Usually things don’t get too off the rails until ages 12 and up.
The pitches aren’t coming in at even close to the same trajectory.
It’s an impossible task for an umpire.
But 6-foot-5 at 11-years old is something I’ve never seen before.
I didn’t think that was possible.
And it’s not like Archange Riley-Leonard grew half a foot the day of his 11th birthday.
From the looks of it, he was already pushing 6-foot-5 at age 10.
I almost feel bad him.
Eventually, he’s going to stop growing.
There’s a good chance he doesn’t even end up being a 7-footer.
It’s possible he’s never guarded someone taller than him in his entire life.
Even when he’s playing up against 7th graders, he’s still towering over his competition.
Legitimately I hope he’s getting chances to practice with high school kids.
Every kid should get the chance to play against better competition at some point in their youth.
That’s how you get better.
But I can’t imagine how fun basketball must be for him right now.
To his credit, he seems like a great teammate.
Especially when playing with kids his age.
His team isn’t just spamming the “lob the ball to the tall kid” play.
A lot of youth coaches wouldn’t have the self-control to not do that.
But Archange is out there making passes, finding the open teammate, playing around the perimeter a bit.
It’s actually encouraging to see.
It’s a hell of a visual.
As funny as they are, I feel like I maybe shouldn’t screen shot kids.
But there’s some clips in that first video that are downright hilarious.
It’s delightful television.
Especially when size is playing such a big role.
But he seems to run very well.
He doesn’t look awkward or goofy out there at all.
I’d imagine he’s already had plenty of conversations with big time D1 scouts and coaches.
But I’m pulling for him either way.
That’s pretty awesome in it’s own right.
