2025 Basketball Interview with Landon Scruggs from Hamilton High School

 

Landon Scruggs

Hamilton High School/Hamilton, Ohio

Pg/Sg

2028

5’10 150

Jersey Number: 4

Other sports played: Football, Soccer, Track

Please post a small recap of last season with something like a big game you had, something about a certain game, something from a bus ride to or from the game, or something that sticks out from a practice.

You know, it was a season of learning. Coming into your freshman year, you have to be open-minded. Being a sponge and taking everything in is vital. Last season brought newfound mental clarity within myself and helped me shape my game going into this year.

How long have you played basketball, and who, or what, got you started?

Playing since the YMCA days back in 1st grade, going to AAU, playing with the Cincinnati Royals for a couple of years, then transitioning to the Shining Stars program, where it’s brought some great basketball played

What makes you continue to play the game?

The opportunities, not knowing what’s in store for your season. One second you could be down, and the next you are on a roll and moving.

What part of your game do you believe is the strongest?

Mentally, I’ve always been a levelheaded player. Through the talk and my times when I’m the most defeated. Anyone I know can tell you I’ll always have a smile on my face whether we’re winning by 50 or losing by 50.

What do you feel you need to improve the most as far as your game goes?

Improvements such as on the defense side are very important to me. That’s a part of my game that the coaches over the summer intensified, showing me the level it takes to compete at the varsity level and into the next level.

What are your personal goals for the season?

Being the best leader possible, as a sophomore growing into my role from the verbal and physical standpoint, as a player it’s very important to me, along with the fact of how I can translate that into practice and every game day.

How would you describe your style of play?

I’ll always take pride in my shooting, but my ability to see the floor and my overall basketball IQ are things I’ve developed and am still developing over time. Generally, I’m a guard that’s not always looking for my own shot but looking to create.

What is the toughest part of being a multi-sport student athlete?

Time consumption is an easy answer. Playing two sports in the fall makes the seasons, such as winter and spring, feel like a breeze. Going from 3 practices a day in the summer to 2 a day to only one is definitely a cycle. I’ve come to be able to enjoy and also hate it at times, but with the best understanding that I’m only willing to do these things to make it to the next level.

Point guard or shooting guard, which one do you prefer to play? Explain

Point guard, being a general on the floor and seeing everything I possibly can is something I’m confident in doing. Having the trust from my teammates and coaches to do so makes it easier and so much more enjoyable.

What scares you?

Injuries—not knowing that any moment could be the moment that could put you out for weeks on end—are terrifying.

Who are your role models?

My parents, being lucky enough to be given the tools and mental and physical experience they’ve gained and truly transmitted to me through my life, are a huge help. My dad likes to say pressure is a privilege, and it’s something I truly take in and lock in on.

What is your favorite class or subject?

I’d have to say my media and communication class. It really helps me learn and use what I already know about the platforms we use and the efficiency of content we put out into the social media world.

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