Grassroots Update: Deep III
They certainly draw attention with the stars and stripes of the American flag on their uniform, but Deep III is more than just about fashion. The AAU squad from the East Portland area has been winning games on the AAU circuit this spring, recently finishing second in The Hoop Memorial Day Classic, and coach PJ Gilbert is looking for even more from his squad in July.
Here’s a quick recap of the team so far this grassroots season.
Robert Ford (2018 Jefferson HS) Ford is the unquestioned leader of Deep III and has been give the green light to be a scoring point guard with the squad. He continues to work o the consistency of his outside shooting but his quick drives to the basket and his on-the-ball defense remain strengths. Ford has offers from several NWAC schools but will be playing things out through July before making any decisions.
Emmanuel “Seyi” Reiley (2018 De La Salle North HS) Reilly is the tallest guy on Deep III and Gilbert notes that he has taken on all comers, no matter what size opponent. Blessed with good athleticism, a quick second leap, and a very high motor, Reilly is a rebounding machine and he makes plays on both ends. Multnomah has offered a scholarship and others such as Whitworth and Pacific have shown interest but it appears that Reilly is looking at playing outside the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Hawaii.
Austin Forrar (2018 Barlow HS) Forrar has been one of the key guys inside for Deep III. Despite his lack of height, his size and determination have allowed him to battle inside for boards, whereas he can also step out and hit the three. Multnomah and NWAC schools have shown the most interest.
Cam Feik (2019 Wilsonville HS) Feik, who played last year at Lakeridge, is Gilbert’s top rising senior. The point guard may be the team’s smartest player and may be toe-to-toe with Ford in terms of being an on-the-ball defender. Feik can also hit the three.
Tyshawn Ford (2018 Portland Adventist HS) Ford, a cousin of Robert Ford, is small in stature at 5-foot-10 but is a late bloomer physically who can jump high enough to dunk it. The hard working guard is getting some interest from some NWAC schools such as PCC and Linn-Benton.
Anthony Mosley (2019 De La Salle North HS) Mosley, another rising senior, has shown a high motor especially on defense and has been solid so far this spring in the backcourt.
James Husband (2019 Fort Vancouver (WA) HS) Husband has been a late addition coming over from the Vancouver Grizzlies squad. He has provided instant offense with his ability to shoot from long range as well as tough drives to the basket.
Dominic Blake (2019 Columbia Christian HS) Blake is also a late addition from the Vancouver Grizzlies. A steady point guard with a good outside stroke, he’s still finding his way into the lineup.
Datorrian Davis (2018 Putnam HS) Davis is raw but super athletic. Another late bloomer, he has made some highlight plays seemingly out of nowhere on both ends this spring.