Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Orlando, FL (Future150) -- Friday was the first day that all three tournaments were in bracket play. Many players stepped their games up in an attempt to keep their AAU seasons alive, while others ultimately fell short and their summers ended early. Here a few of the players who stood out:
Derrick Brooks, 2014 PG, Q6 All-Stars: The 6-foot-2 lead guard led his team to a big overtime win on Friday night over the Southern Kings with his aggressive offensive play. He repeatedly attacked the basket and scored against contact and put pressure on the Kings throughout the entire game. He also had several nice assists, showing that he can also be a pass-first point guard when the opportunity presents itself.
Alex Owens, 2014 PF, E1T1: One of the best rebounding prospects we have seen at the high school level this year is the Oak Ridge High School (FL) star. The 6-foot-9 big-bodied post has excellent instincts and rebounds at a high rate on both ends of the floor. He is also a disruptive defensive player who blocks shots and alters even more. A developing offensive player who has a very bright future.
De'Aaron Fox, 2016 PG RL9: Currently ranked as the #10 prospect in the rising sophomore class, De'Aaron tantalized us with his long term potential on Friday. The long and athletic southpaw got to the rim with ease and showed excellent body control when finishing at the rim. He also was solid in transition, finding open teammates on the break for easy scoring opportunities. The sky is the limit for the Houston star.
Terrance Mann, 2015 SG, BABC: Mann is one of the more interesting prospects in the class of 2015 due to the fact that he is so versatile and an intense competitor. He reminds us a little bit of former Tilton guard Wayne Selden. Mann is a freak athlete that finishes plays both above and through defenders. He can attack off of the bounce and create for his teammates as well. While his shot needs work, it is hard not to see the upside for Mann.
Chris Chiozza, 2014 PG, Team Thad: The Florida commit was solid in their first game of the day, getting to the rim whenever he wanted against the Louisiana Roundballers. It looks as though Chiozza has improved his handle as he made defenders look foolish with a dazzling dribbling display.
Trendavian Dickson, 2017 CG, Texas Pro: It will be a few years before we hear about Dickson at the college level but his upside looks to be very high. He stands at 5-foot-11 and is lightning fast with the ball in his hands. Time and time again he was able to create easy baskets for his team by becoming a one-man fast break. Dickson also showed an ability and willingness to get his teammates involved. While his perimeter shot wasn’t on display on Friday, he is still one to keep an eye on.
Jeremy Miller, 2015 PF, BABC: Miller is an intriguing talent who oozes upside. The stretch-4 man rebounded the ball well, ran the floor, and had a couple of monster dunks. He moves very well for a player of his size and isn’t close to a finished product. When Miller plays with a high motor he is incredibly dangerous.
D’Angelo Russell, 2014 PG, E1T1: The Ohio State commit showed that he can play the point guard position full time if need be, setting his teammates up for easy baskets throughout the day. Russell is incredibly crafty with the ball and can score it as well. He plays under control despite being quick and defenders rarely make him uncomfortable when he's got the ball in his hands.
V.J. King, 2016 SF, King James Shooting Stars: When looking at King it is easy to see why he is considered one of the top players in his class. He is extremely gifted athletically and used his gifts to overpower kids in his age group. No one can stop him from scoring at the rim and he has a decent shot, making him an offensive juggernaut.
Jake Wright, 2014 SG, Howard Pulley: Wright is a deadly shooter who gets a majority of his points from open threes created by teammate Tyus Jones. Wright can also put the ball on the floor and score in the mid-range. He will be a major get for a mid-major or low-major program, where he has the potential to be a big time scorer.
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