Pitt JamFest 15U Standouts
It was the first event of the live period, and Hoop Group’s Pitt JamFest in Pittsburgh, PA is back in full effect. One of the biggest live tournaments on the east coast, this year was yet again stacked with high level competition. With over 500 teams in attendance from all over the country and Canada, there was plenty of talent to choose from, so we won’t be able to get to all over them, but stay tuned as we break down some of the best performances we saw over the weekend.
Devon Savage | 6’5” WG | Team Takeover
Savage is an intriguing prospect with a great frame and what seems to be a high ceiling moving forward. At 6’5”, he’s very strong, has good athleticism and he can shoot the ball from deep off the catch. The St. John’s wing should see an increased role in the WCAC this season, and if he can continue to polish his game overall he’ll have a bright future in that league.
Jaylani Darden | 6’2” PG | BWSL Berry
Darden’s all around ability was on display as a freshman at Norview, where he recorded multiple triple-doubles. The 6’2” lefty guard plays much bigger than he is, as he isn’t afraid to get inside and mix it up with the bigs, but he’s most effective in transition where he can get downhill and either use his body to finish or find his shooters on kick outs. As he continues to develop a jump shot of his own, he’ll be one of the most productive guys in the 2021 class for a long time to come.
Jayden Epps | 5’11” PG | BWSL Berry
I don’t make extremely bold statements like this about young players often, but this kid may be the best point guard in to come out of the 757 since Matt Coleman. A true eighth grader playing up with an EYBL 15U team, Epps plays with a toughness, moxxy and IQ well beyond his years. He has great burst with the ball in his hands, sees the floor well and can score easily from all three levels of the floor. The fact that he’s already this talented and he still has so much room to grow means he’s going to be a dominant presence for a while in a place known for producing some of the top point guards in the state.
Christian Moore | 5’11” PG | BWSL Berry
After a great freshman year at Cape Henry, Moore continues to show that he’s one of the best shooters in the 757 regardless of class. He came off the bench as a sixth man for them this tournament and did exactly what he was supposed to, scoring in bunches and giving them a lift as a scorer. His best attribute is his ability to get hot quickly from deep, but he can also attack closeouts and score around the basket as well.
Kyrese Mullen | 6’5” C | Team Durant
This kid is built like a linebacker or a defensive end, and definitely not like a freshman. The Oscar Smith freshman has super wide shoulders and cut arms like a grown man, but he’s also nimble in the post allowing him to spin off quickly and finish around the rim. He may only be 6’5”, but he plays much bigger than he is and is a guy that will bring production and toughness in the paint for your team.
Jakai Robinson | 6’4” WF | Team Durant
Robinson was possibly the most consistent guy for Team Durant on their run to the championship, and he has one of the highest ceilings as well. A long 6’4” wing, he has a funky but effective left handed shot that is money from the midrange on the pull up. His length allows him to rebound, guard multiple positions and score in the paint, and he has a ton of room to grown moving forward.
Tyrek Morris Jr. | 6’2” WG | NY Rens
Coming out of Lincoln High School which has produced plenty of recent greats in the NYC area, Morris is just scratching the surface of how good he is going to be. Only 6’2” but he has close to a 6’7” or 6’8” wing span, the kid is going to grow and that will be scary because he’s athletic and can shoot it already. Only got to watch him one game, but he’s going to be one to keep an eye on in the NYC area.