C/O 2021 Positional Breakdown: Top 10 Combo Guards
So many times you hear the term “Combo” to describe a perimeter player. What I am referring to is a player that doesn’t exclusively play one backcourt spot, however, has the skills to spend time at both. In today’s game,…
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Continue ReadingSo many times you hear the term “Combo” to describe a perimeter player. What I am referring to is a player that doesn’t exclusively play one backcourt spot, however, has the skills to spend time at both. In today’s game, you could easily argue that a good combo guard may be the most valuable position on the floor. In this article, PH takes a look at the top Combo Guards in Nevada.
- Jaden Hardy Jaden Hardy 6'4" | CG Coronado | 2021 State #4 Nation NV 6’4 Coronado (#1) – This is an easy one. Hardy may be the top Combo guard in the nation. Both his ballhandling and shooting skills grade out at an A average. Off the bounce, he is the best player at working into his move, creating space, and raising up and making tough contested shots. (Click here for an example)
- Azavier Johnson Azavier Johnson 6'4" | CG Faith Lutheran | 2021 State NV 6’4 Faith Lutheran (#9) – Johnson is second on the list even though several guards are ranked ahead of him. Let me explain. He is the definition of a combo, as he posses the passing skills of a PG and the frame of a 2. An underrated R&J athlete, Johnson is effective running the wing and finishing in transition, however, he is best when leading the break with the ball in his hand.
- Kobe Stroughter Kobe Stroughter 6'1" | PG Nevada Prep | 2021 State NV 6’1 Liberty (#12) – Stroughter is equally good when he is in catch and shoot situations, as well as finishing in transition. His PG skills include a top-notch handle, and the ability to draw and kick. I actually feel Stoughter is most effective at the 2 however his size and ballhandling wizardry dictate that he will have to see time at the point.
- Drake Booker Drake Booker 6'2" | PG Foothills | 2021 State NV 6’2 Foothill (#13) – You have to be intelligent to play for Foothill. They run one of the most intricate offensive systems in the state. Booker is the orchestrator of that offense. When you combine his crazy bounce, it’s easy to see why he’s effective both off and on the ball.
- Frank Bartley Frank Bartley 6'0" | PG Spring Valley | 2021 State NV 6’0 Spring Valley (#16) – Bartley has the cerebral ability of an elite PG. He’s a QB on the gridiron, and you could label him the same on the hardwood. What makes him a terrific combo is his explosive R&J ability. Bartley is quick, fast and can finish at the rim with the best of them.
- Jaylen Berry Jaylen Berry 6'2" | PG Basic | 2021 State NV 6’2 Basic (#19) – I won’t get into how upset I am that I won’t get to see Berry play this grassroots season. He has the unique ability to be equally effective at both backcourt spots. In addition to that, he may be the best defender on this list. You can use Berry to cut off the head at the point, or chase shooters.
- Andrew Garcia Andrew Garcia 5'11" | PG Legacy | 2021 State NV 5’11 Legacy (#24) – I went back and forth with this one, but after thinking about it Garcia is definitely a combo. At 5’11, PG is his natural position and he has the ballhandling and quickness to play it. Where he is a killer though, is when he is off the ball. Garcia moves well through screens and is lights out in catch and shoot situations.
- Craig Comanche Craig Comanche 6'1" | CG Cheyenne | 2021 State NV 6’1 Centennial (#33) – I just want to see Comanche on the floor. He sprints the wing well and can score in iso situation. He has PG breakdown and passing skills which allow him to play the 1 effectively. Like Berry, he is a lockdown defender at both backcourt spots.
- Kyree Hayes Kyree Hayes 6'2" | SG Cheyenne | 2021 State NV 6’2 Cheyenne (#49) – The Desert Shields play PG by committee so don’t be surprised to see Hayes as the main handler one possession and then someone else the next. His frame and shooting ability off the ball make him a difficult cover when he’s playing the 2.
- Jason Condron Jason Condron 6'1" | SG Palo Verde | 2021 State NV 6’0 Palo Verde (#60) – Condron is one of the best pure shooters in the state, so his 2 guard skills are certified. While he isn’t always the main ballhandler, he is often asked to guard both backcourt positions.