Top Friday 16u Performers: NIKE EYBL Atlanta
SUWANEE, GA — Memorial Day weekend opened with 16u and a few 15u outfits in Suwanee Sports Academy. The headliners begin the action Saturday morning. Below are some of the top performers from the respective 15U and 16U divisons after a full day of action.
Trevon Faulkner | 2018 | Kentucky Travelers 16U
Trevon Faulkner missed a deep three-pointer. During the ensuing two play window that most young players pout, Faulkner blocked a shot, pushed the break, and scored an and1. He never quits. Faulkner doesn’t just change speeds well. He also changes step size like an expert. There is a little James Harden to his game. He baits players with stutter steps and head fakes that are so sneaky and small. You have to watch him closely, but not too closely to defend properly.
Faulkner has a knack for taking his game to 6th gear when the moment gets big. He plays better as the pressure mounts. This is a quality champions typically possess.
Anthony Wales | 2018 | Kentucky Travelers 16U
Anthony Wales’ return from injury was welcomed by the Travelers. Point guards need quickness, and for Wales that provides the backbone of his game. Until Friday night his quickness was severely limited by injury. Facing the Arkansas Wings, Wales dashed around the floor. He easily got from end to end.
Caleb Holifield | 2018 | Georgia Stars 16U
Caleb Holifield (GA) knows how to win basketball games. Playing alongside Wendell Carter at Pace Academy, Holifield won and won often all winter. Friday night he kept it up, by narrowly defeating Alabama Challenge 16u. Holifield has great handles, speed, and poise. The most impressive asset for Holifield is his mental approach. He understands how to motivate teammates, and keep the big men invested. The sophomore distributes without reservation. He is the ideal guard.
Adam Kunkel | 2018 | Kentucky Travelers 16U
Slashing Kunkel scored in bunches in Suwanee.Coach couldn’t keep Adam Kunkel on the bench. Seconds after Adam walked to the bench, Adam was dragged right back in. You can’t have the hot hand watching. Kunkel walked into his three-pointers, demonstrating a special confidence in his shot. Though he did not try too many mid-range jumpers Kunkel gets his pull-up shot off very, very quickly. While many catch-and-shoot players exist, Kunkel does more. He has the ability to evade defenders with the dribble and then get his shot off. Stunning second half for the Cooper High School guard.
Cieran Brayboy | 2019 | Mac Irvin FIRE 16U
Ciaran Brayboy (IL) provided the FIRE 16u with relentless energy on the blocks. Despite playing up a division, Brayboy (6’9″ 215) worked as hard as anyone on the floor. He is an elite rebounder, but can score around the rim or run the floor too. Unlike most young bigs, Brayboy is not tethered to his location. He can rebound well outside his area.