“Warrior Unleashed: The Rise of a Complete Hooper”

David Lancaster

@DavidLancaster

IG: @yvngnuxe

6'6, 175lbs, Class of 2026

Countryside HS – transferring to Palm Harbour University HS, FL

David is a dynamic presence on the court who's long, athletic, and as electric as they come. He brings a fierce competitive edge with a skill set that stretches from the arc to the rim. He’s a knockdown shooter with a silky smooth release, a crafty ball handler who uses his length to create separation and a confident scorer who shines brightest when the lights are on. He thrives under pressure, hitting big-time shots, sinking clutch free throws, and making plays with an explosive mix of control and power. Whether he's protecting the rim with his timing and instincts or attacking the lane with resilience and grit, David makes his presence felt. The improvement in his athleticism has only boosted his ability to finish through contact, giving him the versatility to play multiple positions and make an impact on both ends.

But what truly defines David’s story is what he’s overcome. This past year, basketball came to a frightening halt. A seizure disorder, grand mal seizures, sidelined him, leaving everything in question. The unknown was haunting, the waiting painful. There were moments filled with doubt, fear, and frustration. But through it all, David never let go of his love for the game. He stayed resilient, powered by faith and hunger. Then, in the most dramatic twist, he was cleared right before the state tournament. And when he returned, he didn’t just play, he lit it up. He was electric from the perimeter, crashing the boards with purpose, and proving he was not just back, but better. It wasn’t just a comeback, it was a statement of heart, grit, and a deep-rooted drive that no setback could silence.

David’s biggest improvement since that time has been his athleticism. Now he moves with more confidence, power, and control. His offseason is fully locked in on developing as a complete guard. He’s tightening his handle, working on playing through contact, and continuing to build his confidence as a shotmaker. His fire is fueled by moments where everything clicks when his shot’s falling, his teammates are rolling, and he knows he’s helping lead the charge. That feeling keeps him chasing more. His motivation is a relentless pursuit to earn a scholarship, lead his team to a state title, and prove that he belongs at the next level. He will do anything to play college basketball.

This AAU season, David is playing with GRIT Basketball, and the name fits him perfectly. He’s the team’s leading scorer, a primary ball handler, and a defensive anchor up top. He’s already showing he’s fully recovered, driving past defenders, pulling up with confidence, and erasing shots at the rim. He’s eyeing big things at “Balling on the Beach” in Miami, looking to dominate and draw serious college attention. With each performance, he's validating all the work, the recovery, and the fight it took to get back.

Off the court, David is calm, collected, and grounded. His love for the game pours into everything he does. When facing adversity, he stays composed, trusts his preparation, and battles through anything that tries to shake him. The best advice he’s ever been given came after he passed up a shot: his coach looked him dead in the eye and said, “You’re the best shooter on the team, shoot it every time you touch it.” That moment changed everything. Since then, he’s played with unshakable belief and a heart that beats for the game.

I assess that David has all the tools to become a serious impact player at the college level. His height and length, paired with his shooting stroke, make him a mismatch nightmare on the wing. He has grown into a versatile guard-forward hybrid who can score, defend, rebound, and create. His improvement in athleticism has expanded his ceiling, and his ability to take over games as both a shooter and a slasher will translate well to any system looking for a skilled, high-energy, coachable player. He’s smart, gritty, and confident and already has proven he can be the engine of a winning team.

David’s shot-making ability, motor, and basketball IQ make him a valuable piece to any college program. His resilience speaks volumes having battled through a health scare and returned stronger than ever, which tells you everything about his mindset. He brings energy, leadership, and heart, and he’s only scratching the surface of what he can become.

Expect David to keep rising this summer, dominate on the AAU stage, and turn heads with his combination of fire, finesse, and unwavering passion. His potential is high, and with continued development, he’ll be a steal for a program that values toughness, scoring, and someone who plays with purpose every time he steps on the floor. He is the hero of his comeback story on a mission; you won't want to miss this storybook ending. Stay tuned for this breakout final run.