Meet the Freshmen: Gonzaga’s Josh Perkins

Mar 20, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs head coach Mark Few during practice before the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

When Josh Perkins was set to announce his college decision on Denver 9 morning news broadcast on August 24, he had Gonzaga’s fanbase on pins and needles.

Perkins was the Bulldogs number one prospect and it showed by Mark Few’s persistence while recruiting him; the Gonzaga head coach watched Perkins play any chance he got, whether it was on the AAU circuit or at his high school games.

Perkins eventually made it official, announcing his decision by writing Gonzaga Bulldogs on his stomach and showing the camera. In his explanation, Perkins famously said “you got to love who loves you,” crediting Few’s tenacious recruitment.

Almost a year later, Perkins is in Spokane and is ready to be a Zag. In case it is not clear, here is all there is to know about four-star point guard Josh Perkins.

At Regis Jesuit High School

Perkins spent his first three seasons of high school ball at Regis Jesuit High School, where he put up ridiculous numbers.

According to MaxPreps.com, Perkins averaged 25.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.7 steals in his junior season. His sophomore season statistics were still solid, with Perkins averaging 18.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.0 steals.

During his junior season, he was the Aurora Sentinel’s Co-Player of the Year for the 2012-2013 basketball season and led 5A state is scoring and was second in assists.

Perkins played with the Colorado Miners AAU program, and was a big part of his club teams success on the AAU circuit.

At Huntington Prep

Perkins transferred to the esteemed prep school Huntington Prep in Huntington, WV. for his senior season, allowing him to go up against some of the best talent in the nation. Subsequently, his numbers went down, but that was more of a product of Huntington Prep being loaded with talent.

The senior point guard averaged 8.0 points, 2.7 boards and 5.1 assists at Huntington Prep. Perkins was blessed with top talents JaQuan Lyle (Oregon commit), Montique Gill-Caesar, Thomas Bryant, Miles Bridges, Jalen Lindsey (Providence Commit) and Angel Delgado (Seton Hall commit) – played with Huntington Prep for half the season – to dish the rock to and rack up assists.

Perkins and Huntington Prep played in the Dick’s High School Basketball Tournament, which featured eight of the top high school basketball programs in the country. Huntington Prep made it to the semifinals, losing to Monteverde Academy 56-51. Perkins averaged 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists throughout the two games Huntington Prep played in the contest.

Impact at Gonzaga

Perkins has the talent to wreak havoc in the WCC, especially with his court vision. Perkins is a phenomenal passer, and is able to set up his teammates in spectacular fashion. His elite court vision allows him to always recognize the open man on the court, and feed him the rock at the opportune time.

The 6-foot-3 floor general is solid in many other aspects of the game as well; Perkins has a very fluent 3-point jumper, he can drive in the lane and finish, he can handle the ball at a high level, he is a decent defender and an above average athlete. However, the aspect of Perkins’ game that stands out the most is his passing.

With Kevin Pangos, Gary Bell Jr. entering their senior season, a starting role will be hard to come by for Perkins. However, with his talent, it will be impossible for head coach Mark Few to deny Perkins playing time at the point guard spot. Pangos showed the ability to play off the ball last season, and he might have to do that more to allow Perkins to slide into the point guard slot for stretches.

In the future, Perkins will be Gonzaga’s future starting point guard, barring any setbacks.