Top Unsigned Guards: Grind Session
Nygal Russell, Aspire Academy
The least acclaimed recruit in a core consisting of 6-foot-10 wunderkind Charles Bassey and 6-foot-8 point forward Joel Ntambwe, Russell is an underrated mid-major prospect with bouncy athleticism and scoring capabilities at all three levels. He proved this during the Memphis Classic, scoring 28 points on the full menu of hard drives, timely 3-pointers, and crafty finishes en route to a 100-79 win over Believe Academy in the title game.
Tyrese Patterson, Tennessee Prep Academy
Hard-nosed guard is gritty defensive presence with 3-point shooting ability. He’s the caliber of player capable of triggering an individual 9-2 run and facilitating a significant momentum roll in a big matchup. Class of 2018 guard had 22 points (11-of-14 FG) and four steals against Oak Hill earlier this month.
Devan Cambridge, Believe Academy
Class of 2019 Nashville, TN native has had a breakout year, one which continues to generate appeal on the high-major market. While his best attribute is his freakish athleticism, Cambridge cannot simply be pigeonholed as an athlete. He can hit straight-away 3-pointers, knock down the mid range jumper. He’s also a high level defender who blocks shots as effectively as any 6-foot-6 kid in the country.
Malcolm Farrington, Believe Academy
After breaking open various games with elite level 3-point sniping and timely shots on last year’s Grind, Farrington has come back stronger and more impactful as an on-the-ball defender. Has the tendency get hot in a hurry and thrives in situations of heightened pressure. Look at him closely–he’s a better passer than people think. A 4.0 GPA only maximizes his appeal to Division-I programs.
Lawrence Slim, Scotland Campus Sports
One year after being utilized primarily as a four-man, Slim creates mismatches as a 6-foot-7 kick out shooter. He’s capable of spreading the floor out. If he can develop a killer instinct and sustain it, he’s got the potential to become a surefire Division-I talent.
B.J. Greenlee, The Rock School
After playing second and third fiddle to guys like Darius Days (LSU commit, currently at IMG Academy) and high-octane point guard Jamari Wheeler (now at Penn State), Greenlee has been a key source as a scorer, facilitator, and defender. Leads the team in scoring at 16.3 points. Also a high-level academic kid.
Antrell Charlton, The Rock School
In addition to death and taxes, you can bet on Charlton prolonging his basketball career at a winning program. He’s multi-dimensional and has never become too enamored with one compartment of his game. In rebounding the ball exceptionally well for a 6-foot-3 guard and playing high-level defense with steals, deflections and disruptions every game, he’s an accurate depiction of a “safe bet.” Is averaging 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 steals.
Jereon Kales, Scotland Campus Sports
Class of 2018 guard played at now defunct 22 Academy last season and has improved tremendously as a slasher. He’s got the strength and the sneaky athleticism to get to the rim with relative ease. If he can improve his consistency as a jump shooter, he would be a glove fit at an Ivy League program. Plays a physical game and can snag rebounds. Certainly helps that he has a 4.0 GPA.
Shawn Barthelemy, Athlete’s Institute
Once a schoolboy talent during his middle school days, Barthelemy is back in the realm of relevance. Playing alongside his close friend, Arizona State-commit Luguentz Dort, the class of 2019 Barthelemy has improved as a 3-point shooter and been more effective at handling the ball and orchestrating the offense as a point guard.