Virginia Summer Stock Boosters: 2018 Guards
Virginia was well represented on the grassroots circuit this summer. As the summer winds down and many players return from AAU back to their high school squads, we’ll be taking a look back at some of the players who have raised their stock the most since last high school season. Below we highlight five rising senior guards who deserve mention.
XAVIER JOHNSON | BISHOP O’CONNELL
Xavier Johnson assumed the starting point guard role for Team Takeover in Las Vegas, and didn’t look back as he helped lead his team lift the championship trophy at The Ei8ht. This came after a dominant run with his high school squad during summer league. Johnson, who is down to six schools, has proven himself not only as a top lead guard guard locally, but nationally.
JASON WADE | TRINITY EPISCOPAL
Regarded as the glue guy for Boo Williams, Jason Wade found his niche in his first and only year on the EYBL. At 6’5, the rising senior is a lockdown perimeter defender, and a heady playmaker who is crafty around the basket. Wichita State, VCU, Wofford, and FGCU are among the schools to recently offer Wade.
DEREON SEABRON | LAKE TAYLOR
Dereon Seabron started off the AAU season well with Team Loaded 757, and finished it off with a strong run of play at Hoop Group Team Camp. The 6’5 guard, who picked up offers from Robert Morris and CCSU while at team camp, is considering those schools along with Towson and JMU among others.
DEANDRE THOMAS | MILLWOOD
A popular name this summer, DeAndre Thomas is one of the more recruitable players in the state given his strong academic and athletic record. The 6’4 rising senior, who was a standout for Team Richmond Garner Road, holds double digit offers from a variety of low to mid major level division one programs.
DARIUS HINES | BISHOP IRETON
Darius Hines, who has earned constant praise from Team Takeover Orange 17U Head Coach Darryl Prue, was one of the more reliable and consistent performers we saw at any position this summer. At Summer Takeover, the rising senior played a key role in helping his team defeat EYBL opponents on three separate occasions during their run to the championship. With a handful of division two offers under his belt, it’s likely only a matter of time before a division one school comes calling.