One on One with Las Vegas Classic’s Defending Champ’s Thunder Elite
By Tarrian Rodgers
The Las Vegas Classic has been an annual Summer time fixture in the Las Vegas valley for years. While we were dealing with record breaking heat outdoors. One team brought the heat and the “thunder” all (pun intended) indoors. In the boys 9th grade 16u level division stands a team representing Garland Texas by the name of Thunder Elite. As far as brands are concerned the name Elite seemed to fit this group of young men rather well.
The Thunder Elite are the defending champions of this tournament and as this tournament began I instantly saw why. During warmups I never seen a team in this age group with the combination of height, athleticism and speed this team possessed. Breaking down each element of this team would be a task for the show “Detailed.”
However, what I will do is talk about some of the attributes and things that makes this team special. The first attribute mentioned was height.
Zuby Ejliofor (middle)- If you like height in your post players look no further than 15 year old Zuby Elijiofor (middle). Ejliofor is a native of Nigeria his height at 6″6 is attention grabbing. There was a sign at the event that read “No hanging on the rim when dunking” that sign was clearly there for this kid as he has a video compilation of all his dunks. Ejliofor has a long lanky frame my first thought looking at him was Giannis Antekumpo. His dreams are as big as his stature. He would like to attend Duke University and hopefully play for Coach K and accomplish his dreams of playing in the NBA. As of right now he states “I would like to continue to work as hard as I can to get better. And one day I’ll get there.” Right now his game is effortless because of his intimidating height. In the future if he develops a dribble drive aspect that most next level big’s have you may hear this kid as a future 2022 prospect.
As far as Elite Thunder athleticism is concerned look no further than
Jayshon Powers (right)- This 16 year old is a combo guard 5″10 with plenty of speed. He’s built like a D1 cornerback which is fitting because Powers is a two sport athlete football and basketball. He loves them both equally and says “I’ll go in which ever direction god leads me in.” If Powers continues to work hard he will be at his desired college destination Texas A&M. As a basketball player he displays quick play making ability fast vision to get into passing lanes. His football prowess shows on the basketball floor. He likes to compare his basketball athleticism to that of Zion Williamson. He plays the position he plays because of Russell Westbrook. The way Westbrook once led the Thunder. Powers hopes to lead his version of the Thunder with thunderous playmaking speed and the aforementioned athleticism
DJ Jefferson (left)- Another 16 year old combo guard Jefferson is a solid 6″2 and still growing. When I asked who was his favorite basketball player he didn’t hesitate in saying Kevin Durant. Like Kevin Durant, Jefferson’s calling card is his smoothness that silent but deadly demeanor. Like his teammate Powers, Jefferson also wants to play college ball at Texas A&M. Jefferson knows how to play with his height he’s quick to the basket and has a solid mid range game.
Overall, these three young men are the catalyst to a championship team. Day one of this tournament Thunder Elite picked up where they left off with two very solid wins to start match play. Going forward if they continue with this fast style of play and using every element to their advantage not only can they repeat, but every young player on this team has an outstanding opportunity to do great things long after their AAU days are over.