"Baby Nash With Craft and Command"

Photo Credited to Fats Images

Cody Rader

@CodyRader2029

IG: @CodyJRader

5’10, 165lbs, Class of 2029

Geneva HS, IL

Nicknamed Baby Nash by his teammates, Cody Rader plays the game with a crafty, dynamic style that brings life to every possession. He’s an electric playmaker with elite passing ability, confident shooting, and a natural command of the floor. The ball finds energy in his hands. He sees windows early, delivers dazzling dimes, and keeps teammates involved while still being a scoring threat himself. Defensively, he brings a physical edge, a high motor, and constant communication, setting the tone with effort and toughness on both ends.

What makes his impact stand out even more is how early it has arrived. Cody earned varsity minutes in basketball as a freshman, stepping into the speed and physicality without hesitation. That competitive confidence carries over from his multi-sport background. He was the starting quarterback on the sophomore football team as a freshman and will also compete in baseball, showing versatility, toughness, and leadership across the board. Those experiences show up in his poise, awareness, and comfort in big moments.

The physical work behind the scenes has been focused and relentless. Cody knew strength would be non-negotiable if he wanted to impact varsity early, so he committed fully to the weight room. He added good weight, built a stronger base, and raised his physical ceiling, benching 185 twice and already chasing 205 while continuing to focus on speed and leg strength. That work paid off immediately, allowing him to absorb contact, defend with confidence, and stay effective against older competition. The focus moving forward is to get stronger every year. Faster every year.

Skill development never slows down. Extending his shooting range and tightening his handles remain priorities, giving him more space to operate and more freedom as a scorer. He already thrives as a playmaker and shooter, but the hunger to grow keeps pushing his game forward. That mindset is what separates him and keeps his ceiling rising.

Winning drives everything. Cody’s goals are to win the conference, make a deep state run, and be a difference maker for his team now and in the years ahead. He’s determined to be back on varsity, build continuity, and help push the program toward a state title with consistency and belief.

What fires him up does not take much. Crowd noise, talk from opponents, or energy from the sidelines. He feeds off it all, turning emotion into fuel and playing with joy, edge, and competitive confidence that lifts the gym.

When handling adversity, Cody stays grounded. He prays and works harder. That approach carries him through tough stretches, tough matchups, and growing pains, keeping his focus locked on effort, growth, and leadership.

It’s early, but the foundation is strong. Some D1 college coaches have already connected with his AAU team, his talent agency, and followed his progress. For now, the focus stays where it should. Impacting Geneva while growing year by year, and leading with confidence well beyond his age.

I assess that Cody brings a unique blend of playmaking, competitiveness, and leadership that can immediately elevate a high school program. His ability to control tempo, defend with physicality, and communicate consistently gives Geneva a guard who impacts the game far beyond scoring. His multi-sport toughness and strength development allow him to compete early and set standards that teammates can follow.

Moving forward, expect Cody to continue expanding his impact as his strength, speed, and skill set grow together. With continued development in his handles and shooting range, his offensive impact will rise along with his leadership presence. He is poised to be a long-term tone setter for Geneva, a player whose confidence, creativity, and competitive edge shape the program now and well into the future. Stay tuned, Cody.is just getting started. This rising star will be a name to remember.