First Live Period: Under-The-Radar Guards To Watch (17U, Part II)
The spring AAU season will be in full swing this weekend as the first live period gets underway.
Teams from Colorado will be out on the road as they prepare to put their best foot forward in front of college coaches.
Here are some 2018 guards to keep an eye on out on the trail this weekend:
Dallas Bailey, 6-3, Colorado Regulators
Division II or juco programs still on the search for a versatile combo guard as a late signee should take a hard look at Bailey, who is a strong shooter, has a nice frame and good athleticism. He rebounds his position well and can defend multiple positions. Bailey, who averaged 10 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists for Lakewood HS last season, is scheduled to lead the Regulators at the Mile High Invitational in Lakewood this weekend.
Te’Rae Johnson, 5-11, Colorado Premier
Now in his second season with the Premier program, Johnson continues to evolve as a true floor general. He’s able to get his shot almost whenever he wants it, thanks to a quick first step and an ability to finish with both hands around the basket. But what we saw at the Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off earlier this month was a guard who is growing in his ability to make the players around him better. Johnson will be playing with Premier in the NY2LA’s Dallas Invitational this weekend.
Daijon Smith, 6-2, The Force
Smith is a smooth scorer who can get hot in a hurry. He shared a backcourt at Overland this season with Tucson Redding, who recently picked up a Division I offer from Portland State. Smith could be on that level as well as he continues to develop as an all-around lead guard. With his length and first step quickness, Smith has the chance to be a two-way player at the next level. Another player to watch for The Force as they begin play Friday in the Dallas Invitational: Zachary Ring. The 6-5 Ring was a big contributor for The Force during their run through the Kick Off, scoring inside and out with consistency.
Taye Jones, 6-0, Colorado Titans
Jones missed the Kick Off with an injury, but he was on the flight with the Titans as they headed to Dallas on Friday for the NY2LA’s Dallas Invitational. Jones is a player who can really make things happen in transition because he handles it well under pressure, has good vision and is aggressive when motoring downhill. The Monarch High School product has a chance to really turn some heads this spring and summer as a facilitator with a talented team around him. The Titans have good chemistry and play hard every time out.
Day Tuck, 6-1, Colorado Thunder
The unsigned senior from Sierra, a key cog in that team’s 20-5 record last season, could be a potential impact player as a late signee for a small-college program. He’s a player who does a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor. He has a good feel, strong court awareness and good touch. He’s an overall solid player who should perform well for the Thunder this weekend in the Mile High Invitational at the Gold Crown Field House.
Deon Barfield, 6-4, Colorado Chaos
Barfield’s best attribute is his athleticism. He’s one of the best open-court dunkers in Colorado. His nice length coupled with his leaping ability makes him a finishing threat every time down the floor. If he can continue to hone the finer skills in his game to match the energy and athleticism, he could be in for a big spring and summer. Coaches at the SoCal Hoop Review near Los Angeles this weekend will have a chance to see Barfield’s talent on display.