Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Orlando, FL (Future150) -- Day 4 of AAU Nationals brought about a full day of playoff action. While players are tired from such a long month they still came to play. Here are a few of the guys who really delivered for their teams and kept the hopes of winning a national championship alive:
Dre’Kalo Clayton, 2013 PF, D12 Warriors: The 6-foot-6 big man has expanded his game to the perimeter, where he knocked down three pointers with consistency. He also crashed the boards and get himself easy putback baskets. Offensively he was the only player who had consistency for D12 and was a major factor in a low scoring affair against Legit (IN).
Gregory Alexander, 2013 SG, Boo Williams-Woods: The 6-foot-4 shooting guard was a major factor in his team’s win over Crusader Nation on Saturday morning. Alexander scored the ball at will, often getting into the lane and finishing, as well as hitting a couple of threes. Despite able to get his own shot when he wanted it, he also set his teammates up as well. Low major programs are all over him right now and he seems to fit that level.
Julius Randle, 2013 PF, Texas Titans: Randle had a tough individual matchup with Derrick Griffin on Saturday afternoon. Although the Houston Defenders ended up winning the game, Randle won his battle. He went back on the block and either scored or drew fouls. It was good to see after he floated on the perimeter for a majority of his matchup with Andrew Wiggins last week. Right now Randle is still a power forward and must remember that is where he is most effective.
Andrew Harrison, 2013 PG, Houston Defenders: Harrison was a problem for the Texas Titans as no one could keep him out of the lane. He used his size in order to bully smaller defenders and blew past the bigger ones. Harrison turned the ball over just once to his 8 assists on Saturday afternoon.
Joel Berry, 2014 PG, E1T1: Roy Williams was present for yet another one of Joel Berry’s games on Saturday and Joel did not disappoint. He hit three pointers as well as attacked off the dribble. He also locked down Tony Bagtas throughout the contest, showing he can be a great on the ball defender.
Trayvon Reed, 2014 C, Atlanta Xpress: Reed was a beast early on, catching and dunking everything around the rim. He used his size against a small E1T1 squad to score with ease. Reed was also a menace on the defensive end, as he blocked a few shots and altered many more. He runs the floor extremely well for a 7-footer, meaning the ceiling is incredibly high for him.
Bobby Portis, 2013 PF, Arkansas Wings: The future Arkansas Razorback was impressive with his head coach looking on. He was active around the rim on both ends. He blocked shots and controlled the glass while scoring on the other end. He also showed the ability to step out and hit shots from the perimeter, something he couldn’t do this time last year.
Connor Burchfield, 2014 SG, CP3 All-Stars: Burchfield put on a shooting clinic on Saturday afternoon as he was deadly from three. Once his man tightened up on him, he dribbled past him and found his open teammates. He’s currently hearing from Charleston and Davidson.
Adam Weir, 2013 SG, 716 Crusaders: Weir might have been the most effective scorer of the day, pouring in 23 points in a rout for the Crusaders. Weir scored it at all three levels and didn’t stop attacking throughout the entire game. He has already committed to Canisius and should be a great player for them all four years.
Evan Bordreaux, 2015 CF, Team NLP: Bordreaux was limited by an ankle injury but it was easy to see why so many big name programs are already on his trail. He hit a three pointer to start the game and had a nice move to the basket as well. He was solid for the rest of the game but it is what this kid is going to be down the road that has us truly excited. He could be special.
Recruiting Updates:
2013 combo guard Sam Singer has a long list of suitors and is looking to cut it down after the AAU season. Schools such as Stanford, Pitt, Cal, Michigan, and many others are involved. Sam will have a tough decision to make as he wraps up his recruitment.
Speaking of wrapping up his recruitment, Dayshawn Watkins is close to a decision. “I’m going to sit down with my parents and figure it out after this is all over” he said. With Watkins looking to make a decision within the next month, Dayton, UAB, and Butler are seemingly in the drivers seat. Dayton and UAB have both offered, will the Bulldogs extend one in time?
2013 PF Dre’Kalo Clayton might be an unknown to fans but he isn’t to the SEC. He claims offers from Florida, Georgia, and Auburn along with Murray State. Clayton will transfer to Orlando Evans this season and will be featured more, look for more schools to get involved during the year.
Comments:
Be the first to post. Just use the form below.