Recruiting Report: Jayden Saddler (2018)
Around the Baltimore area, the Saddler family is well known because of their success on the basketball court. Mt. Zion guard Jayden Saddler is the last in line to keep that success going as his oldest brother, Devon, continues his professional career overseas and his older brother, Tevon, stars for Nicholls State.
Jayden’s older brothers are known for their natural ability to score at an alarming rate. While Jayden can put the ball in the basket, he differs from his brothers in that he prides himself in filling up the stat sheet in other categories as well. The six-foot floor general is averaging eight points, five assists and five rebounds for a very good Warriors team loaded with Division I prospects.
Saddler has been a valuable piece off the bench for Coach Harrison with his ability to run an offense and control the pace of a game. Mt. Zion has every position covered in terms of your basic needs for a good team. They have numerous elite athletes on the wing, size in the paint and shooters around the perimeter. That leaves Saddler with plenty of options not only in half court play, but on fast breaks.
“I feel like I’ve improved most in transition,” Saddler spoke on what has most improved since coming to Mt. Zion. “Just my decision making and knowing how to find guys in the best spot. Also my jump shot. I’m continuing to work on that aspect.”
Saddler is a sneaky athletic guard. When you first see him, you wouldn’t think he can pull off some of the posterizing dunks that he does. His outside shot is still a work in progress, but he isn’t incapable of hitting three’s once he gets going.
Defensively, Saddler is a pest on the ball. He has active hands and good instincts in passing lanes to get a tip on the ball and start transition opportunities for his team. He does a nice job of defending ball screens and communicating with the big man on what coverage is best for the situation.
Saddler holds one offer from Jacksonville State. He told Prep Hoops there haven’t been many other schools calling, but he hopes that’ll change as the season progresses.
.@jaydensaddler finds @tyfrost_ in transition for a one-handed flush. Warriors lead 27-13. @PrepHoopsMD pic.twitter.com/HU4VyreBMr
— Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops) January 18, 2018