Younblood Calls It

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

St. Thomas More School and Tokyo Samurai guard Taku Youngblood announced a verbal commitment to Northern Illinois and first year head coach Rashon Burno on Tuesday night. 

Youngblood is from Japan and moved to the United States to attend St. Thomas More in August of 2020. Unfortunatley that season was largely derailed by covid and so he opted to return to STM this year. That extra year turned out to be extremely beneficial as he made massive gains to his game. 

"Any time a kid from another country sacrifices his home, friends, and family to pursue a dream, it is kind of wonderful when they attain it," said STM head coach Jere Quinn. "He's a wonderful kid, from a wonderful organization in Slam Dunk, that has been supporting Japanese kids for many years." 

Youngblood was one of the most dynamic athletes and playmakers left on the board in the class of 2022. He put up big numbers and highlights alike to start the season but has missed the second semester with a foot injury. 

"He's certainly an elite athlete and elite defender who can play either guard position. He's matured beyond his years in the two years he's been with us. He's multi-dimensional, really talented and hard to keep in front."