July AAU Superlatives Heading into the Second Period
It was originally my intention to write a preview covering who was playing where this week for the second live period but didn’t get a lot of feedback on schedules and thought it may be more fun to return to the Superlatives format that readers seemed to enjoy back in April.
Most Likely to Earn Their First Power 5 Offer:
Isaiah Cozart, Madison Central (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs 17u) – Isaiah came out of last week with 9 new D1 offers, including one from the Atlantic-10 (St. Bonaventure) and high major programs are starting to circle the big man from Richmond. With another strong week of showing improved offense, Cozart could find himself on the receiving end of a high major offer.
Most Likely to Earn Multiple Offers:
Jackson Sivills, McCracken County (Hoop Dreams) – Sivills is our #1 ranked player in 2020 and possesses great size and ability at the wing spot. More than just a shooter, Jackson possesses all the intangibles to be a mid major or better college prospect. Look for him to start adding to his stack of offers soon.
Most Likely to Dunk on Someone;
Dieonte Miles, Walton-Verona (NKY Squad) – Miles is out in Las Vegas with his NKY Squad teammates and has to be hoping that his recruiting gets as hot as the Vegas desert. Dieonte is one of those kids who tries to dunk on everyone and I suspect he’ll catch as least one body this week while he’s out in Vegas.
Most Likely to Put Up a Huge Scoring Game:
TreVon Smith, Taylor County (Manimal Elite) – Smith had a quiet week in New York during the first certified period. That could change this week in California. TreVon is one of the most dynamic scorers in the class and is due for a breakout performance this summer.
Most Likely to Win a National Championship:
The Kentucky Defenders. The reigning state champions are headed to 16u Nationals in Orlando with intentions to bring back a national title to the Bluegrass State. The Defenders have quality depth on their roster and have beaten more talented teams all season long. No reason to stop now.
Most Likely to Earn Their First Offer:
Marques Warrick, Henry Clay (CKY Magic – Morton) – There should be plenty of college coaches around the Kentucky Expo Center this weekend and Warrick has been a popular name with the colleges the last week or so. Don’t be surprised if a coach falls in love with Marques’ game and offers the young man a scholarship.
Most Likely Sophomore to Impress Coaches:
Trey James, Sheldon Clark (Manimal Elite 17u) – Playing up two grade levels, James is a big body with a bright future. Manimal Elite has a bunch of college prospects that should draw eyes all week. Trey has an opportunity to impress plenty of coaches with his play over the next few days and could convince one or more coaches to offer a scholarship if he plays as strong and aggressive as he is capable of.
Most Likely to Score 30+ in a game this weekend:
Brayden Sebastian, Garrard County (IAM3rd Ice) – Sebastian has been known to get hot and stay hot this spring and summer. His ICE team has been up and down over the course of the season due to injuries and Brayden has shown himself to be capable of stepping up and carrying his team. Don’t be surprised if Sebastian goes off for a monster game at least once this weekend.