2020 MAYB Kick-Off: Standout wings
Jack Johnson Jack Johnson 6'2" | CG Andover | 2021 State KS | Andover (KS) 2021 CG | Team Buddy Buckets Kansas Johnson was one of the best all-around hoopers at the event. He is quite practiced and capable as a scorer,…
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Continue ReadingJack Johnson Jack Johnson 6'2" | CG Andover | 2021 State KS | Andover (KS) 2021 CG | Team Buddy Buckets Kansas |
Johnson was one of the best all-around hoopers at the event. He is quite practiced and capable as a scorer, passer and defender, and his elite efficiency with the ball was a pivotal factor in TBBK’s success as he led the team to a championship weekend in Wichita. He drove to the rack with perfected combination maneuvers and finished with seamless accuracy. Johnson also used the pass to establish cohesive play-making on the offense end, again displayed exceptionally precision in distributing the ball among his teammates, even in movement or heavy traffic. Also one of the fastest players in the gym, Johnson was able to burn defenders in transition to either dump the ball to a teammate or finish it for himself.
Caison Hartloff Caison Hartloff 6'4" | SG Claremore | 2021 State OK | Claremore 2021 SG | Tulsa Hawks |
Exceptionally gifted and perhaps the quickest stock-riser of the young summer, the 6-foot-5-inch wing shooter displayed efficiency and exploration at the event. Hartloff used his stature to elevate to complete shots from deep, get to the rim and create separation from defenders. He was among the best shooters and shot-creators from the dribble. Also a mighty defensive presence, Hartloff’s height was applicable to his production on defense. Whether it was using his length to stop perimeter guards’ progress or stepping over to defend the rim, Hartloff was ready for the challenge.
Jacob Hanna Jacob Hanna 6'3" | CG Andover | 2021 State KS | Maize (KS) 2021 SG | Team Buddy Buckets Kansas (pictured above) |
Hanna was undoubtedly the most athletic prospect in the gym with the most college-ready strength and back-board shaking above-the-rim play. He utilized sneaky, off-ball floating to find himself with ideal opportunities to score at the rack, and any time he forced a turnover that left him open in transition, you could not help but expect a thunderous display of power on the opposite end.
Manny Austin Manny Austin 6'3" | SG Des Moines Hoover | 2021 State IA | Des Moines Hoover (IA) 2021 CG | Beyond Ball |
Austin was one of the best players on the floor in Wichita regardless of position. An athletic, explosive and powerful guard with exceptional control, the quick combo guard was showing off his talents as a scorer, ball-handler, shot-creator, rebounder and defender, and he almost returned one rebound in the half-court for what could have been the dunk of the weekend. As a floor general, Austin used his quickness to blow-by defenders and differ to teammates in traffic, perhaps the most impressive part of his game.
Jake Gendron Jake Gendron 6'5" | SF Bishop Kelley | 2021 State OK | Bishop Kelley 2021 SF | Tulsa Hawks |
Gendron displayed a variety of his best skills, including an absolute poster in the half-court during the semi-final game. He took fewer shots from deep than usual and focused his talents instead to working on his short-game, and he was spectacular in that right. One particular area of his game, his rebounding and returning, seemed a clear focus point for him, and his mid-range game on the drive fit consistently with that analysis.
Ben Loverude Ben Loverude 6'6" | PF Dmc | 2021 State IA | Des Moines Christian (IA) 2021 SF | Beyond Ball |
A 6-foot-6-inch stretch-forward, Loverude’s fluidity was the most impressive part of his game. He played with great mobility, footwork and grace as he used his tools on both ends of the floor. He was outstanding defensively, allowing little to get past him. Offensively, he showed off his stature to knock down shots from the mid-to-short range, and he even displayed some impressive handles to defeat adherent defenders on the perimeter.
Parker Scott Parker Scott 6'1" | CG Maize South | 2021 State KS | Maize South (KS) 2021 CG | Team Buddy Buckets Kansas |
Scott was highly-efficient and crafty at the event, having an imprint on the game as a shooter and slasher. His iQ was on full-display as a passer, as well, where he showcased his awareness of teammates’ off-ball movements and vision from the wing or point. Altogether, his game was predicated on finding the easiest ways, for himself and others, to score the basketball and using floor leadership to create easier buckets.