Notebook: Sunday at UAA
On the last day of the first live period, I headed over to Best Choice Fieldhouse to take in a day of action. The event was packed with some of the best teams in the nation and some of the best players. Here is a recap from my day at the event.
Dillon Duff and Michael Saunders Jr. Took Charge for G3 Grind 2020
Duff and Saunders Jr. had it all going their way on the offensive end today. The 6’5 Duff from Fort Wayne South (IN) really impressed me with his ability to shoot the ball. He scored 18 points on 9-of-10 shooting in the first half of their game against KC Run GMC. Duff was hitting turnaround jumpers and was getting into the lane pretty easily and scoring the ball. He really looked good with a good frame and toughness. He is a guy you can count on for his motor to be there every single game. He’s pretty versatile as well and could provide energy from the two guard or wing spot if his shooting continues to work. Dillon Duff Prep Hoops Profile
Lawrence North (IN) 5’10 point guard Saunders Jr. hs gotten off to a very goo start to the grassroots season first impressing in Minnesota at NY2LA and was continuing to impress here at Under Armour. He’s a guy that is beginning to be able to rely on his shot more as he gets older and we saw that as he hit jumper after jumper and kept getting to the rim. He’s a quick lead guard that is transitioning into a guy who can score the ball a ton too. Look for his stock to rise through the rest of the summer as he holds eight offers with the last coming earlier this month from UT Martin (TN). Michael Saunders Jr. Prep Hoops Profile
Nico Mannion is a STUD
I had gotten a few messages asking who this guy was before I got to the Under Armour event, and now I know why I kept getting asked about him. Mannion is a 6’3 point guard from Pinnacle (AZ) who can absolutely do anything and everything. He is able to score the ball from all three levels and is unafraid to take any shot. Mannion is able to drive to the rim and finish on defenders with either hand or simply throwing it down. He has superb court vision and despite his scoring ability, he is a willing passer. Great rebounder from the guard spot too.
Simply put, Mannion has the ‘it” factor. One of the best players that I have seen all year long. Not many high scoring guards that put in the effort that he does on the defensive end as well. A guy who you can trust with the ball and to make plays in crunch time. A highly competitive guard who will step in and compete immediately. Mannion has offers from teams such as Virginia, Villanova, Utah, Arizona, etc. Nico Mannion Prep Hoops Profile
Dekeyvan Tandy is Wired to Score the Ball
The Prep Hoops Kentucky number one ranked player in the state is a stud. Tandy was scoring the ball today at will on all types of action. He was throwing down dunks, hitting threes, and making jumpers. He has all the makings of an elite scorer at the next level. Tandy is an uber athletic 6’1 shooting guard from Hopkinsville, Kentucky who can really score the ball over everyone.
He may be a little undersized to play point guard at the next level but he is so strong and athletic that he will be a good defender. He can blow by bigger guys or pull up in the face of smaller guards to score. Tandy doesn’t look to score in just one or two ways and that makes him special. Tandy has eight offers currently with the last one coming from Kansas State last month. Dekeyvan Tandy Prep Hoops Profile