Team Camps & Grassroots: Six Players Who Can Benefit
Team camps and the grassroots season are big for an under recruited state like Louisiana. Even as events have been slowed by the coronavirus, there is still hope that these events like team camps and travel tournaments will be held…
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Continue ReadingTeam camps and the grassroots season are big for an under recruited state like Louisiana. Even as events have been slowed by the coronavirus, there is still hope that these events like team camps and travel tournaments will be held in June and July (even without fans). Louisiana has an abundance of guards and forwards who could benefit from these events to get better heading into next season. We will take a look at six players who could benefit greatly from playing during this time.
Tawasky Johnson Tawasky Johnson 6'0" | PG Port Allen | 2021 State LA / 6’1″ / Port Allen / 2022
The Skinny: Blow by speed, tight handle, exceptional mid-range game, can finish at the rack; Consistency of long range shot needs improving and still commits silly fouls
Assessment: Grassroots and team camps could benefit Johnson by giving him additional games to work on playing with fouls or learning how not to foul. He is a confident player but can take himself out of games when he fouls unnecessarily. The consistency of the three ball for him would be big as well. June and July could propel him into a few mid major offers because his game is top notch.
Zyquarius Cowart Zyquarius Cowart 6'1" | SG Rayville | 2021 State LA / 5’11″ / Rayville / 2021
The Skinny: Excellent shooter from deep, deceptively quick in the open court, above average defender; More of a SG than a PG and his size come in question
Assessment: Cowart needs to see more reps as a point guard going into his senior season. While Rayville’s style of play does not lend to running a lot of sets, he needs to be more comfortable with the ball in his hands setting others up. Cowart is better than great when it comes to playing off the ball. He is deadly as they come shooting from distance. To play on the next level, he will need to become more of a distributor.
Devin Bilbo Devin Bilbo 6'4" | SG Airline | 2021 State LA / 6’2″ / Airline / 2021
The Skinny: Shoots well 18 feet in, tough defender, rebounds well for a guard; needs to be more assertive on offense and become a better ball handler.
Assessment: Playing for a new coach is one reason why Devin needs team camp reps. The grassroots play would help him with the ball handling and the assertiveness. Bilbo will be the Vikings lead returning scorer and he will be their top scoring option next season. To do that, he needs reps having the ball in his hands and making more pressurized decisions whether to score or to make a play for a teammate.
Tytavious Williams Tytavious Williams 6'5" | SF Huntington | 2022 State LA / 6’6″ / Huntington / 2022
The Skinny: Athletic, rebounds the ball well, runs the floor well; Offensive game is limited and he has not had sustained minutes on the varsity level.
Assessment: With all of Huntington’s big men graduating, Williams will get his chance to play a lot of post next season. For someone who has not gotten many varsity minutes, Williams really needs all the team camp and grassroots play he can get against top competition. I can see him being an integral part of the Raider offense next season only if he makes strides during June and July. If he does, Huntington might have a dynamic low post player.
Javion Richard Javion Richard 6'3" | PG West Monroe | 2021 State LA / 6’3″ / West Monroe / 2021
The Skinny: Prototypical height for DI point, well rounded skill set, athleticism; Still working out best ways to distribute the ball; needs to be more assertive at times
Assessment: Richard will be one of the more intriguing players to come out of the 2021 class. He has the height and game that should have high to low major schools salivating. His aggression and assertiveness at times are an issue. Some games he is too relaxed and does not put his stamp on the game offensively and defensively. He has the skill set that could dominate a game. Hopefully grassroots and camp play will help him round it all together.
Labree Williams Labree Williams 6'6" | SF Calvary Baptist | 2023 #186 Nation FL / 6’5″ / Calvary Baptist / 2022
The Skinny: Can score from anywhere; excellent shooter, long and rangy, very athletic, team player; Needs to be more of a defensive presence and more physical in the paint
Assessment: Being the primary option on a varsity team can be a daunting task. Williams will be that for Calvary next year. Not only will he be the first option on offense, he will probably be the primary rebounder and paint defender on defense. Even with his talent, Williams will be exerting more energy on both ends. The weight room will help with part of that. Playing in team camps and grassroots should take care of the other.
While all players are in the same predicament with the cancelling and rescheduling of tournaments, there are others who need game play more than others. The players highlighted here are transitioning into different roles or have the opportunities to play on the next level. If that is the case, they need team camp and grassroots play to refine those skills. Look for a decision on team camps and grassroots play to be affirmed in the coming weeks.