Marques Bolden Looks for More in Senior Year
Marques Bolden Looks for More in Senior Year
Marques Bolden wants more for his senior year than signing his letter of intent. He wants to make lasting legacy at DeSoto
By Kendrick E. Johnson
High school basketball players all over America dream of having Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, Kentucky’s John Calipari and Kansas’ Bill Self fighting for their services.
This is reality for Marques Bolden, who is considered the best center and third best unsigned player in the country according to 247Sports. These national powerhouse programs covet the 6-11 Bolden (Desoto H.S/Dallas, Texas) because of his tradition center offensive low-post skills and his ability to dominate on the defensive end.
Despite his special talents, the highly recruited big man is amazed by all the attention he has received. “The whole recruiting process has been going pretty fast, it started as a sophomore when coaches can text and call you and now it has just blown up,” Bolden said after accepting an invitation to play in the Jordan Brand Classic. “I never really thought I’d be in this situation that I’m in now but, I’m thankful to have everything I have.”
Besides trying to choose which school he wants to take his talents to, Bolden is trying to lead his talented Desoto Eagles team to their first state title since 2009. The Eagles (30-2) are allowing 45 points a game heading into the Texas state playoffs, with Bolden leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per a game.
As a result of a dominate senior season, Bolden has been invited to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game along with the Jordan Brand Classic. With high accolades being bestowed upon him, the five-star recruit is slowly gaining the swag which usually accompanies a player of his status.
“My confidence level right now is not as high as I want it to be, but I feel it’s real high,” Bolden said. “I feel like I’m the best player on the court and I feel nobody can really stop me. That confidence level can take me pretty far because that’s half the game right there. Having a high confidence takes your game to new places.”
A perfect example of Bolden’s new found confidence was on full display at Desoto’s home showdown against district rival Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) Tuesday night. After struggling through a half of action due to foul trouble, Bolden took over the game by scoring 12 second half points, throwing down a monster dunk and grabbing 8 rebounds to lead his team to a big 73-60 win.
Consistent performances like this, are a big reason why Bolden will pick between Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Oklahoma, and TCU after the season. For those who are interested in the talented big man’s next move, here’s a little insight on what it’s going to take to get him sign on the line.
“A big factor will be the relationships I have with the coaches, the coaching staff’s and the recruiting class coming in,” Bolden said. “I would like to relate to the guys I’m coming in with and then have more than a coaching relationship with the school I’m going to.”
High school basketball players all over America dream of having Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, Kentucky’s John Calipari and Kansas’ Bill Self fighting for their services.
This is reality for Marques Bolden, who is considered the best center and third best unsigned player in the country according to 247Sports. These national powerhouse programs covet the 6-11 Bolden (Desoto H.S/Dallas, Texas) because of his tradition center offensive low-post skills and his ability to dominate on the defensive end.
Despite his special talents, the highly recruited big man is amazed by all the attention he has received. “The whole recruiting process has been going pretty fast, it started as a sophomore when coaches can text and call you and now it has just blown up,” Bolden said after accepting an invitation to play in the Jordan Brand Classic. “I never really thought I’d be in this situation that I’m in now but, I’m thankful to have everything I have.”
Besides trying to choose which school he wants to take his talents to, Bolden is trying to lead his talented Desoto Eagles team to their first state title since 2009. The Eagles (30-2) are allowing 45 points a game heading into the Texas state playoffs, with Bolden leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per a game.
As a result of a dominate senior season, Bolden has been invited to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game along with the Jordan Brand Classic. With high accolades being bestowed upon him, the five-star recruit is slowly gaining the swag which usually accompanies a player of his status.
“My confidence level right now is not as high as I want it to be, but I feel it’s real high,” Bolden said. “I feel like I’m the best player on the court and I feel nobody can really stop me. That confidence level can take me pretty far because that’s half the game right there. Having a high confidence takes your game to new places.”
A perfect example of Bolden’s new found confidence was on full display at Desoto’s home showdown against district rival Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) Tuesday night. After struggling through a half of action due to foul trouble, Bolden took over the game by scoring 12 second half points, throwing down a monster dunk and grabbing 8 rebounds to lead his team to a big 73-60 win.
Consistent performances like this, are a big reason why Bolden will pick between Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, Oklahoma, and TCU after the season. For those who are interested in the talented big man’s next move, here’s a little insight on what it’s going to take to get him sign on the line.
“A big factor will be the relationships I have with the coaches, the coaching staff’s and the recruiting class coming in,” Bolden said. “I would like to relate to the guys I’m coming in with and then have more than a coaching relationship with the school I’m going to.”