Sottos Tries to Shoot Down the Comp
Monmouth Head Coach Chuck Grant prefers to compare his star player, Jake Sottos, to a Larry Bird type player with his court presence, however, with the kind of stats that Sottos is putting up, an Oscar Robertson comparison might be more appropriate.
Averaging 25 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds and 2 steals last season, Jake would like to one up his stats from a year ago.
"I want to average 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists this year," said Sottos.
By all means, a triple double average for the season is a realistic goal for the 6'3" Sottos. Sure, the competition that Monmouth plays against isn't played at as high of a level as the Red West of the Chicago Public League, but the caliber of teams that Monmouth plays against this years is very good with some solid teams.
Playing against other top teams Rock Falls, Rock Island Alleman, Abingdon and Farmington, Monmouth should have their hands full this season.
Farmington could start a lineup that sees two 6'6" players in the backcourt. Abingdon has a 6'5" shooting guard and a 6'10 center and Rock Falls and Alleman both have solid all-around teams.
"We felt like we were a break or two away from being a sweet 16 team last year," said Grant. "We feel like we have the capability to make a long run at [going downstate] this year."
Returning four starters from last year's 19-10 ball club that lost in the sectional final to Alleman, Monmouth is confident about this year.
Other players that look to help contribute to the Zippers success this year are seniors 6'2" Richie Logsdon, 6'1" Preston Nelson and 6'5" Josh Jacobs who gained 20 pounds over the summer and is now over 200 pounds.
"I feel that we have the capability to do make it downstate this year," Sottos said. "If we put it all together then no one can stop us."
"I want to average 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists this year." Jake Sottos |
Third team Class A All-State selection last year, Sottos brings the whole package for the Zippers.
"Number one, he's a competitor and that's is what sets him apart from other high school players," proudly proclaimed Grant. "He's had his best games against the state ranked teams. He averaged over 30 points last year against Farmington in the three games we played them."
No slouch on offense, Jake is able to do contribute in plenty of ways.
While he is a solid athlete at 6'3", he could theoretically play the post as evidenced by his 8 plus rebounds per game average last season. Constantly working on his jumper everyday after school at the Y with his younger brother Luke (a junior on Monmouth), Jake possesses a tremendous outside touch. Combining his outside shot with his driving capabilities, the shooting guard position is a viable option as well. But it is the point guard spot where Coach Grant prefers to use Jake the most.
"One thing that a lot of people forget about is that he averaged over 8 assists per game last year," said Grant. "He has a great court sense and he sees the openings and doesn't miss the open man. He can run the point or the two guard at a D1 program. We use him at the one [point guard] because when we have the ball in Jake's hands, good things happen."
Jake's recruiting situation has been looking quiet as of late, but could possibly increase with another solid senior year.
Having taken an official visit to Evansville earlier in the year, the Purple Aces are showing the most interest in the combo guard Sottos.
Other schools that have called include North Dakota, Eastern Illinois and Northern Illinois. Playing in a summer league in Iowa this past year, Sottos also says that Iowa has called a few times.
Although Jake is an exceptional golfer for his high school team as well, as his team has made it to state every year that he has participated since his freshmen year, he insists that the links won't be a factor in college.
Already qualified academically with a 3.4 grade point average, Sottos is currently working on improving his 18 that he received on his first ACT attempt.
Weaknesses that could be improved for the next level include improved quickness and getting physically stronger. Also, at Monmouth the majority of points scored by the Zippers go through the hands of Sottos, but better movement without the ball will be needed for the next level.
With Sottos looking forward to the season ahead, listen for the echoes of Monmouth fans chanting "Big O" if Jake does achieve his lofty goal of a triple double average.
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