4 Takeaways: AZ Hype vs. UBC
The West Coast Elite showcased some of the top teams from Utah and Arizona. AZ Hype and UBC met earlier in the event and played each other very tough. It was a physical game in which both teams struggled to score the basketball at times.
With that said, there were a number of prospects who used this venue to stand out and compete. UBC was able to get the win with the final score being 50-45. Trevon Allfrey was the player of the game as he scored the ball well and collected a double-double. Below are my 4 takeaways from the AZ Hype and UBC game.
4 Takeaways AZ Hype vs. UBC
1. Solid wing play from both teams
Trevon Allfrey looks like he is in better shape than he has previously. We are all well aware that he can score the basketball at an elite level. However, one of the biggest question marks for college coaches is who will he guard and what position does he fit into? As he continues to improve his body and motor, he could have a very successful career at the college level as a SF. He is relentless on the glass and is a double-double machine.
In addition to Allfrey, Emad Elinel looks the part of being an NCAA Division-I prospect. He has good length and a smooth release from deep. At times, he is too passive and the basketball will not touch his hands for too many consecutive possessions. With that said, he is an efficient scorer offensively who is good on the ball defensively and rotates well in help side.
2. UBC Guards
Jeremy DowDell scored the basketball less efficiently than he typically does. However, he still scored the basketball well and made timely buckets. He was without a doubt the top guard on the floor for both teams.
In addition to DowDell, Kawika Akina stood out. He did not score the basketball and had a couple of turnovers, but he plays with a bulldog mentality. He does a number of little things that are needed for teams to win games. He plays tough on ball defense and gets his teammates involved. Further, he was solid on the glass despite being undersized.
3. Bench Production: AZ Hype
Cassius Carmichael came into the game for AZ Hype and was really productive. He crashes the glass hard on every possession and got into the paint well. Defensively, he was solid on the ball and did a good job in rotating in help side. While his numbers might not have stood out, his energy and impact plays kept AZ Hype in the game.
He has improved quite a bit as a prospect and is up to 6’5. He plays anywhere from 2-4 for the Hype due to his versatility, athleticism, and skill set.
4. Role Players Playing Their Roles
Both teams did not shoot the basketball at the level that they are capable. However, the offense for UBC clearly runs through DowDell and Allfrey. With that said, it was impressive to watch the role players for UBC compete and play their roles. Landon Brenchley stood out in this regard as he did not shoot the basketball well, but that did not stop him from playing hard.
Many guys quit competing if they are missing shots or not getting looks. Brenchley showed maturity and found ways to impact the game. He was solid on the glass, moved the basketball well, and got into the passing lanes well. Further, he played relatively mistake free on the offensive end other than the missed shots.