By: Antonio G. Castillo
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Every year it’s a battle in the Tri-Regions for division one talent to pick up those inevitable low to mid major offers. A prospect only needs one, and some are very fortunate that one offer may open the gates to more. Killeen Ellison’s Shamir Bogues is the perfect example.
Early in the recruiting process, he was offered by UIW, and in the last week he picked up offers from Texas A&M Corpus-Christi, South Dakota University, and soon to be a division one program in the WAC, Tarleton State.
Bogues remains one of the top un-committed seniors in all the Tri-Regions and it was only a matter of time before the 6’4” guard saw his recruiting stock go up.
“That was really big with my recruitment, a lot more coaches started following me on twitter. High Point University has also recently started talking to me. UIW has been still in contact, they’ve been telling me to take my time and to pick the best school for me,” said Bogues. “New Mexico has been in contact also. They first started talking to me after I started playing with Drive Nation. They calmed down, but recently they started picking back up.”
During the pandemic of COVID-19, Bogues like most everybody else was shocked, didn’t really know to feel, and in short, his senior year of high school likely was over, except for online classes.
Now a days you’ll find him working out, getting up and down in his own driveway at home. He does conditioning and also knocks out some squats, doing his best to stay in shape.
With his recruitment just picking up, he doesn’t have a specific deadline for making a decision. He leans on his family, and old brother, Shannon Bogues, who went the juco route before starring at Stephen F. Austin. The older Bogues is a great sounding board and knows firsthand of how tough the recruiting game can be.
With the uncertainty looming that there could possibly be no time allowed for official visits for the unsigned seniors of the 2020 class, Shamir is focused on three specific traits of what he’s looking for in a program at the next level.
“First I look at the academics. Secondly, I look at the style, and thirdly if there’s a lot of competition in my position. I’ve been doing my own research in getting to know these colleges and universities.”
Only time will tell if things get back to normal and Shamir is able to take any visits before the all-important decision of committing, and eventually signing a letter of intent.
Bogues played a critical part in the Eagles success this past season. The team had an overall record of 35-5, and was one game away from making it to the State Tournament, losing to Wylie in the Regional Final.
His performance on the court this season earned him both All-Region and All-State honors. He averaged 15ppg, 5rebs, and 2stls
With his height and length, Bogues can be a 2 or a 3, depending on the system, and be a ball-handler if needed. His shot has drastically improved and is the most consistent it’s ever been as he emerged as a legitimate threat from the perimeter his senior season. He does not strictly rely on his jump shot though, he’ll use his athleticism and length to attack the hoop and finish. The bonus with Shamir is that he’s a plus defender. He uses his hands and quickness to harass other guards.
Over the coming weeks, a program will be landing a talented guard. He has the ability to be a solid three-year contributor with the right program. Don’t be surprised if he even logs some meaningful minutes next season. It wouldn’t be news to Shamir, people overlooking him or paying him no attention. All he does is continue to work hard, grow, and prove the experts wrong.