UCExposure Camp: Top Prospects
With the normal way of recruitment being, seemingly, a thing of the past, event coordinators are finding new ways to create exposure for student athletes. For instance, Coach Russel Vanlandingham (Uncommon Basketball, LLC) has been live streaming his events, in…
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Continue ReadingWith the normal way of recruitment being, seemingly, a thing of the past, event coordinators are finding new ways to create exposure for student athletes. For instance, Coach Russel Vanlandingham (Uncommon Basketball, LLC) has been live streaming his events, in which, a number of college coaches and scouts tune in to find hidden talent. Last weekend the UCExposure Camp was held in Dallas, TX and revealed some of this talent for all to see. Here’s the top prospects from that event.
UNSIGNED SENIOR: Thomas “TJ” Hilliard – Spring Woods High School (2020)
**Staff pick for top overall unsigned senior at the Camp**
TJ is a big versatile guard that can guard multiple positions and scores in a variety of ways (18ppg in 6A). TJ plays with an extremely high motor which makes him an asset on both sides of the ball. Staff’s Assessment: If he goes JUCO, with his coachability, high motor and upside he will end up at the D2+ level. Right now, they see him as a D3+/NAIA/JUCO prospect at 4 year level. All coaches loved his attitude and motor which at Coach V’s camp is tested throughout. ( HUDL: http://www.hudl.com/v/2DqrNa)
UNSIGNED SENIOR: Reggie Adams – Midlothian Heritage High School (2020)
**Staff pick for top overall unsigned BIG at the Camp**
If someone takes a chance on this kid, by his Sophomore season he will be a big time steal. He’s possessed a big time motor, and will be an effective college rebounder. He is also able to defend positions 2-5 with tenacity. Staff’s Assessment: Reggie will immediately impact a roster on the glass and on defense. He will bring the work ethic and energy daily to improve, consequently, it is easy to love his upside.
UNSIGNED SENIOR: Derrick Brown III – St. Pius 2020
All-State first team that played PG in high school. He’s more of a combo at the next level based on his ability to score the ball (26ppg). This young man has a weapon and that is he can flat out shoot the ball. Would be a steal at this point for any D2/NAIA/JUCO program that shoots the 3 and opens up the court on offense. He has a solid IQ and all the staff loved his willingness to learn, take correction and improve as the day went on. Staff’s Assessment: Derrick is a D3+ no brainer for a top 25 type of program that needs another shooter. (HUDL: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/14443495/5e7ff8c21600c40d143bbd52)
UNSIGNED SENIOR: Justin Crawford – Mansfield Legacy 2020
Justin had the most physical upside of all the 2020’s at the camp. He is working on improving his overall decision making to play PG, as he is strictly in attack mode at all times. He draws contact in the paint and can still score it. He is a big time on-the-ball defender that staffers say is a D2+ talent and if he goes JUCO could end up LM D1 as he matures mentally. Staff’s Assessment: They believe that this is the type of player that needs a no nonsense coach but he wants to and will figure it out. The talent is obviously there and they believe he will actually get better at the next level. Justin like many kids has relied on physical ability alone up to this point so just needs a shot at the NAIA/D2/JUCO level. (HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7943276/5a29faa0578d9e1114828d4b)
Jordan Roberts Jordan Roberts 6'2" | SG South Grand Prairie | 2021 State TX – South Grand Prairie 2021
**Staff pick for the top 2021 at the camp**
Most dominant player at the camp based on his versatility and ability to score in a variety of ways (1st Team All-District 6A 23ppg). Jordan is just an overall talent that should be on every D2/LM D1 radar heading into the new season. Huge upside once he matures physically and improves his defensive focus. Staff’s Assessment: If and when he improves without the ball in his hands he is a D2+/LM D1 prospect. (HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12022823/5e41c07968988b163c3504c8)
Jailen Bedford – Hutto HS 2021
This was the second camp that Jailen had attended and he’s remained consistent with the staff’s initial evaluation. Has the size at the guard position college coaches look for, can defend the 2-4 based on his length and competitive spirit, which college coaches love, and will only get better with his work ethic and skill set. Staff’s Assessment: If a program needs a wing with PG skills at the D2/LM D1 level, keep Jailen on your radar. Love him in a 4 out 1 in type of program! (HUDL: http://www.hudl.com/v/2DEbs8)
Khi Watkins – Katy Paetow HS 2021
Khi is a PG that can play above the rim when he trusts his athleticism. He is long, rangy and finishes in traffic against bigger players. He has a huge ceiling as he matures physically and mentally. Really competes on both ends and great offensively in the open court. Staff’s Assessment: Khi would be a perfect fit for an uptempo D2+ program that needs a PG in the 2021 class. If he goes JUCO he could end up at the LM D1 with his athleticism and vision. (HUDL: http://www.hudl.com/v/2DVtas)
Kevin Garcia – Laredo Martin 2022
**Staff pick for the top 2022 at the Camp**
The UCExposure camp has proven to be a college level camp where we get a true holistic evaluation of players. This allows the staff to see how a kid’s talent will translate to the next level. Having said that, the staff LOVED Kevin as he competed throughout the camp in all settings. He played physical, and showed the ability to guard multiple positions. His IQ on the offensive end stood out as he took smaller players down low and took bigs out on the perimeter. Just overall, a great one day impression in a college intense setting. Staff’s Assesment: The staff doesn’t put a rating on 2022’s, as they have too much time to grow.