BY TIM HAYES
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
WISE, Va. – Adam Hood’s first season at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise went pretty well.
The former Rye Cove High School star scored 18 points in his collegiate debut. He averaged 10.3 points per game and earned a spot on the Appalachian Athletic Conference’s All-Freshmen team.
However, the guard was far from satisfied. So, he spent the offseason honing his skills and tweaking his repertoire.
“I’ve tried to get a little bit stronger,” Hood said. “Last year, I thought I took too many 3s. I didn’t feel comfortable driving. I thought I could drive last year. I just lacked the confidence.”
Fans can expect to see a more confident and versatile Hood on Wednesday when UVa.-Wise opens the season with an exhibition against Elon, an NCAA Division I team.
Of Hood’s 274 field-goal attempts last season, 177 came from beyond the arc. That will have to change if UVa.-Wise wants to build on last year’s 14-18 record and shed its image as a team that relies solely on getting points via the 3-point line.
“That’s the big thing,” UVa.-Wise coach Lee Clark said. “He’s got to become more of a scorer and rely a little less on the long shot. We’ve really talked to him about having a more balanced game. That’s going to be a key to his success as a sophomore. He can’t play quite as free.”
Hood’s responsibilities will increase since leading scorer Jarred Soles graduated.
“I feel there is a little pressure on me,” Hood said.
But if there is one thing Hood knows how to handle it’s pressure. At Rye Cove, he was the Eagles’ only serious offensive threat and faced double-teams, triple-teams and gimmick defenses on a nightly basis.
He overcame it all and averaged 25.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists as a senior en route to earning Bristol Herald Courier Southwest Virginia player of the year honors.
Like any freshman, Hood battled some inconsistencies during his first season.
“It’s a grind, playing that many games in a short length of time,” Hood said. “It’s a lot different than high school. Totally different.”
As he shot around and posed for pictures during UVa.-Wise’s media day last month, Hood seemed at ease. He’s expanded his game, meshed with his teammates and has another year of experience under his belt.
Hood’s hoping that helps Wise get more wins.
“We’ve brought in some good recruits,” Hood said. “I think the sky is the limit.”
thayes@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2570
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