Grassroots Preview: AZU 17U
Arizona United, also known as AZU, prides itself in creating a competitive environment. They have done just that be bringing together players from some of the most competitive teams in the state last year to this AZU 17U team.
This organization, which is linked to adidas sponsored Team Bayless, is ran by Ben Stryczek. Coach Stryczek loves the toughness and defensive minded mentality of this group. Although the team does not feature a true center, they have plenty of length and a lot of guard talent on the roster.
AZU 17U Roster
AZU 17U Combo Wings/Posts
Geoff Hibbitt 6’6 PF 2017 Ironwood— Hibbitt is currently an unsigned senior with a number of NAIA, NCAA Division-III, and Junior Colleges expressing interest. The 6’6 strong bodied athlete has impressed multiple colleges with his size and unexpected explosiveness. He is physical on the block, has good footwork, and can move his feet well enough to guard most 3-5s at the NAIA and NCAA D2 or D3 levels.
Ajang Aguek 6’6 SF/PF 2018 Ironwood — Aguek has improved his game tremendously from his sophomore year to his junior year. His athleticism has improved expediently as well as his skill set. He has made himself a much more versatile player who can play comfortably around the perimeter or on the block. For schools who are looking for a length stretch four who can shoot, Aguek seems to be a good fit. One of his most underappreciated assets is his ability to guard on the perimeter as well as be a rim protector.
Kyle Fischer 6’5 SF/PF 2018 Sunnyslope – Fischer is undoubtedly one of the most under-rated players in the entire state. However, a state championship ring should help with that. If that is not enough, the type of performances that he had this year should help greatly. He should be a prized commodity to a number of next level suitors due to his toughness and basketball IQ. He is a monster on the glass, a very skilled passer, and the kind of glue guy who can do a little bit of everything.
AZU 17U Combo Guards
Allen Abayev 5’11 SG 2018 Sunnyslope – Abayev is the best on ball defender in the group. He absolutely harasses the basketball and does a great job of rotating in help side. Moreover, Abayev is a knockdown shooter who can fill it up quickly. He is not the top of player that opposing teams can help off of as he has a quick and consistent release from 3. In addition, very similar to the rest of the Sunnyslope boys, Abayev makes minimal mistakes and maximizes possessions.
Tyrese Eugene 6’0 PG/SG 2018 Ironwood — Eugene has improved his mid-range jumper tremendously. He is a strong bodied combo guard who does a good job of getting down hill and getting into the paint when he decides to put the basketball on the floor. He is a strong on ball defender as well.
Dominic Gonzalez Dominic Gonzalez 6'3" | SG Ironwood | 2020 State AZ 6’1 PG/SG 2020 Ironwood — Gonzalez will play with both the 17U and 16U teams in the organization. Gonzalez is a top tier shooter who is currently working on his ability to create more off of the dribble. This young prospect is highly competitive and his height, athleticism, and skill set are constantly growing.
AZU 17U Point Guards
Cody Carmichael 5’9 PG 2017 Ironwood — Carmichael’s smart decision making and leadership abilities have drawn the attention of a number of schools. Specifically, NAIA and NCAA Division-III schools as well. He is playing as an unsigned senior prior to going on an LDS mission. His hope is to return and play college basketball. The guard gets into the paint at will and does a great job of finding bigs, cutters, and corners.
Bryson Mewhinney 6’1 PG 2018 Sunnyslope – Mewhinney is one of the most skilled players in the state at not forcing things. He lets things come to him within the flow and structure of the offense. Much like Carmichael, Mewhinney does a great job of getting into the paint and creating for others. He has a next level sense as the game seems to slow down for him when he is on the move as he is able to make great decisions. Moreover, he utilizes his footwork well to create space.
Tanner Ray 5’8 PG 2018 Mountain Ridge — Ray is a game manager who can flat out shoot the basketball. He does a great job of dictating the tempo of the game, limiting mistakes, and getting his teammates involved. In addition, he is a “yes, sir” and “no, sir” kind of young man. He does whatever is asked of him with a competitive fire.
Notes
This team is fairly unique in that it combines to of the top teams from 5A and from the same Metro region. However, the team has seemed to mesh well as they had a good showing at the Southwest Main Event this past week. Due to their toughness, quickness, and length; they should be a force on the defensive end.
The biggest strengths for this team in addition to its defense is its versatility and ability to get into the paint. Every player on this roster can play an array of spots and put the defense on their heels. This team also possesses some knockdown shooters who can extend the court.
This group will be participating in the AZ Preps Spring Classic heading to California for the Pangos Best of the West Shootout.