UMSL Team Shootout (Point/Combo Guards)
Here is a look at the top point/combo guards from last weekend’s University of Missouri-St. Louis Team Shootout:
Damien Loyd 5’10” Kirkwood ’19: Loyd was without question the best passer in the event during the day. He did a tremendous job of locating open teammates and delivering room-service passes for open looks. And he did it in all facets of the game. He dropped no look passes to streaking teammates on the break, slick pocket passes in the pick and roll and penetrate and kick outs for 3-pointers. He had eyeballs everywhere in his head. When it was time to get a bucket, he could create one for himself without much trouble.
Amorey Womack 6’0″ Webster Groves ’19: One of the reasons why the Statesmen will continue to be a force is Womack, who got plenty of buckets during the event. He knocked down a number of 3-pointers and scored on aggressive drives to the basket, which is what he is fully capable of doing. He has also become a much better passer who can create for his teammates. He is making that extra pass when he is open to a teammate who has a better shot. He overall game has continued to evolve during the past year.
Adam Sommer 6’3″ Parkway South ’20: With his older brother A.J. graduating, Adam moves into an even bigger leadership role for the Patriots as their lead guard. He showed many of those traits on Friday as he carried much of the scoring load, but also did a good job of getting his teammates involved. His size and physical strength is a big asset as he can maneuver his way around the floor to get to the basket or to knock down jumpers off the dribble. He has solid handles and very good court vision.
Rashad McDaniel 6’0″ Trinity ’20: A thick and physical combo guard who is capable of putting up points in a hurry with the array of offensive tools at his disposal. He can buffalo a smaller defender to the basket, but he can also create separation off the dribble to knock down jumpers from short and long distance. He is also a very capable passer who will find the open man.
Xavier Sykes 5’6″ Helias ’21: A very talented young point guard who has a variety of ways to score, which makes him difficult to guard. He is very quick, but he also has the ability to change speeds and directions on the dime and keep defenders off balance. He can get to the bucket and score amongst the trees or he can stop and pop from the mid-range or from 3-point distance. Very dynamic little guy who brings a lot of excitement.
Ryan Grimmitt 5’7″ Chaminade ’22: A young floor leader who more than held his own against the varsity competition. He is a very quick and penetrating guard who did a nice job of running the pick and roll and making good decisions. He got in the lane and displayed a good float game, plus he can make a 3-pointer if the defense goes underneath the screen.
Rob Martin 5’9″ CBC ’22: It was my first look at this young point guard and I was very impressed with his ability to run a team. He is a pass-first point guard who plays with a lot of poise and savvy for such a youngster. He has smooth handles and has an idea of where he wants to go on the court. He can deliver the rock to his teammates and he can also knock down a jumper and create a shot. Very high basketball IQ.