"Unmatched Motion: Built to Slice, Shift, and Shake Defenders"

Preston Goins

@Prestong_2

IG: Prestong_2

6’2, 165Ibs, Class of 2027

Cherokee HS, TN

Explosive off the bounce and crafty in tight windows, Preston brings a fierce, electric energy to the floor that instantly commands attention. His dynamic handle and explosive first step helps him break down defenders and slice through traffic at will. Whether he's using a nasty hesitation move to shake free or setting up a teammate with a dazzling dime in the lane, he plays with a cool, calculated pace that opens doors others don’t even see. He thrives in the mid-range, elevating with balance and poise for a smooth pull-up jumper that looks like it was made for big moments. Around the rim, he's both fearless and creative using angles, touch, and control to finish through traffic. His versatile offensive game is all about rhythm, reads, and reactions and he rarely makes the wrong one.

While he missed his 2024-25 season due to a broken arm, Preston didn’t let it slow him down, it became fuel. That time away didn’t just build patience; it built confidence and, more importantly, gave him the space to polish his off-hand and become even more dynamic with the ball. His biggest improvement came mentally, showing up in how he approaches the game, how he moves, and how he leads. This offseason, his mission is to extend his range, become a more consistent threat from deep, and free himself from the hesitation of re-injury. His motivation is to help Cherokee get back to winning basketball and make a statement every time he steps on the floor.

AAU ball is his battleground for getting sharper, and he plays with Net Ravens Elite (NRE), where the competition stays fierce and the intensity high. The upcoming Big Shots Tournament in South Carolina has his attention. He's locked in, ready to test himself, and eager to put his fingerprints on the game. Preston isn’t just playing for exposure, he’s playing to elevate, to push himself and his squad to new heights. What he’s most looking forward to is that thrill when a game starts to shift and when momentum turns, and it’s his squad building the run. That’s the moment that drives him.

Off the court, Preston values time with his team, loves the rhythm of competition, and lives for those little victories that come with improving day by day. Whether it’s a new move that finally clicks or a play that brings the bench to its feet, those moments matter to him.

What fuels him is the belief that he hasn’t even scratched the surface. Preston's injury was a turning point, not a setback. It made him tougher, smarter, and even more determined to attack the game with everything he's got. He handles adversity with a calm edge, never rattled, never panicked. He listens, learns, and adjusts. The best coaching advice Preston has ever received is, “Good shooters don’t miss left and right; they miss long and short.” That focus on control, discipline, and mechanics continues to guide him.

I assess that Preston is a fearless creator with an electric first step and a natural feel for the game. His vision allows him to carve up defenses and get teammates involved, and his confident mid-range game adds a dangerous layer to his scoring package. His body control and finishing ability make him a constant threat around the basket, even against contact. The work he’s put into his off-hand now makes him a problem on either side of the floor, and his mindset proves he’s not afraid of tough moments. He’s an unselfish, instinctive player who’s only going to get better.

Colleges should take notice of Preston’s versatility and toughness. He brings a high-IQ, controlled approach that fits well in structured systems, while also offering explosive playmaking that thrives in open-floor situations. As he stretches his shooting range and adds more confidence in his long ball, he’ll become a complete scoring threat. His ability to handle adversity, lead by example, and create offense without forcing it makes him a valuable asset for programs looking for both skill and poise. He has the tools to be a guard that grows into a game-changer.

Expect Preston to come back with a vengeance next season. Stronger, smarter, and with something to prove. He’s putting in the work to become a consistent scorer from all levels, and his growth as a leader is trending upward. The potential is clear: a dynamic guard with the hunger to keep evolving and the mindset to lead. Stay tuned.