5 Under The Radar Players to Watch This Spring
These young men are all talented basketball players who are still looking and deciding what direction to go and who to play with this spring and summer. They have flown under the radar so far, but have the ability to breakout in the coming travel season. It will be interesting to watch these athletes and their growth as basketball players throughout AAU season.
Jalen ‘JD’ Rawls (2019, PG, Mt. Morris)
The junior was named 2nd Team All-GAC Red while averaging 16.9ppg, 6.2rpg, and 5apg. He’s an all around player who can change the game in many ways. Rawls is excellent when penetrating where he has the ability to finish or find open teammates. Rawls has the ability, as a point guard, to score in the paint. He’s solid on defense, often guarding his opponents best player. With improvements to his free throw shooting and three point shooting he could be an elite level player.
Ian Bruce (2019, F, Mt. Morris)
Bruce was an Honorable Mention All-GAC Red selection. He averaged 11.1ppg, and 7.8rpg. Bruce has excellent hands and it’s shown in his outstanding touch at the rim. He has improved dramatically in his ability to face up and hit a jumper. This season he shot 80% from the free throw line while knocking down 39% of his three point attempts. Bruce played mostly at the center position for Mt. Morris this year, but he has the skills and ability to play more on the perimeter.
Jauwan Ward (2020, G, Clarenceville)
Ward is a young man with a high ceiling for improvement. He’s a smaller player standing at 5-8, but he has very long arms. Ward is a top notch on ball defender where he’s aggressive and can create turnovers. On offense, he is at his best when attacking the rim where he is an excellent finisher. Ward has shown strong improvement to his jumper over the last year.
Jay Ealy (2021, G, Clarenceville)
Ealy is a diamond in the ruff. He has tons of talent and with some work and polishing of his game, could become a very high level player. He’s an athlete that stands at 5-10 and is very long for his height. Ealy is a strong player on the offensive end, especially with his mid range game. He is a talented defender who is at his best when on the ball.
Jaden Sims (2021, G, Clarenceville)
Sims is another guard from Clarenceville with a lot of potential. He’s a 5-9 guard who plays bigger than his height. Sims has a good mid range game where he’s comfortable and efficient with his jumper. His three point shot is still developing, and with work, should develop into a strength. Sims is a solid ball handler who keeps his turnover numbers low.