Jason Pratt:
Future150 Senior Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Little Rock, AR (Future150) -- The Real Deal in the rock was off and running on day 2 with some of the big names taking center stage. The one thing that most did not expect was the players catching everyones eyes. The college coaches were scrambling looking in their media books trying to find out just who that player was make play after play. Let's take a look at a few of those players that left on Saturday feeling pretty good.
Jordan Mickey-(2013-Urban DFW Elite) Mickey is a long, slender combo forward with tons of potential for the future. However, he is still producing at this point. Throughout the weekend, the 6-foot-8 athlete showed a great post game, including baby hooks and post moves. Mickey lists Louisville, Kansas, Ohio State, Marquette, Missouri, Providence, and Texas A&M, among others.
Kendal Harris-(2013-Urban DFW Elite) Harris is one of the biggest unknown stars in the state of Texas, something very hard to believe after seeing him play. While he has been injured, the 6-foot-4 point guard looked fresh and ready to go for Real Deal. Like the Harrison twins, Harris possesses a nice strong body that is ready for the college game. He has great court vision and gets to the rim at ease; there, he can finish with either hand or dish to teammates for scores. Keep an eye out for him as he continues to get healthy.
Brandon Maxwell-(2014-Q6 All-Stars) Maxwell is also a relative unknown to the national spotlight. A shooting guard, Maxwell showed the ability to play both positions and be effective from the perimeter. Florida State, Jacksonville, North Florida, USF, Virginia Tech, and Murray State have all shown steady interest thus far.
Kevin Booze-(2014-Dallas Showtyme) In an event headlined with talented players, Booze showed a great ability to knock down deep shots from the perimeter. He consistently stretched the defense with his deep threat. He will have to work on other parts of his game to complement his three-point shooting, but right now he is playing a nice role as a shooter.
Tory Wilridge –(2015-Houston Defenders) With upperclassmen headlining the weekend, this freshman had something else to say. A post player, Wilridge displayed some great qualities that colleges look for in an elite big man. He was a great interior passer, dishing out of double-teams, and he also scored with talented drop-steps. Wilridge is also very athletic for his size, a real plus for a talented big man.
Isaac Hamilton –(2013-Dream Vision) The West Coast was well-represented with Dream Vision this weekend, too. Hamilton led the way for a talented team as he averaged 16 points, five assists, and six rebounds throughout the weekend. However, there are still places to improve. “I want to become a better ball-handler this summer. I need to work on running a team. UNLV, San Diego State, Arizona, Colorado, UConn, Louisville, USC, and UCLA are among the schools pursuing him to this point.
D’Angelo Russell –(2013- Louisville Magic)Russell continues to grow as a player, as he isn’t just a pure shooter anymore. Instead, the sophomore showed the ability to get to the basket and put the ball on the floor. He is very crafty with his game to go along with very good court vision. His long arms also caused havoc on defense. Louisville and Ohio State are ahead of the pack for the time being.
Leron Black –(2014-Team Thad) To say Leron Black is a top-caliber player would not do justice. Black proved that he is one of the top players in the Class of 2014 in an assortment of ways. His high motor ran the team for Team Thad. Add that to his athletic ability and his great all-around game, he is becoming a complete player. Black said when asked what he hopes to get better on this summer, “I am working on my perimeter defense, ball handling and perimeter shot.” He received new offers from Connecticut, LSU and Missouri all this past week.
Austin Nichols-(2013-M33M) Nichols guided his team to a championship in Little Rock and was vital to his team. Not only was his post presence evident with right and left hooks, but he also is the leader for M33M. Nichols’ long arms impacted the games the most, though. Over the weekend, the 6-foot-8 star picked up offers from North Carolina and Duke.
Jaron Hopkins-(2013-The Magic, AZ) With his strong physique and body, Hopkins showed the ability to finish at the rim and do so in transition. He knows the game very thoroughly and uses his brain to his advantage. Hopkins has the ability to guard both guard positions, as well as go with the ball out of the break off the rebound. Look for this rather unknown to make a nice run in our next rankings update.
Kevin Kozan-(2013-Illinois Warriors) Kozan was one of the most gifted shooters from Real Deal and he showed his shooting touch constantly. In one game, the 6-foot guard rattled in eight three-pointers. He knows how to use screens from teammates to his advantage, as well as realizing when his teammates should have the ball. After seeing him play, Kozan goes down as an elite shooter, no doubt. It will not be long before his DI schools start to offer and they will be in bunches.
Malik Hines-(2013-MBA Hoops Elite) A smaller post player, Hinds showed the ability to be an effective post prospect. He made up the lack of size with his quickness and speed. His long arms translated into blocked shots and rebounds on both ends of the floor. On the offensive end, Hinds showed great footwork; he has mastered the baby hook and an up-and-under move.
Message Boards:
Talk about it on our message boards. Member registration is fast, easy and free.
Comments:
Be the first to post. Just use the form below.