April 12, 2016
Boum ready to rock
In what universe can a player be the co-Most Valuable Player in his big city league last season as a sophomore and the Most Valuable Player this year yet still be relatively unknown? Oakland Tech's Souley Boum can't answer that question but he's doing his best to represent Oak Town, his school and himself which is what he can control.
Boum, a 6-foot-2 2017 guard who will be playing with the Team Lillard 17u squad this spring and summer, averaged 21.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 3.1 assists for the Bulldogs this season, a squad that finished 28-4 overall and 10-0 in the Oakland Athletic League. He was recently named a First Team All-East Bay Basketball honoree.
"I grew up playing basketball, I've been playing since elementary school, " Boum offered about his attachment to the sport. What does he do best on the court? "It's my scoring and my all-around shooting. I can shoot from three and go to the hoop." He shot 53% overall in 2015-16, 49% on 132 three-point attempts plus 84% on 132 shots from the foul line.
He cited Kobe Bryant as a basketball influence because "I like how hard he prepares, how hard he plays and wants to win."
Boum also sees himself as a demonstrative team leader. "Definitely. My teammates look at me so I have to be doing the right things and I am also vocal on the court." Even though the prep season has recently concluded, "I'm working out a lot, lifting weights and doing drills."
Asked what he sees as changes in his game since his freshman year, Boum said, "I'm stronger and more patient and I've learned how to use different gears when I'm playing, to change speeds, slowing down and then bursting past defenders."
He's undecided as yet but is pondering "something in the business field as a major" with the idea of possibly running his own business, "maybe a clothing store" down the road."
Boum is wide open geographically regarding recruiting. "I'm just looking for the best fit for me."
But first comes getting unveiled in the critical playing period between his junior and senior seasons.