Gage Banks is one of the best players from the Sneads, FL area in the Class of 2020.
The 5-foot-9, 145-pound Gage, who attends Sneads High School, is a dynamic player that works as a guard.
Banks has earned plenty of recognition during his outstanding career, such as capturing Most Improved Player.
Banks is humbled by the accolade.
“It means a lot,” Banks said. “It means all the hard work pays off and if you give it time, the results will show.”
No matter the opponent, every game Banks is determined to give it his all.
Banks is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Banks steps between the lines.
“My mindset at guard is just make the smart play, and if nothing’s there, don’t force anything to happen,” Banks said.
Banks has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the hardwood. Banks tells why he enjoys the game of basketball so much.
“What I love the most about playing is just the energy,” Banks said. “It’s a nonstop moving game and the pace of the game is just fast.”
Banks has learned many valuable lessons from playing basketball that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Playing has taught me that there are going to be obstacles in your way and you just have to overcome those obstacles,” Banks said.
Banks recalls his favorite basketball memory.
“My favorite memory would probably be my first game of my tenth grade just because I’m coming off a ninth grade year where I didn’t get a lot of playing time,” Banks said. “I was kind of nervous but I had a great game. I made some good passes, played great defense and I had 15 points that game.”
Patrick Jones has coached Banks for two years, first with the JV and now with the varsity for Sneads.
Jones explains the best parts of Banks’ game.
“Gage plays the shooting guard and can fill in as a point guard. As a shooting guard, Gage has a quick release and confidence in his shot. He also is getting better at driving to the basket when the shot is not available. As a point guard, he has great court vision and can see the open man or spot on the floor. Makes some outstanding passes,” Jones said. “Gage works hard at his shooting and is getting better at handling the ball. He strives to improve his game daily.”
Banks takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Banks makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I try to be a good teammate by just trying to do my best and give it 110% no matter what. Also, just trying to set an example for the other guys,” Banks said. “The best advice I give to them is to just to play the game and know your potential. Stick to what you do best.”
Jones adds that Banks is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“Gage talks on the court to his teammates going over plays and scenarios that will best benefit the team,” Jones said. “He also works hard at practice and shows his intensity all the time.”
Banks is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“My coaches have taught me how to be a leader and has matured my game a lot,” Banks said. “They tell me to give it my all. If my shot isn’t falling, try to drive and get a couple easy shots and to play strong defense because defense turns into offense.”
Jones is an advocate of Banks’ capabilities.
“The biggest play Gage has made would probably be the buzzer-beating 3 he made last season against North Florida Christian,” Jones said. “We were down two with 10 seconds left in the game and on a second-chance shot opportunity for our offense, Gage pulled the 3 to give us the win by one.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Banks also has a high level of basketball IQ as well.
Banks has excellent basketball awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“Gage is starting to understand more and more what the defense is giving him and he is not forcing as much now,” Jones said. “He is adapting to the game and knowing when to take his opportunities and run with them.”
Banks is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“He works hard on the court and during practice. He is constantly shooting the ball and trying to improve his footwork on his approach,” Jones said. “He also did better this year about trying to understand defensive position and play to his strengths.”
Jones explains why he compares Banks to this NBA sharpshooter.
“The player Gage most reminds me of is Kyle Korver. He is a spot up shooter with the ability to take people off the drive,” Jones said. “He comes off screens well and always has his hands ready to put the shot up. He plays the best under pressure and thrives to be put in that situation.”
Banks patterns his mentality after this three-time NBA champion.
“Klay Thompson just because he’s a great team player, he cares about the teams success more than his individual success,” Banks said. “To be a winner you have to have that mentality in order to win.”
Banks is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“My goal on the court is to just simply win basketball games,” Banks said. “My off the court goals is to be a great person and to help others be successful.”
Banks explains his collegiate aspirations.
“I want to play at the University of Florida,” Banks said. “They have a great culture there and it’s just a great school overall. I’ve grown up being a Gator fan, so it’s just fitting.”
Banks lists math as his favorite subject in school.
“It comes naturally to me and I’m really good at it,” Banks said.
Jones outlines the areas of improvement that will take Banks to the next level.
“We are working on getting Gage’s footwork squared away on his shot and his ball handling skills,” Jones said. “For Gage to play at the next level, he will continue to strive to improve both for his future opportunities.”
Jones believes the sky is the limit as long as Banks continues to stay hungry.
“If Gage continues to work hard in school and on the court, he can play college ball and compete with the other guys,” Jones said. “His work ethic improve himself is top notch and only wants to compete with everyone on the court.”
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