As an out of state team at the Capitol City Classic in Salem, OR, John Paul II High School (TX) was one of the younger teams in attendance, with a majority of the team’s rotation being either from the high school classes of 2024 or 2025. After playing on a team last season with RJ Jones (2023 Kansas State commit, now at Wasatch Academy), Gabe Warren (2023 Rice commit, now at Dream City Christian Academy) and Liam McNeeley (2024, now at Montverde Academy), 2024 wing Bryson McGlothin has found himself taking on a much larger role with this year’s version of the Cardinals.
At 6’7” with a 6’10” wingspan, McGlothin has a very soft touch close to the basket and an ability to stretch out to the college three-point line. He’s a quick decision maker, can handle the ball in space and uses his length well defensively, and was notably one of the better rebounders participating in the Capitol City Classic. He notched a double-double in his first two games, including a 21-point and 13-rebound performance in an overtime quarterfinal loss to Modesto Christian (CA). McGlothin’s performance was good enough for a spot on the 3rd Team All-Tournament for the Capitol City Classic, keeping in mind that he played only 23 minutes per game in his last two contests in the coaching staff’s effort to spread the minutes around to teammates who made the long trip to Salem to get playing time.
To end 2022, McGlothin returned close to home and put up some big performances at the Whataburger Tournament, averaging 21.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in three games. His season averages are in the range of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists, on 50% FG, while posting a solid three-point volume, as well. The physical tools are certainly there, and it looks like the skillset should make him a highly sought-after college prospect going into this AAU season. Recently, McGlothin spent time with Pro Insight’s Michael Visenberg to chat about his background, goals and the latest with his recruitment.
For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2024 prospect Bryson McGlothin, from Plano, Texas:
Pro Insight: How long have you been playing basketball and when did you start taking it seriously?
Bryson McGlothin: So, I've been playing basketball, you know, my whole life. I can remember you know being in kindergarten, so since I was like five years old. I know when I started taking it seriously when it was about middle school, 7th or 8th grade — I was a double sport athlete, I played quarterback in football. So that is when I decided to drop it in the 8th grade and fully focus on basketball.
PI: What do you feel you showed college coaches this past summer playing for Team Trae Young?
BM: I feel like I showed them that I can defend at a high level, move the ball, get to the rack, hit shots, and move without the ball. Stuff like that which could almost fit into any system, I feel like I am versatile.
PI: What are your goals for this upcoming season and where do you feel you will have shown improvement?
BM: Goals for this upcoming season, I want to further my recruiting. As a team I want to win state, for our school. I want to keep working within our district and go on to win state. One thing I feel like I have improved on, my overall offensive game. Things such as dribbling, handling the ball, being able to direct teammates, knocking down shots, and getting to the rack.
PI: What are some things you are focused on in terms of getting ready for college and taking your game to the next level?
BM: One of the biggest things is getting stronger and putting on more weight. Learning how to use my body more and focusing on combining that with the skills I am working on.
PI: What are you looking for in a college program both on and off the court?
BM: I want to feel somewhere where I'm at home. Where I feel like I have a family. I want them to be able to get me better, you know, I want to feel like I am in a place where I can grow.
PI: What programs are prioritizing you and showing you the most interest right now?
BM: So, I have offers from Rice and (Texas) Rio Grande Valley. I have been shown a lot of interest from University of Virginia, TCU, SMU, Louisiana Tech and California, plus a few more, but those are the main ones.
PI: Are there any schools you would like to hear from and did you have a dream school when you were younger?
BM: When I was younger, my favorite team growing up was always University of North Carolina. So that was my dream school. Other schools I would like to hear from? I don’t know, that is a tough one. Whoever feels like they want me.
PI: Have you visited any schools so far and do you have any visits lined up?
BM: Yes, so far I have visited Rice, University of Houston, plus both TCU and SMU. I don’t have any visits lined up right now, but I am looking to go on an official visit to University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
PI: How do you project your role at the college level?
BM: At the college level I kind of want to be a multi-tool player. Someone that can defend, knock down shots, get to the rack, and make the passes that we need.
PI: What are some of the things you like doing off the court?
BM: Off the court I am a big Marvel Universe fan. I cut hair; I am a barber. I actually cut a few of my teammates up! I like hanging out with my family and I really like listening to music.
PI: Who are some of your favorite artists?
BM: My favorite artists, Drake. My favorite artist of all-time is actually Michael Jackson. Pre-game, that is what I am listening to. Beat It, Thriller, Bad, best albums ever.
PI: Do you have any pre-game rituals or go-to hype music?
BM: That is my hype music, Michael Jackson. I like to get a good stretch in and relax, that kind of gets me in the mood.
PI: At the end of the day, what would you hope to be remembered for?
BM: I want to be remembered for always coming out showing intensity and heart, plus always coming out and being a competitor.