Players to Watch This Summer: Class of 2019
As we approach some of the first tournaments of the AAU season, I thought it would be appropriate to list the guys that I think everyone should keep an eye out for this summer. Players make the list for various…
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Continue ReadingAs we approach some of the first tournaments of the AAU season, I thought it would be appropriate to list the guys that I think everyone should keep an eye out for this summer. Players make the list for various reasons, such as: they had a breakout regular season and I want to see how that translates into AAU, they are very talented players, or because I think they are about to have a break out summer. No matter what the reason, you should definitely check these guys out this summer!
Emmanuel Taban (6’7 G Apollo/Factory)
Emmanuel Taban makes this list because I didn’t think we’d get another chance to see him play AAU, as I expected him to announce him college decision earlier. However, Taban has decided to play AAU ball this summer and that’s a treat for us! Taban is one of the best shooters in the state and gets hot in a hurry! When he gets hot from deep, it is an absolute show and amazing to watch!
D’Maurian Williams (6’4 G Westview/Factory)
Williams also makes this list for the same reasons as his AAU teammate Emmanuel Taban. I expected Williams to commit to a college much sooner and did not think we would see him this summer. I am glad that we get to see him play once last summer before heading to college. Williams is a great scoring guard who can get to the rim with ease.
Otis Frazier (6’5 G Buckeye/Compton Magic 17U)
Frazier has really improved his game and it seems to have gone unnoticed. He has really enhanced his 3 point shooting and has always been a super athlete who can get to the rim at will. I think he has a big summer and catches a lot of people’s attention this AAU season.
Trent Brown (6’1 G Pinnacle/Powerhouse 17u UA Rise)
Trent Brown will be taking one last ride with Powerhouse 17u UA Rise. He is testing the waters a bit to see if he can pick up a last minute offer from some additional schools. Since he most likely won’t play the entire AAU season, you have to catch a game while you can! Brown is everything I’d want in my point guard. He always makes the right pass, is always in the right spots, gets the ball moving, and will knock down the 3 ball if you give him any open space.
Jackson Ruai (6’4 G Amphi/Powerhouse Tucson 17U)
Jackson Ruai is another player who everyone thought would be off the board at this point. He was expected to decide between his top 3 schools but nothing ever came of that. Never the less, Ruai puts on an absolute show every game he’s in, especially in AAU. Just on his insane dunking ability alone, it is worth the trip out to see him.
Cassius Carmichael (6’5 F Ironwood/Team Zona 17U)
Cassius Carmichael won Breakout Player of the Year and I am excited to see what he can do during AAU ball. From personal experience, these breakout players during the high school season either see a big jump in their play going into AAU ball or regress back and are labeled a product of their HS offense. Personally, I hope we see a huge jump in Carmichael’s game.