Top Guards from the Great American Shootout
The Great American Shootout in Duncanville has been one of the premier live period events for years on the travel team circuit. This year did not disappoint either. This list will break down some of the guards that I observed during the GASO.
Jacoby Decker / 5’7″ / 2019 / LA Select Team Millsap 17U / PG/SG
Decker is a super skilled scoring point guard that looks to make plays the best way he can. This past weekend against the Dallas Mustangs he had his jumper going from 25 feet to the tune of 31 points. In that game, Jacoby also showed his basketball IQ and athleticism with his help defense on the 6’7″ and 6’10” post players of the Mustangs. On Saturday night against Lone Star Elite, Decker displayed his play making ability as a point guard with several passes in the open floor as well as in the half court set. Basically, the full range of his game was on display this weekend. With two Division I offers in hand (Grambling & La-Monroe) within the last month and other Division I coaches in the stands viewing his game, Jacoby Decker will definitely be a hot commodity going into next season as his game continues to develop.
Kalaas Roots / 6’1″ / 2019 / LA Select Team Millsap 17U / PG
Kalaas is one of those guards that seems to continually add pieces to his game every time I see him. During the GASO, he did more than just run the point. Roots exhibited an ability to be a defensive asset. Guards who played against him had trouble making passes or dribbling by him because of his quick feet and wing span. On offense, his mid-range jumper proved to be his deadliest weapon. His ability to pull up on a dime and knock down that shot kept defenses off balance. His steady improvement has garnered notice from Division II and some Division I schools. If Kalaas has a good grassroots season during both live periods, look for the interest in this guard to grow.
Evan McCarthy / 5’9″ / 2019 / Lone Star Elite – Coleman / SG
McCarthy was one of the best shooting guards I saw during the weekend. Even at 5’9″, he prepares well to take open shots. His footwork was good and he gets to his spots by moving continuously. Evan’s form is very good and has range to about 23 feet. McCarthy is sneaky surprising as an athlete as well. He had a vertical jump that allowed him to shot his jumper over longer players and great lateral movement to stay in front of guards quicker than he. For a school, definitely at the Division III level, looking for a shooter who plays hard, Evan will be a good pickup for their program.
Maurice Elrod III / 6’3″ / 2019 / TBT Disciples 17U / SG
Elrod played in one of the smaller gyms at Duncanville High. However, he showed a game that might interest college coaches at the Division II and III levels. Maurice has a wing span that looks every bit of 6’8″ or more when he crouches into a defensive stance. On the top or the wing of a 2-3 zone, he is able to contest shooters with active hands and a good closeout. Even though his defense was top notch, his shooting was better. In one stretch of the game, he made an open three, ran the break for a layup, and commenced to hit two more three pointers. When he heats up, he heats up quickly. Elrod has a fluid motion and shoots the ball quickly. Smaller division coaches may find a solid player who can contribute in Maurice Elrod.
As live events continue, coaches will see more players of this caliber. Prep Hoops Louisiana will continue to cover these events and give you some of the best analysis around.