Maryland/DC Summer Stock Risers-2021 Guards
We are about to wrap up what has been the most unprecedented summer in AAU basketball history as COVID-19 prohibited any live evaluations periods to occur. Nevertheless, programs and facilities worked together in order to give players a platform as…
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Continue ReadingWe are about to wrap up what has been the most unprecedented summer in AAU basketball history as COVID-19 prohibited any live evaluations periods to occur. Nevertheless, programs and facilities worked together in order to give players a platform as college coaches watched via live stream. Before May, it looked like the chances of having any basketball this summer were very slim, but fortunately that wasn’t the case and players were able to boost their stock along the way.
For this series, we’ll be taking a look at stock risers from the area in various classes.
We begin with the 2021 guards.
Jao Ituka Jao Ituka 6'2" | SG Gaithersburg | 2021 MD | 6’2 | Putnam Science Academy/Team STAT
Ituka has been the talk of the area especially since the I-95 Coalition League began. The 6-foot-2 lead guard has been posting insane numbers with a stat line of 24.5 points, nine rebounds and six assists per game. While his team isn’t equipped with the most talent in the gym, Ituka’s will to win and make others around him better have lifted them to impressive wins not only in the I-95 League, but other events as well. Since announcing that he will transfer to Putnam Science Academy, several A-10 programs have reached out expressing interest. Ituka currently holds one offer from Mount St. Mary’s. If I had to guess, that list will get a bit longer in the coming months.
Ahmad Harrison Ahmad Harrison 6'1" | PG National Christian | 2022 MD | 6’1 | City/Team Thrill
This summer was the first that many got to see Harrison run a team from the point guard position. In the past throughout his high school seasons he was often featured off the ball and playing at the high post in large part because of his team’s lack of size and his solid decision-making in those scenarios. The 6-foot-1 southpaw has been efficient both as a ball-handler and a scorer this summer and has helped lead Team Thrill to 11-straight wins this summer. Harrison has played with pace, knocked down shots in the mid-range after breaking down his defender off the bounce and has made sound reads in ball-screen scenarios. Known for his defensive prowess, Harrison has been tremendous in applying full court pressure to opposing guards without fouling and eventually forcing them into a few turnovers per game. Harrison received a few early offers that have dated since, but he’s working his way onto the radar of local low-major programs.
Elijah Hawkins Elijah Hawkins 5'9" | PG DeMatha | 2021 State MD | 5’9 | DeMatha/New World
I recently caught up with Hawkins due to his high-level of play throughout the summer with New World. Just as he did with DeMatha in the 2019-20 season, the 5-foot-9 guard is fulfilling the role as a floor general and ultimately leading his team to big wins. Invaluable traits that a point guard can bring to the table include defense the knack of making winning plays. Hawkins does both at an elite level. One thing that is noticeable in Hawkins’ appearance is his frame. He’s seemed to put on some muscle, but hasn’t lost a bit of his quickness. Thus far in the I-95 Coalition, he’s displayed ability to score from all three levels, distribute to teammates where they’re most effective and lead vocally.
Ryan Cornish Ryan Cornish 6'3" | CG Sidwell Friends | 2021 State MD | 6’2 | Sidwell Friends/District Basketball Club
Cornish will make his college announcement tomorrow and while he hadn’t picked up any new offers this spring/summer, it doesn’t mean he wasn’t playing at a high level. The 6-foot-2 guard consistently impressed me with his defense. Cornish isn’t the most athletic player that walks into the gym, but when he’s matching up against quick, shifty guards he relies on his natural instincts and basketball IQ to make life tough for them. Offensively he’s sound overall. He’s operating well in high ball-screen action and forces the big to step out due to the range on his jumper. He understands spacing and making the right read as the defense rotates when he gets into the paint. Whatever program Cornish commits to is getting a solid floor general for the next four years.
Brayon Freeman | 6’2 | Huntington Prep/New World
Freeman made his commitment to George Washington earlier this month and judging from his play this summer, the D.C. native should bring a lot to the table. He’s posted consistent scoring performances throughout the I-95 League play and stepped up in clutch moments late to help lead comeback wins. Freeman splits the backcourt duties with Hawkins as the two form arguably the best duo in a league filled with high-major prospects. Since transferring to Huntington Prep, many from the DMV haven’t paid as close attention to Freeman. He reminded everyone just how electrifying of a scorer he can be.