This past weekend, top players in Northern California from the 209, 916, Bay, and Central congregated at Modesto Christian HIgh School for Simply Basketball’s ‘Battle of NorCal’ to compete for regional supremacy. The inaugural event featured a three-point contest, dunk contest, and knockout games between the four teams.
Pro Insight covered the event and caught up with Miles Byrd of Lincoln HS (CA) and West Coast Elite (CA). Byrd won the dunk contest, led Team 209 to the championship, and earned co-MVP of the showcase. At 6’6+ with a 7’0 wingspan, Byrd has tremendous upside due to his plus-length, athleticism and versatile skill set. He excels in the open court as a primary initiator, displays mature court vision and has an innate finishing ability at the rim.
As part of the Pro Insight Q&A series, Byrd talked about getting stronger in the gym, his favorite music artists, the importance of his relationship with a college coaching staff, and more.
For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2022 prospect Miles Byrd, from Stockton, California:
Pro Insight: Last event of the summer. Winner of the dunk contest. How did you feel?!
Miles Byrd: It felt great. I was supposed to be in the three-point contest and then I guess someone dropped out of the dunk contest, so I did it. Great contest. Mikey Johnson, that’s the winner. That’s the winner right there. He’s unreal. He’s bouncy. Luckily I got [the belt]. Great summer. Great AAU season. I’m really excited for the future.
PI: For those who aren’t familiar with your game, describe your strengths and play style.
MB: Strength for me I’d say is I’m like a bigger guard, 6’6’, 6’7’, left handed. I love passing to my teammates. I love getting them involved. My shot has come a long way through quarantine. Just continually working, continually grinding. I’m starting to get a lot more athletic. I mean, you saw the dunk contest, so I would hope I’m a little bit athletic. I’m working on being more of a complete player.
PI: Is there anything in particular you are working on improving in the gym?
MB: I’m actually working a lot in the real gym, trying to gain weight, just trying to get stronger, trying to get bigger. I know next level, there’s gonna be a lot more stronger players so just trying to develop my body. Just trying to get right.
PI: Who do you train with?
MB: So at Lincoln High School, we have a strength and conditioning coach. Shoutout Coach Mike. He’s got me right. I’ve been with him since my sophomore year. For hoop-wise, my dad. My dad played at one of the highest levels. Great model. I love working with him, love getting shots up with him. So that’s for sure my basketball workout for you.
PI: Talk a bit about your background. How did you get into basketball?
MB: I was basically born into it. When I was born, my dad was a Division 1 coach. Coached all the way up to 2015. Pretty much my whole childhood. Division 1 basketball, been around it. I think that’s why I kind of got a knack for the game. Born into it and I love the sport.
PI: Are there any other athletes in the family?
MB: My older sister. She’s an incoming sophomore, freshman because they get to re-do the year — volleyball player at Stanislaus State.
PI: What are your current measurements?
MB: Wingspan is around 6’11, 7’0. Height is 6’6, 6’7. Weight is 175 pounds. Trying to get bigger. Trying to get stronger.
PI: What are your biggest interests outside of basketball?
MB: I love kicking it with friends. Love working out. Love just being around basketball. I don’t have to be playing it, just basketball in general. I love it.
PI: Who are your favorite music artists?
MB: It’s for sure got to be NBA YoungBoy and Lil Durk. My top two.
PI: Do you play any video games?
MB: I play 2K a little bit. I was a big quarantine gamer. Kind of hopped off it, though. Trying to focus on hoops. Trying to get better.
PI: What is your favorite mode or team to play on 2K?
MB: Warriors, for sure. If you give me Steph, the Curry slide will always be there. I’ll give anybody 80 with Steph. You can ask Aidan Mahaney about that.
PI: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
MB: Just to stay humble. Staying humble is for sure the biggest piece of advice. Keeping my head down. Just continually work.
PI: What’s your recruitment update?
MB: I just released my top eight: Colorado State, San Diego State, Santa Clara, Saint Mary’s, Pacific, Washington, Minnesota, and Villanova. The schools I have visits currently scheduled: Colorado State (Aug 26-28), San Diego State (Sept 3-5), Washington (Sept 17-19), and Minnesota (Sept 24-26).
PI: What will ultimately factor into your final decision?
MB: I’d say the relationship with coaches. Every single school that is in my top eight, I have a great relationship with the staff. They have a great relationship with my parents and that’s big for me. Just making sure that they are connected to my parents in the communications just because I know it’s a big decision for my parents as well, letting me leave and go live with somebody else.
PI: Name four words that best describe you.
MB: Humble. Respectful. Funny. Goofy.
PI: At the end of the day, what do you hope to be remembered for?
MB: Just as a great person. Someone that’s always looking out for somebody. As a player, the best player of all time.