High Academic, Mismatch '22 Schayes Culminates Journey In Orlando
By Zach Smart
Logan Schayes speaks in such an articulate and descriptive style, you may not believe you're talking to a teenager when having a conversation with the quiet and charismatic big man.
A top remaining unsigned elite academic Class of 2022 prospect Schayes is cerebral and sound in all facets as a left-handed combo forward, a complete player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8npMMNrtwY&list=PLVV3SSC9rvwKKiIatcaDOx5zgkOzXuqSg&index=7
The son of 18-year NBA star Danny Schayes, Logan grew up learning the game on a high level and is a high IQ player with tremendous court sense.
Unfortunately, due to extended family issues, Logan was forced to move states and change schools the year before COVID hit causing him to fall off the radar of many scouting services. Then due to COVID, getting back into the mix has been an interesting challenge. He brings the elevated diction of a surefire Ivy Leaguer, an aspect paralleling his academic pedigree (33 ACT 3.5 GPA) and between-the-ears approach to the game.
This soft-spoken, gentle behemoth perception you get from him rapidly dissipates, however, when you witness his style on the hardwood (Logan's personal website CLICK HERE).
At 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, the Phoenix, Arizona native is a workmanlike presence on the glass. He's authored scoring efficiency (five games of 14 points on less than 10 shot attempts) and has a legitimate faceup game.
He's totaled multiple games of double-digit rebounds (including seven offensive boards during a win over DME Academy at CPCA's own tournament) and brings a deft passing big man aptitude.
Floating freely along the interior, Schayes has been a consistent target on a CPCA team which has dealt with a guard surplus.
Bulldozing his way to the rim, relishing contact, and feeding cutters ambidextrously, he's shown college ready intangibles. Given his ability to knock down shots and fire from 3-point range at 6-7, the combo forward spreads the floor and is able to exploit mismatches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnLA8LARio4
Schayes has read plenty of best sellers, including Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers." He's taken some perspective from each book he reads, as he recently wrapped up "Relentless: From Good To Great To Unstoppable," by Tim S. Glover, the world class trainer who has worked with the likes of Michael Jordan, Dwayne Wade, and the late and legendary Kobe Bryant.
Earlier in his teen years, Logan actually decided he wanted to be a sports journalist. He was a Kid Reporter for Sports Illustrated for Kids, interviewing many NBA All Stars, Mark Cuban on the set of “Shark Tank”, Cy Young pitcher Barry Zito and many others (Logan's personal website).
Ultimately, however, Schayes chose to make hoops his livelihood and follow the steps of his father.IQ, winning, and court sense are all critical components Danny Schayes has ingrained in his training with Logan.
Dad has been there every step of the way while coaching him, cultivating his skill set and traipsing the sidelines of his games all throughout his life.
This is not, however, another agonizing case of Daddy ball. Schayes has held his only son to a high standard while preparing him for the rigors of life and molding a high character student-athlete. Plenty of motivation stems from Schayes' bloodline.
Beyond his father Danny, Logan’s mother Wendy is a world class athlete herself. As a springboard diver, Wendy is an NCAA Champion, 9-time US National Champion, 1988 Olympian, and World Championship Silver Medalist. Logan's grandfather Dolph is an NBA Hall of Famer known for a 16-year career. He was recently listed as one of the Top-75 All Time NBA players.
His big and mobile presence has been a stabilizing force for Central Pointe.
"I use my size creating plays the guards can't. I bring a set of intangibles and skills not common for players that I play with," Schayes said. Schayes applies his innate feel for the game as a versatile piece under head coach Brad Traina.
"Logan is an extremely intelligent basketball player," said Traina, known for his career at UCF as a 3-point ace.
"He's obviously well-schooled in the game and has the ability to see the game two steps ahead. He can knock down the 3-ball as well as finish well at the rim with either hand. He will be a match up nightmare at the Division 1 level."
Criss crossing the country and playing in multiple exposure heavy events such as Big Shots Nationals and now The Skill Factory tournament in Atlanta, Schayes is bolstered by an insatiable hunger to get to the next level. He has enjoyed the journey.
Schayes played alongside the likes of Nico Mannion, who played in both the NBA and Italy. He also played up a few years, as a teammate of guys such as Jordan Mains (Arizona). Playing on the prestigious Grind Session, Schayes gauged his grit against the likes of TyTy Washington, Paulo Banchero, AJ Storr, and numerous other prized recruits and current high major guys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWhceweiPFg
Important links: - Game highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8npMMNrtwY&list=PLVV3SSC9rvwKKiIatcaDOx5zgkOzXuqSg&index=7
- Full game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnLA8LARio4
- Logan's personal website: https://express.adobe.com/page/gE3Zjqqa7oDHM/