Dayton Team Camp: 2021 Standouts
June isn’t about being perfect. Quite the opposite, actually, as teams are feeling it out and trotting out quirky lineups. That carries over to the players. So, while out at the Univ. of Dayton this weekend evaluating, we weren’t looking…
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Continue ReadingJune isn’t about being perfect. Quite the opposite, actually, as teams are feeling it out and trotting out quirky lineups.
That carries over to the players. So, while out at the Univ. of Dayton this weekend evaluating, we weren’t looking for spotless showings. Rather, a flash here and there of improved skill or athleticism.
Here’s what we saw from the juniors:
AJ Mirgon (2021) | 5-11 PG | Bradley / Mid Ohio Pumas (Ross/Norris)
Is there another 6-foot-ish guy in Ohio who is more effective than Mirgon at the rim? He is wildly capable of creating points when he’s caught on the block without his dribble. Pump fakes and pivots for patient buckets off the glass. Mirgon also sneaks in creative interior passing assists that wrap around a defender or come from behind his back.
Mirgon is an elite cutter who plays well with other point guards because of his effectiveness without the ball. Active kid who can become a playmaker on the catch — both when he receives a backdoor pass or from the wing attacking a closeout.
Elhadji Thiam (2021) | 6-6 PF | Pickerington Central / Ohio Hoopsters (Tillman)
Thiam’s defensive versatility and ability to cover space is one of his most intriguing qualities. He was getting his hands on a lot of shots at the rim and on close-outs. Played with effort, something that has been true of him since we’ve started watching last spring.
Thiam banks home mid-post hook shots with a surprising consistency; they’re tough shots, but he has that in his game. Being effective in that mid-post is important for the slender, lanky forward who can’t bury bigs deep in the paint.
Casey George (2021) | 5-9 PG | Pickerington North
George must’ve scored — no exaggeration — 20 points in the second half against Lima Senior. He had a rare height advantage to go along with his improved body (George has bulked up recently) and simply went to work in the paint. Showed great footwork and body control to score it inside.
What we liked is that George recognized the mismatch and didn’t go away from it until Lima was forced to switch matchups. It speaks to his court awareness and confidence. George also showed great recognition skills by dropping assists when help-side came over. Compared to the high school season, he was more capable of separating from defensive pressure.
Tyrese Hughey (2021) | 6-6 PF | Thomas Worthington / C2K Elite
So, uhhhh, yep, the Hughey-Jalen Sullinger pick-and-roll is going to be pretty dangerous. Hughey looked a lot like 2018 Reynoldsburg graduate and current Indiana State forward Tre Williams when he dove to the rim this weekend. Finished over the top, including crushing one two-hand slam on a defender’s head. Shows an understanding of when to slip the screen.
Conversely, Hughey is effective defending the pick-and-roll when guarding the screener. He shows and recovers very well because of his lateral quickness, a skill that should translate.
Chanze Amerson (2021) | 6-1 PG | Thurgood Marshall / Team Flyght
Amerson has a true feel. Shifty ball-handler who had one really nasty hesitation move in transition against Toledo St. John’s. Showed vision on a couple crisp passes from elbow to opposite short corner/block area. Lanky build with long legs and short torso.
Jamiya Neal (2021) | 6-6 SF | Toledo St. Francis / All Ohio Red
Neal has snagged Akron and Kent State offers in the last seven days and definitely had people’s attention when he walked into the gym Sunday. The talent, the upside, the versatility, the athleticism … it just screams at you. And he does a little bit of everything for this St. Francis team. He’s their best rebounder, scorer, defender at each position, slasher, ball-handler, and creator.
A wiry kid with long limbs, Neal may never be able to pack a ton of muscle onto his relatively small frame. But, he’s showing an improved ability to bounce off defenders and control his balance while attacking the rim. Adding more shake to his handle — changing speeds and direction. There’s a lot of projection and potential when evaluating Neal, but you know what you’re getting defensively. He’s going to be able to defend multiple positions on the wing and bother guys with his length. Takes chances in passing lanes and likes to get ahead of the break.
Carter Mims (2021) | 5-6 PG | Trotwood / Team Flyght
Mims is inspiring to watch. He’s very short but competes so hard. His on-ball defense for the full length of the court drives opposing guards crazy. Mims really gets into your dribble and is rarely called for fouls. Offensively, he cuts up defenses with his quickness. He gets to the rim and looks to score it, usually on layups that don’t involve the backboard. Doesn’t drive-and-kick often and struggles as an outside shooter.
Jackson Izzard (2021) | 6-2 G | Alder / Mid Ohio Pumas (Ross/Norris)
Izzard ditched the “shooting specialist” reputation this weekend. Playing with more physicality, he found a lot of success in the paint and flashed upside as a playmaker. Delivered a couple advanced passes while attacking the basket. Had one strong, low-to-the-ground spin move finish. Finished with either hand in transition. Izzard is still a knock-down shooter, too.