Five Takeaways: DeJurnett and Uriah Powers at NCAA Basketball Academy-Midwest
Editor’s Note: After the game, I discussed his play very briefly. DeJurnett mentioned soreness from the morning work, which explains some of the evaluation below. CHAMPAIGN, IL — Saturday evening Lausanne’s Johnathan DeJurnett and Uriah Powers (Knoxville Webb) joined forces…
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Continue ReadingEditor’s Note: After the game, I discussed his play very briefly. DeJurnett mentioned soreness from the morning work, which explains some of the evaluation below.
CHAMPAIGN, IL —
Saturday evening Lausanne’s Johnathan DeJurnett and Uriah Powers (Knoxville Webb) joined forces at the NCAA Basketball Academy-Midwest. The name of their camp team is “2003 Syracuse Orange.”
DeJurnett is a top 15 player in the state and Uriah is relatively unknown despite his team’s 2019 State Championship.
Here are five themes that emerged during their game.
Wavering Inspiration
DeJurnett needed more fire. For a 6-foot-7 forward he was uncomfortably unaffecting for stretches.
“They will find you eventually,” said his supporter after a nice and-1 by DeJurnett.
On the subsequent defensive possession JD invested completely. He and a teammate blocked/fouled a low block shot attempt. When he goes all out, DeJurnett is a strong, dynamic figure. In this particular game, JD was not consistently driven and maybe the lack of touches caused his uneven play.
To be fair, 4 PM Saturday was a lethargic time for many campers. Morning drills took a lot out of the competitors. Still, complaining about the format is toothless. College coaches were watching and effort is judged in a vacuum.
Unexpected Plus Skill
JD passes really well from the high key and elbow. One particular play, intentionally drawn up from the sideline, put a spotlight on this skill. DeJurnett would be wonderful in a high-low offense because he can hit the mid-range jumper if his feet are set and he is very willing to feed the post.
DeJurnett picked up an assist midway through the second half kicking out to the wing. He put his head down, drove to the basket for one large stride, and the defense reacted instantly. Either he predicted this reaction and sent the pass out wide, or he reacted to the reaction. Regardless, DeJurnett’s pass lead directly to a wing three pointer.
Unused
Uriah ran the floor with spirit throughout the game. His teammates didn’t find him on the break, which is typical for showcase events. Guards get greedy. They want to score themselves. Broadly speaking, the team lacked unselfish guards and it penalized both Powers and DeJurnett’s evaluations.
Powers’ game just didn’t get a good look and his touches were so few.
Tougher
One criticism I had for DeJurnett last summer was his toughness appeared in question. That is not accurate any longer.
He doesn’t shy away from contact anymore. In fact, there were several possessions during which DeJurnett lowered his shoulder, and like a running back, careened towards the rim with power.
A year ago and-1 finishes were rare for DeJurnett. Now they are much more common.
Also, DeJurnett is grabbing rebounds with both hands and bracing for challengers. Love this aspect of his game.
Final Word
In this singular evaluation, DeJurnett looked winded and slower than his best. His best series occurred late in the first half and then again late in the second half.
Passing was easily his most marketable skill showcased in this setting even though he has historically showed off more consistent scoring punch.
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