NCAA Georgia Team Camp 2021 Stock Risers
SG AJ Burke (Wheeler)- Coming from North Cobb, Burke was virtually unknown heading into the weekend but he made sure everyone knew and remembered his name on Sunday. In what was a tight back and forth battle with Discovery most…
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Continue ReadingSG AJ Burke (Wheeler)- Coming from North Cobb, Burke was virtually unknown heading into the weekend but he made sure everyone knew and remembered his name on Sunday. In what was a tight back and forth battle with Discovery most of the game, Burke’s shot-making was the difference for Wheeler to pull away and get the win. Once he was inserted into the game in the 2nd half, he exploded from the outside, draining 3 after 3 on his way to 19 points and 5 shots made beyond the arc. Burke’s outside shot is extremely soft, and he showed the same type of touch when defenders closed out and forced him to put the ball on the deck. On a Wheeler team that isn’t filled with shooters, Burke will be a very valuable piece for the Wildcats. Coaches were inquiring about him after Sunday so he’ll need to continue to produce.
G Jake Craft (Forsyth Central)- Craft was a player I hadn’t seen live before last weekend, but what I had heard about him rang true on Saturday. Against Adairsville, he hit 5 3’s and scored 19 points. This performance came the day after he went for 21 points on 7 3’s. Craft has a tremendous perimeter shot that is consistent and extends well behind the line. He had a few hot streaks throughout the game that helped Central extend their lead and even hit a buzzer beater from half-court to end the 1st half. Craft has decent size, which allows him to get clean looks more easily, as well as helping him rebound. He is a smart player who can make some things happen with the ball in his hands and doesn’t make many mistakes. Craft is a guy who I will have to try to see again in the near future.
G Brendan Rigsbee (North Gwinnett)- Rigsbee showed some flashes of good things earlier in the month at the summer explosion, which made me want to see more of him. He did not disappoint this past weekend, putting together a solid all-around game in North Gwinnett’s opening night win over Woodstock. Rigsbee went for 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, impacting the game from start to finish. He surprised many with his athleticism and aggressiveness. Rigsbee had multiple above the rim plays and was not hesitant to go through contact when soaring to the basket. What stood out more than anything was Rigsbee’s nonstop activity and energy. He was flying around the court and looking to stay involved for the entire contest. Rigsbee’s combination of skill, activity, and athleticism will serve him well this winter. I’m looking forward to watching him at Archer the next two days.
PG Mason Barnes (Dawson County)- I spoke highly of Barnes after watching him earlier this month in a controlled setting at Milton. He was impressive once again at McEachern, helping Dawson to wins over Denmark and St. Pius in the games I saw. Jasper Gibson was not with the team at Milton so it was nice to see the backcourt duo together last weekend. They play well together and understand when one is hot and needs to have the ball. Once Gibson got going against St. Pius, Barnes took a backseat with his scoring and found him often. He averaged 5.5 APG in the two games, displaying patience and unselfishness throughout. I was most impressed with what he did off penetration. Barnes changes speeds and uses deception very well when handling the ball, which allows him to get separation and then create for himself and others. Although he is small, Barnes adjusts and finishes well in traffic. He plays bigger than his height and I think college coaches will take notice of his abilities soon.
PG Najhae Colon (Kell)- Less than a month after coming up huge for his Hype team against SE United, Colon did it again when Kell took on Grayson at camp. It shouldn’t be much of a surprise at this point. Heading into the game, most people counted out Kell against a loaded Rams team, especially with Isiah Dubose not playing. That didn’t mean anything to Colon and 2022 PG Scoota Henderson as they combined for 30 of the team’s points in a significant 51-44 victory over Grayson. Colon lives for big games like this and never backs down, I even saw him jawing back and forth with Deivon Smith a few times throughout. Colon hangs his hat on defense and always brings it on that side of the ball, but he has proven to be capable of hitting big shots in crunch time. He did so in the aforementioned SE United game and finished with 14 points and 3 3’s against Grayson, including two in the 2nd half that were crucial. He may not stand out like other prospects do with certain qualities, but his toughness, defense, and winning have to be valued.
CG Madison Durr (Pace)- Fellow 2021 teammate Matt Cleveland got lots of attention throughout the weekend and deservedly so, but Durr also had a solid camp. He ended the weekend on a high note; Pace took down Southwest Dekalb and Durr played great alongside Cleveland. Durr went for 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in a game that had significant 2020 backcourt counterparts. His size as a guard at 6’4” is an asset. Durr can be a primary ball-handler, he’s able to see over defenders to make clean passes, and can also finish over smaller guards. He has improved as a shooter but did not settle for jumpers against SWD. Durr embraced the physical style of this particular game and converted through contact multiple times. Having recently received an offer from UAB, more attention should be on the way for him soon. His versatility and positive strides over the last year are encouraging. Durr is another one who could elevate himself significantly at the Top 100 camp.