Rasheer Fleming is a self-proclaimed late bloomer, but that doesnt mean the work started recently. Nah, the 6-9 junior out at Saint Josephs has been grinding away at his craft since he was moving from Tennessee to Kentucky to New Jersey as a kid. Consistency has been the key no matter the scenario. So when opportunity rang last season, the now two-time captain leaned on the work that has led to a perfect harmony of thunderous dunks, unlimited boards and shots routinely being sent into the seventh row.
The breakout forward touting a 7-5 wingspan has taken over the A-10 with a quickness. As of this writing, hes the only DI player this season to record 20 dunks and 20 threes, netting more than 40 percent of his shots from downtown. He collected back-to-back 26-pieces in December and posted 16 points, 20 rebounds and 3 steals in a single-digit loss to the Texas Longhorns. On any given night, hes putting up 16.1 points, 9.1 boards, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks.
The development has been on full display since Rasheer was battling for playing time on a stacked Camden roster and with the New Jersey Scholars on the EYBL circuit, where he picked up his Saint Joes offer during warm-ups for a Philly Live tournament. Hes been churning out double-doubles ever since.
They always saw the potential in me, so theyve always talked about developing me into the greatest player that I could be, Rasheer says. The vision for the team as well, winning a national championship for sure. That was the main vision going into the program, and theyve always talked about that with me. And I can see it now.
Photos via Getty Images.
