts and is looking to improve his 3 point percentage from last years 33% to shooting > 45% this upcoming season.
According to Coach Gonzalez,“‘CougarNationHarlem’ is up for the challenge. We will be relying on several seniors, such as Damon Walters to help them clinch their first playoff birth since the 2016-17 season.”
“Walters will be great for us has he looks to score on every possession. His ability to stretch it and slash to the basket will give us adjustment time defensively as he carries the offensive load by himself. He has improved his ball handling skills tremendously and will fill in at the point guard position occasionally.”