17U Preview-Maryland 3D (Part 2)
We learned Saturday that Nike had cancelled all events in its EYBL Circuit. There’s a chance all of the major shoe circuits take the same approach, but that’s not reason for us not to shed light on the AAU teams…
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Continue ReadingWe learned Saturday that Nike had cancelled all events in its EYBL Circuit. There’s a chance all of the major shoe circuits take the same approach, but that’s not reason for us not to shed light on the AAU teams that were constructed with their rosters awaiting clearance from COVID-19. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be highlighting some of the local programs, as many of their players would’ve been beneficiaries of a spring/summer travel stage.
We’ll take a look at a number of players who’d be featured on Maryland 3D’s roster. As a program, they usually have two 17U teams.
Baylin Groff | 6’5 | Boys’ Latin ‘21
Groff is a 6-foot-5 forward who has good basketball IQ and operates at his best from 15-feet and in. He can face up and knock down jump shots with efficiency both off the catch and on the move. He has soft touch on over the shoulder hooks and displays solid vision as a passer. He’s limited in athleticism, but has solid timing on weakside defensive rotations and has a good motor.
Demeiko Ross | 5’9 | Annapolis
Ross is a small, tough and heady point guard who shows no fear on his takes to the rim. He’s quick in transition and always has his eyes up the floor looking to advance for quick scores. He uses a low center of gravity to get past his defender on offensive and uses his active hands defensively to cause deflections.
Jordan Trusty-Smith | 5’11 | Annapolis Area Christian
Trusty-Smith is a scoring guard who is at his best operating off the dribble and creating shots from mid-range. He’s a shifty, change of pace guard who can keep his defender off balance with a variety of moves and displays good body control stopping on a dime for pull-ups.
Kevin Holland Jr. | 6’6 | Annapolis
Holland is a lanky 6-foot-6 forward who can finish around the rim and stretch the floor with his shot off the catch. He’s best when catching in the corner for three’s or crashing the offensive glass where he can use his length for second chance opportunities.
Luke Trotta | 6’7 | St. Paul’s
Trotta is a 6-foot-7 forward who can score inside and out. He has a consistent jumper from three, good footwork in the post and makes sound decisions with the ball as a passer. He’s a willing rebounder and can disrupt opposing offenses with his size and length in the painted area.
Michael Austin | 5’10 | Boys’ Latin ‘21
Austin is a 5-foot-10 guard who is a capable shooter from three off the catch. He has good form and a quick release that helps get his shot off against taller players’ close outs. He shows potential to make plays off the bounce but will improve over time with more experience. Austin plays with good energy and is always moving without the ball.
Nigel Omotosho | 6’4 | Arundel ‘21
Omotosho is a 6-foot-4 wing who does many of the little things that help teams win. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective and is good at reading where the open spot on the floor will be to put him in position to be available. He plays with tremendous effort and it shows with his rebounding knack for getting deflections defensively.
Robbie Keith | 6’8 | Arundel ‘21
Keith is an absolute load at 6-foot-8. He isn’t equipped with explosive athleticism but instead he bullies his match up with his brute strength until he gets in front of the rim for point blank over the shoulder hooks. He’s shown improvement as a jump shooter both from mid-range and three. His size and strength translate to Keith’s ability to control a game through rebounding and providing a physical presence in the paint.
Taj Wooten | 6’3 | Arundel ‘21
Wooten is a well-balanced scoring guard with solid size at 6-foot-3. He’s capable from three off the catch with time and does a nice job filling lanes in transition and finishing around the basket. Wooten has a smooth approach and doesn’t allow his defender to speed him up and force mistakes.
Will Spencer | 6’4 | Boys’ Latin ‘21
Spencer is an undersized stretch forward with high basketball IQ. He demands the defense’s attention on every catch beyond the arc. Spencer makes good decisions with the ball as a swing man at the top of the key as well. While he doesn’t have plus athleticism, Spencer’s feel for the game and instincts help make up for those shortcomings by knowing where to be and when to be there.