Perimeter Players Standing Out at AAU Nationals
by Zachary Lyon, Future150 (9:43 AM CT, Sat July 9, 2016)

Greensboro, NC (Future150) -- Days 5 and 6 of AAU Nationals saw plenty of wings and point guards show out, but their were also a few frontcourt standouts as well. Check out the top performers of the past two days below: 

Nasir Johnson, 2020 SG (AIA Team Jordan): Right off the bat, Johnson was impressive with his quick, fundamental stroke on his jump shot. He has been filling the stat sheets up all week, and has proved himself as a potential go-to type player in the future. His three-point shot was almost automatic if the opponent didn't get a hand in his face. Good luck guarding this young fella. 

Terrence Clarke, 2020 G/F (Xpressions Elite): Already standing around 6'4, Clarke has great size for the wing at his age. What's even better is his advanced skills in the scoring and ball-handling categories. During their big win over WeR1 in bracket play, Clarke was draining shots from deep, pulling up from mid-range, and even slashing the ball head first into the defense and drawing fouls. Clarke certainly has one of the highest upsides out of all the players in Greensboro this week. 

Michael Healy, 2020 SF (Leesburg Basketball Club): Healy is a fundamental scorer that puts numbers on the board quietly. There isn't much flash or shine to his game, but Healy can play and put a team on his back at times. The 6'0 small forward may be a bit undersized at this point, but don't let that fool you. He has great handles and has a really crafty game from the mid-range level. If he grows and adds strength, Healy could be a force to be reckoned with in the future. 

Travis Burns, 2021 PG (Atlanta Celtics): Arguably the most poised and mature floor general at the tournament this week, Burns continued to be highly impressive. During their final four bracket game against the New York Rens, Burns turned the ball over very few times if any and scored some clutch buckets down the stretch. His first step and abilities to finish at the rim are deadly, and his shooting touch extends out beyond the three-point line. Burns name should definitely be on the national radar when talking about the best PG's in his class. 

Kurt Henderson, 2020 PG (Xpressions Elite): Henderson was a huge piece in the Xpression's big win over WeR1. His ability to get to the rim and draw contact played a major factor, along with his gritty on-ball defense. Henderson is a big time leaper and he can sky for rebounds, despite being under 6-foot tall. He made some clutch free throws down the line and definitely has showed the intangibles and IQ to be a big time PG down the line. 

Nakiel Cross, 2020 PF (San Diego Select): Cross has been a bit overshadowed this week behind the other two stars in Select's frontcourt (Chibuzo Agbo, and Obinna Anyanwu) but really showed some flashes of potential on day five. Cross was finishing strong around the rim, and was even stepping out and knocking down the short jumper. Maybe not as skilled as his teammates right now, Cross still has the potential and make up to be a fine power forward one day. 

Kentrell Johnson, 2020 PG (U.B.E.): Johnson was a bolt of speed when slashing to the rim, and also showed off his long-range jumper as well. His court vision, and abilities to lead the team in the fast break were also quite impressive, and Johnson looks to have quite a bright future if he can grow a bit, and tune up his defense. Very solid showing from Johnson overall. 

Justin Johnson, 2021 SG (Atlanta Celtics): Built like a linebacker, Johnson is a bully when driving the lane. His strength and size allows him to post up against smaller, weaker defenders and draw contact. Johnson has easily been one of the best this week when it comes to finishing through contact. He has a very mature game, and always seems to know what's best. 

Omarion Jay, 2020 C (Team Wall): One of the few true bigs that has shined the past few days, Jay was excelling on the glass and on the defensive end. He is still pretty raw but the intangibles are certainly there with his nice size, and length to go along with his rim protection. Once he develops a more consistent back to the basket game, he could be hard to handle down low. 

Malaki Branham, 2021 G/F (Tru Game Elite): Branham showed off the ice in his veins during his squad's big time win over the Carolina Wolves. Branham grabbed a handful of offensive boards down the stretch and scored second chance points down the stretch. He hit some clutch free throws, and played lock down defense. Branham was showing his versatility in this game playing the two, three, and four positions throughout.