Program Preview: Las Vegas Knicks
Grassroots is back! As the state slowly starts to re-open, AAU teams throughout Nevada are ramping up and getting ready to compete on a condensed summer schedule. Recently I had a chance to sit down with Lamar Bigby director of…
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Continue ReadingGrassroots is back! As the state slowly starts to re-open, AAU teams throughout Nevada are ramping up and getting ready to compete on a condensed summer schedule. Recently I had a chance to sit down with Lamar Bigby director of the Las Vegas Knicks, who over the last 8 seasons have become one of the most recognizable programs on the West Coast. “You can’t mention AAU basketball and not mention the Knicks” – LB
PH – “What does your summer schedule look like?
LB – “We’ll play in any events that are here (Las Vegas) that are live if we don’t have any obligation to participate in Addidas events.
PH – What did you do to keep guys sharp during the shutdown?
LB – “I left guys alone, because I thought it was a time for us to back off and allow these guys to be with their families and be close to their love ones. I also thought it was a good time to revitalize themselves and start thinking about more core values and about more important things then the game of basketball”.
When mentioning the Knicks you have to mention the numerous scholarship athletes the program has produced including future 1st round picks Tyler Bey, and Orlando Robinson and the 4th all time leading rebounder in the Mountain West Conference Nate Grimes. While it’s unclear yet if this year’s version of the Knicks features future NBA picks, it does feature several high level prospects. In this article PH takes a look at some of the impact players for the Las Vegas Knicks
Returners:
Ethan Speaker Ethan Speaker 6'6" | SF Boulder City | 2021 State NV 6’6 SF 2021 (#8PHN 2021) – A versatile scorer capable of getting buckets from all three levels. At 6’6 he can really shoot it, play either the 3 or the 4 and is a good run and jump athlete. He’s currently received interest from schools such as UC San Diego, UC Irvine, and several other mid majors. “I think he’s going to have a great August and September” – LB
Chancelor Johnson Chancelor Johnson 6'3" | SG Desert Pines | 2020 GA 6’3 SG 2021 (#16PHN 2021) – Johnson is a skilled combo guard with a feathery touch. “This year he’s going to have more responsibility to handle the ball, so coaches can see his ability to play point guard” – LB
Chris Dockery Chris Dockery 6'5" | SF Bonanza | 2021 CA-S 6’5 SF 2021 (#17PHN 2021) – Dockery’s returned from a leg injury more explosive than before. “He’s probably one of the most athletic kids we’ve had in our program.” -LB He has a tremendous skill set, including the ability to put the ball on the floor and be a playmaker. He currently holds an offer from Southern Utah, and is considered a mid, to high major prospect.
Andrick Santillan Andrick Santillan 6'4" | SG Cheyenne | 2022 State NV 6’4 SG 2022 (#7PHN 2022) – Santillian combines the size of a 2 with the passing skills of a 1. The versatile guard is comfortable in either backcourt spot, has a solid handle and is a good passer.
Shane Thomas Shane Thomas 6'3" | SG Durango | 2022 State NV 6’3 SG 2022 (#6PHN 2022) – Thomas is an extremely athletic defender that specializes at making open shots. ” I believe he has a lot of value moving forward, especially considering he has another year to play” – LB
R’zha Whittle R’zha Whittle 6'8" | C Rancho | 2024 State NV 6’7 C 2024 (#9PHN 2024) – Whittle is a big bodied post that loves to play around the rim. He is a natural rebounder that excels at cleaning both the offensive and defensive glass. “Our goal for him is to bring the big man back through him” -LB
New Additions
Tommy Bruscia 6’7 PF 2023 – Bruscia will bring size and rebounding to the club. He’s a transfer from California that will be attending Durango for the 2020 – 21 season.
Jalen Foy Jalen Foy 6'5" | SF Canyon Springs | 2022 State NV 6’5 PF 2022 (#20PHN 2022) – Foy is a 4 man that loves to shoot it. He should serve as a good floor spacing big for the club.
Chase Jackson 6’7 C 2023 – Jackson is another young big for the club. He plays at Centennial and can rebound and protect the rim.
Jaquavis Wilford 6’4 SG 2023 – Wilford is a wing player with good size, whose on track to become a D1 player if he continues to develop.
Keyshawn Hall 6’0 PG 2021 (#12PHO 2021) – Hall joins the Knicks this year after playing for high school powerhouse Jefferson of Oregon. A good PG that can get to the lane, and create. Hall is also one of the best passers on the club.
Dontrell Johnson Dontrell Johnson 6'5" | SF Trinity | 2022 State NV 6’5 PF (#11PHN 2022) – Johnson is one of the more athletic players for the club. The 6’5 wing is a strong driver, that loves to play above the rim.
Sleepers
Elijah Johnson Elijah Johnson 5'10" | PG Durango | 2022 NV 5’10 PG 2022 (#16PHN 2022) – The lighting quick small guard is one of the top on ball defenders in the state. “He’s definitely a kid that can play after high school” -LB
Sylis Gray Sylis Gray 6'3" | SG Bonanza | 2022 State NV 6’3 SG 2022 (#13PHN 2023) – Gray joins LVK after putting together a solid sophomore season for Clark. He’s an athletic wing scorer that possesses tremendous upside.