Jack’s EYBL 16U Standouts
Almost the entire Prep Hoops DMV group, along with other Prep Hoops members, made the trip down to Atlanta together for the first live period to attend the first session of the EYBL. With that, we all decided to watch…
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Continue ReadingAlmost the entire Prep Hoops DMV group, along with other Prep Hoops members, made the trip down to Atlanta together for the first live period to attend the first session of the EYBL. With that, we all decided to watch different games so we could cover the most prospects possible. There will be a lot of write ups, but I can only refer to the players I saw. Since there’s a lot of them I’ve broken them up, and here’s a look at my 16U standouts from the weekend.
Marcus Banks | 6’2” G | Boo Williams 16U
One of the most pure shooters in the entire state, Banks is good for at least three or more from downtown a game, making him the perfect floor stretcher for a team full of attacking guards. Banks gets into his shot quickly, he relocates and moves well without the basketball and his release is picture perfect. He scored double digits in every game of the EYBL session.
David Jones | 6’4” G/F | Boo Williams 16U
Jones is the blue collar guy, but he brings more than just a toughness he brings a mismatch ability with his strength and athleticism. He gallops the floor like a gazelle, attacking the rim in transition and attacking the offensive glass with ferocity getting a ton of extra opportunities for his team. He has a budding skill set including the ability to put it on the deck and hit the set shot, but it’s his strength and high motor that make him such a big time impact on both ends.
Jayden Epps | 6’0” PG | Boo Williams 16U
A 2022 that’s playing up, I’d expect to see Epps in a 17U uniform next year with his poise and ability to run the show already. He’s a scoring guard first who can get to the rack and finish with both hands, hit the deep ball off the bounce and force the issue and get to the line. He has good feel and understanding of the game as well and the fact that he locks up on the defensive end is another plus at the lead guard position.
Jaylani Darden | 6’3” G | Boo Williams 16U
Rounding out a group of BWSL players that came a few points away from winning the session, Darden turned the heads of college coaches with his length, versatility and playmaking ability. He played and guarded multiple positions throughout the weekend, and he showed the ability to get downhill and make plays for others, a good floater and midrange game and good rebounding ability for a guy his size. He picked up his first offer from VCU.
Rodney Rice Jr. | 6’1” G | Durant 16U
The most talented 2022 I saw this weekend, Rice has a very mature game as a true combo guard who can both shoot and handle, and he’s a walking bucket too. When I saw them play Takeover 16U, Rice scored 11 of the teams first 13 points, showing the entire repertoire off the bounce. He got downhill and to the rim, he hit the three ball off the bounce and off the catch and he was able to get in the lane and make the right play without forcing things. He was very impressive and should be a guy high majors get on immediately.
Gabe Dorsey | 6’4” WG | Durant 16U
When it comes to shooting, Dorsey had possibly the most impressive performance I saw all weekend. The lefty from Pennsylvania doesn’t just have a ratchet, he has a full flamer thrower and he’s willing to torch everyone with it. He has a quick release which he doesn’t need a lot of space to get off, he has effortless range and he has tremendous confidence in his shot in which he’s ready to shoot at all times. He can fill it up in bunches and will stretch the floor with just a few shots.
Erik Reynolds | 6’2′ G | Takeover 16U
Reynolds was a rock in the game against Durant, as he did a little bit of everything for Takeover. He guarded multiple positions, setting the tone and slowing down the guards of Durant when he came off the bench. He showed the ability to get downhill to the rim, he lived in the paint where he could find his shooters and showed a little range himself. He plays high school ball with Rice and they should make a formidable backcourt next year.
Bobby Pettiford | 6’0” PG | CP3 16U
WATCH YOUR HEAD! Pettiford leads one of the top 16U teams in the country as they went on to win their session and essentially clinch a spot in the E16 Peach Jam. Not only are they good, but they’re fun to watch and hard to matchup with because Pettiford pushes the pace and they’re all crazy athletic. He’s a dynamic athlete with a quick first step and above the rim finishing ability, and his highlights don’t stop there as he’s a wiz with the ball and a flashy and good passer as well. Will be fun to watch more of him moving forward.