Take 5: Big Shots Richmond Tip-Off
Just three weeks after the high school season ended, we’re already into the AAU season! With the first live period just three weeks away, these warmup events are big for teams to be able to build their team chemistry in competitive game situations before college coaches start flooding gyms here soon. We were able to check out some of the Big Shots Richmond Tip-Off this weekend, and got a great preview of some of the Richmond talent to keep an eye on moving forward. Here’s 5 names that stood out, and look to have a big summer moving forward.
Mark Williams | 6’9” 2020 | Team Loaded VA 15U
Two years ago it was Dave McCormack, last year it was Armando Bacot, this year it’s Mark Williams. Team Loaded 15U always has a huge big man prospect, and the 6’9” freshman out of Norfolk Academy looks like he’ll be the next one to blow up with them this summer. He has ridiculous length as a rim protector, can run the floor and even shoot the three ball! He’s going to have to fill out, but that should come with time and he’s sure to pick up some early offers this summer.
J’Vion Lankford | 6’5” 2019 | River City Reign 16U
Talk about under the radar, I had never heard of this Petersburg prospect until Saturday when he scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds and hit the game winning shot against Team Loaded 434. Lankford is still pretty raw, but the 6’5” hybrid forward has great physical tools, plays with a high motor and has a toughness about him you can’t teach. He’ll have a chance to be pretty good this summer if he continues to develop.
Raheem Jenkins | 6’1” 2018 | River City Reign 17U
The LC Bird guard was in a reserve role because of four seniors they had, but don’t get it twisted, Jenkins is a straight bucket-getter. He showed flashes in the state championship game with five tough points, and he showed that wasn’t a fluke this past weekend with multiple 20 point games. He’s an explosive combo that can score from all three levels, plays well in transition and can play on or off the ball. He’ll score a lot of points for a talented RCR team this summer.
Darrick Jones | 6’5” 2020 | Team Loaded VA 16U
Jones has opened eyes as a young prospect with his size and athleticism in transition, but he’s also developing into an all around scoring wing that plays on both ends. The lefty showed improved range on his jump shot throughout the tournament, and was instrumental in their defensive scheme. With his athleticism and ability to play and guard multiple positions, there’s no doubt that there are a lot of offers coming his way in the future.
Jalen Jordan | 6’6” 2019 | Dreamchasers 16U
Production sells, and Jordan is a production machine. The 6’5” power forward plays with a high motor on both ends, where he bangs with bigger post players and kills the glass. He has a soft touch out to 15 feet, moves well without the ball and doesn’t mind doing the dirty work either. He’s an underrated athlete as well, and that mixed in with his high motor makes him the perfect big man for the up-and-down style of AAU basketball.