Big Shots Team Loaded 15U Standouts (Part 2)
Every year I get the pleasure of enjoying some local AAU basketball on my birthday, as one of the premier grassroots even companies Big Shots teams up with one of the premier programs in the country Team Loaded for the…
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Continue ReadingEvery year I get the pleasure of enjoying some local AAU basketball on my birthday, as one of the premier grassroots even companies Big Shots teams up with one of the premier programs in the country Team Loaded for the Big Shots Loaded event in Richmond. Not only is it special because it’s on my birthday, it was also the first local AAU event I ever covered about five years ago with Vantage Hoops.
Now that the sentimental aspect is done, I got an opportunity to watch high level talent from Maryland, DC, Virginia, West Virginia and the Carolinas. With all of the talent I saw, I have broken up my standouts by age group. Here’s a look at part two of the 15U standouts I saw this past weekend.
Jack Faulkner | 5’9” PG | Spectrum
I saw Faulkner during the high school season and it wasn’t until I saw him against kids his own age that I realized he’s very advanced as far as skill set and understanding go. He did a great job controlling the tempo and pushing when his team needed him to, he made good decisions for the most part and he made shots from behind the arc, much like the rest of his team. He’s a steady guard who won’t wow you physically or athletically but he knows the game and plays it the right way.
Jayson Easton | 6’3” WF | Spectrum
One of the bigger players on their team, Easton was a standout because he made shots and provided a rebounding presence even against much bigger guys. He’s able to create driving lanes for his guards by playing on the perimeter and he’s a good catch-and-shoot guy who can attack closeouts and finish on second chance opportunities. The fact that he’s a wing who doesn’t mind doing the dirty work is a refreshing site to see.
Ethan Millirons | 5’10” PG | Spectrum
Two of the things you want to see in a young point guard is an understanding of the game and a toughness to not back down. Millirons showed both of those, along with the ability to make shots from all over the floor and handle pressure against bigger and more athletic guards. The way that he was able to contribute to the game as both a scorer and distributor means he can likely play with anyone.
Aryion Journiette | 6’0” G | Spectrum
The state champion from Northside is set to have a big sophomore season as he’ll likely start in the backcourt for them. He’s a natural athlete with good quickness, he can play on and off the basketball, he has a good handle that allows him to break down defenders and he showed the ability to score from all three levels. He plays the game the right way on both ends of the floor and he’s a fearless competitor who didn’t back down from anyone.
Jordan NkoaAbessolo | 6’7” PF | Ball All Day
An athletic freak with a high motor and high ceiling, this kid could be a very good one if he gets the right player development. He made some athletic plays that left you in awe, including a couple of highlight reel blocks where he came out of nowhere and some big time dunks in transition. He showed a couple of solid moves on the post, he ran the floor and finished in transition and he went to get it off the glass. He’ll be one to keep an eye on in the DMV moving forward.
Ricardo Glass | 6’4” WF | Ball All Day
Glass showed flashes of what his potential can be, and while he was somewhat inconsistent he did make some plays that were impressive for his age. At 6’4” he has a great frame for a young prospect with long arms and good athleticism, he showed he can somewhat handle and somewhat shoot and he was great blocking shots as a help side defender and when closing out on threes. He has the body and the tools to be successful moving forward, and if he continues to improve he’ll be one to watch for.
Mikai Arnold | 6’0” G | Ball All Day
Probably the most skilled player on this group, Arnold is a solid combo guard who can do a little bit of everything. He showed the ability to handle the basketball against pressure, he made some shots and down the stretch he showed he can get to the basketball and finish as well. He has a solid understanding of the game and was an impact on both ends as well.