Pitt JamFest 17U Standouts (Part 1)
It was the first day 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.
Kamari Williams | 6’7” WG | 6th Man Warriors
Williams’ stock continues to skyroket after he had a big time showing in Pittsburgh, including a 27 point outing in a win over TNBA Ohio. With a mix of size, athleticism and skill set, Williams is able to dominate on both ends of the floor, and when he’s shooting it well like he did against TNBA with 6 threes, he’s almost impossible to matchup with. He’s a two-way impact player that will continue to get better with time and should see his recruitment continue to increase.
Jason Gibson | 6’0” PG | 6th Man Warriors
Gibson was extremely impressive as a facilitator throughout the Warrior’s run in Pittsburgh. He isn’t the most athletic guy, but he’s a crafty ball handler the can get where he needs to on the floor, he has great feel and vision with the ball in his hands and he can make tough shots from all over the floor. He makes everyone on his team better by just being on the floor.
Kasey Draper | 6’3” F | Virginia Blaze
Draper has had a great start to the spring, as he’s filled it up for the Blaze almost every game he’s played. He continued that in Pittsburgh, scoring double digits in every game and 20 points in multiple games. The 6’3” forward has the ability to score it inside and out, as he’s a crafty and tough finisher around the basket but can also shoot the deep ball well. He’s a guy small college coaches should be all over heading into his senior season.
Kenan Sarvan | 6’9” PF | Team Loaded 757
A guy college coaches are asking about every day, Sarvan was up and down throughout the tournament, but when he was on he showed why he’s being considered a mid major prospect by many of his coaches. He’s a legit 6’9”, and he can score from all over the floor, especially from deep as a trail man. He also can face up, pass and rebound with the best of them.
Darius Hines | 5’10” PG | Team Takeover Orange
One of the best available seniors in Pittsburgh, Hines is a guy who’s trying to get a division one offer late, and the consistency he has played with over the past two years it’s hard to imagine why he doesn’t have one. He isn’t the biggest guy in the world, but he’s crafty and plays with pace, has a tremendous understanding of the game and he make shots from deep and finish around bigger players. If you’re in need of a 2018 point guard, Hines should be one of the first guys you look at.
Xavier Joyner | 6’2” PG | Team Takeover Orange
Playing against two of the best point guards not only in the state but in the country every day in practice has to make you better, and you can see it in Joyner’s game now. The Paul VI point guard played with a ton of confidence on both ends, making an impact in a number of ways for his team. He’s still a little erratic at times, but he showed great finishing ability and burst with the ball in his hands, making him tough to corral and keep out of the paint.