Heart over Height: 2022 Edition
Basketball has always been a game where size matters, but with the way the game is trending with small ball the smaller guards are starting to make a comeback. There’s always been guys that can get it done despite not…
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Continue ReadingBasketball has always been a game where size matters, but with the way the game is trending with small ball the smaller guards are starting to make a comeback. There’s always been guys that can get it done despite not being the biggest, but it seems to me and many others that the small guards are making a comeback. With that being said, here’s a look at 7 small guards in the 2022 class to keep an eye on.
Knasir “Dug” McDaniel | 5’9” | Paul VI
McDaniel has been a staple for one of the top programs in the DMV and a nationally ranked team throughout the course of last year, and at 5’9” he’s the next in a long line of talented small guards from the DMV area. McDaniel is a flashy yet productive lead guard who sets the tone on both ends, has terrific passing and playmaking ability and he’s an absolute pest defensively that gets after it on both ends. He has quite the resume already as he’s been to many USA basketball events and has started for a WCAC powerhouse since he was a freshman.
Kenyon Giles Kenyon Giles 5'11" | PG Oscar Smith | 2022 NV | 5’9” | Oscar Smith
Giles was one of the breakout guys in the 757 this past year as he took a big leap in production from his freshman to sophomore year and should be the go-to guy at Smith next year. A highly skilled and fundamental guard, he’s a guy who can handle pressure and get others involved but he’s also a big time shooter from deep who is extremely efficient and can fill it up in bunches. His fundamentals and killer instinct allows him to negate his size and athleticism and he’s a guy who brings it every time he’s on the floor.
Elijah White Elijah White 5'11" | PG Kempsville | 2022 State VA | 5’9” | Kempsville
The 2022 class of guards in the 757 is extremely talented, and that leads to some people forgetting about White despite him taking big leaps from his freshman to his sophomore season. He’s an extremely crafty and skilled player on the offensive end as he has a great handle that allows him to break down defenders, he can create space and make shots from deep and he’s a good finisher among the trees. He really grew as a leader and floor general, and he’s a guy who brings it on both ends and doesn’t care who he’s matched up with.
Kyle Honore Kyle Honore 5'10" | PG Potomac | 2022 State VA | 5’10” | Potomac
Honore had a huge sophomore year for Potomac and with him at the helm and some other talented pieces they should be one of the top teams in Class 6 next year. Honore is a floor general that is shifty and flashy, but is also fundamental and plays with a high IQ that allows him to make other guys better on the team as well. He’s a true floor general that runs the show and takes care of the basketball, but he’s also able to create his own shot and score it from multiple levels with the ball in his hands.
Michael Henderson Michael Henderson 5'7" | PG TC Williams | 2022 VA | 5’7” | TC Williams
Henderson is part of a talented backcourt at TC and he is the embodiment of heart over height as he can hang with anyone despite his diminutive size. The 5’7” guard is a dog on both ends, he has the ball on a string and he’s able to break guys down and he takes great care of the basketball and makes great decisions as well. He’s the type of guy who can run the team and make everyone else better but he’s also a guy who can score it from multiple levels when his team needs him to.
Jack Faulkner Jack Faulkner 5'11" | PG Patrick Henry | 2022 State VA | 5’9” | Roanoke Catholic
Faulkner isn’t the most flashy guy but he’s had a very solid start to his career at Roanoke Catholic as a two year starter now. He’s a highly skilled and very high IQ kid who makes the right play whether it’s a pitch ahead in transition or a good ball reversal, he’s an excellent shooter from deep and he shows grit and a high motor on both ends of the floor. His look may deceive some people into thinking he can’t play but he’ll change your mind very quickly.
Reggie Robertson | 5’7” | John Marshall
Robertson is a guy that may get a little overshadowed by the big names at JM, but he has a chance to be a scholarship level kid moving forward with his toughness and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He’s a quick guy both end-to-end and laterally allowing him to guard guys and thrive in transition, he’s a good shooter from deep who gets hot quickly and he isn’t afraid of big situations which he showed with a great performance in front of 10,000 people against Sierra Canyon this year.