Best Available: Combo Guards
With the end of the 2017 high school basketball season right around the corner, there are still plenty of talented collegiate prospects that are available to fit a number of different systems. Over the next week or so, we will be doing a “Best Available” series, giving coaches an idea of what kids are available and what kind of style they play in.
We continue as we look at five combo guards that are still available. Stay tuned for more best available pieces moving forward. (Note: This list is in no particular order and in no way represents any rankings of any kind.)
Cameron Bacote | 6’1” | Bethel
Bacote has natural feel as a ball handler, and he’s one of those “does everything good” type of players on the offensive end. He can initiate the offense and create plays for himself and others, but he’s also a good shooter that moves well without the basketball and can knock it down off of screens. He can also guard both positions, which is a plus as well.
Alden Parham | 6’3” | Monacan
Parham may have the most division two offers in the state as he’s sitting at seven with multiple JUCO and Prep options as well. He’s wiry but he’s tall, and he’s an underrated athlete when attacking the rim. He can create his own shot and score it from all three levels when handling it, and he’s also a big time shooter with a knack for hitting big shots off the ball. He has a high IQ and has good vision as well.
Andre Watkins | 6’3” | Varina
Defensively, Watkins has the potential to be an immediate impact player at the next level, and if he can continue to improve on different aspects of his offensive game he will develop nicely. He can use his length to cause problems on the ball, and he’s good while handling pressure and creating in transition. He has to shoot it better from deep, but his size and athleticism is something you can’t teach.
Tim Coward | 6’2” | Hermitage
Steady and smart is the best way to describe Coward, who was a staple in the Hermitage starting lineup for the past four seasons. He’s not a primary ball handler or first choice at point guard, but he can handle the rock in transition or get you into your sets in the half court. He has a high IQ and good feel, takes good shots and can score it from all three levels and is a good defender as well.
Cameron Norman | 5’11” | Eastern View
Norman works best off the basketball, because he has deep range off the catch and he moves well without the basketball. However, he also has good good burst off the bounce and creates separation for himself to shoot the midrange jump shot. He’s a versatile scorer that heats up quickly and can give you 20 points in whichever role you need him to play on your team.