AAU Wrap-Up Player Analysis: Iowa Barnstormers 17U
For the final installment of our AAU Wrap-Up Player series, we will analyze Iowa Barnstormers 17U. There were several players who improved their stock and outplayed their rankings significantly this summer. Let’s dive in. Landon Wolf Landon Wolf 6'5"…
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Continue ReadingFor the final installment of our AAU Wrap-Up Player series, we will analyze Iowa Barnstormers 17U. There were several players who improved their stock and outplayed their rankings significantly this summer. Let’s dive in.
Landon Wolf Landon Wolf 6'5" | CG Cedar Falls | 2021 State IA – 6’4″ Wing
Landon proved to be the best all-around player for this Barnstormers squad this summer. A smooth shooting stroke and great instincts on defense were enough to catch Ben Jacobsen’s eye, who extended a UNI scholarship offer to the Cedar Falls senior in August. If anyone besides Landon took home the rebounding award at the end-of-year team dinner, I would officially like to file a protest. He was always in the right spot grabbing the easy ones, and showed off some length and strength by fighting for the difficult ones. His defensive versatility proved to be big for the Barnstormers. Landon would contain a guard’s drive and contest without fouling, and a few possessions later protect the rim while helping from the weakside. He showed a lot of growth in the playmaking department, but is exclusively a right-handed player at the moment.
Jaren Marshall Jaren Marshall 6'1" | CG Omaha Central | 2021 State NE – 6’1″ CG
Still, uncommitted, Jaren did all he could do to put the spotlight on himself this summer. He penetrated with ease, and showed some surprising strength while finishing at the rim. Good footwork earned him a lot of advantage situations and he efficiently sorted the passing and scoring options to make the right play. He would benefit immensely from improved ball-handling. He is a nice athlete with efficient movements, who is slowed down just a bit from a loose handle.
John Miller John Miller 5'10" | PG Davenport Central | 2021 State IA – 5’10″ PG
John Miller John Miller 5'10" | PG Davenport Central | 2021 State IA was an energizing force for this team, especially on defense. He is tenacious and irritating on-ball, and maintains a great stance throughout possessions. While containing drives, he is great at absorbing contact to stay glued to his man. That energy can result in crashes sometimes on offense, but overall a positive on that end. In the half court he doesn’t finish much at the rim, but his strength and speed make him dangerous in the open floor.
Emarion Ellis Emarion Ellis 6'4" | SF Assumption | 2021 State #141 Nation IA – 6’4″ SF
Almost all of my favorite plays from Emarion this summer were on the defensive end. He flashed some amazing potential there this summer. He has great length and great hands, which show up frequently through shot-blocking and deflections. He is also great at leaving his man to paw at the ball. He often strikes clean and forces a turnover. He could be a devastating rebounder if he decided to be, too. He is still pretty raw offensively. His shooting motion needs some rehabilitation and he needs to improve his handle like a few of his other teammates. He does lack strength at this time, which effects his passing ability the most of all. He has trouble making crisp passes to the corners and his actual throwing motion can be slow and telegraphed due to the lack of strength. There are a lot of things to improve on for Emarion, which is great news for a player who is already Top 5 in Iowa and headed to a Power-5 program.
Cole Tunender – 6’3″ Wing
Another do-it-all player for the Barnstormers, and one who should probably lose the “Unranked” moniker soon. He showed great versatility. I had one play in my notes that really impressed me: After getting switched onto a bigger man, he defended the post up as well as he could and contested it well. The ball deflected off the rim back to the player, who kicked out to the 3-point line. Cole sprinted from the block to the 3-point line in that time to contest the shot well. He shows off that speed on offense too, especially in transtition where he is dangerous with the ball. He can read plays develop and uses that data to jump passing lanes and rotate early. He also showed great catch and shoot potential. It was a very solid summer for Cole.
Landon Eiland Landon Eiland 6'4" | SF North Scott | 2021 State IA – 6’4″ SF
I really liked Landon’s length on the perimeter. He was active and aware on defense, even if his foot speed didn’t always rise to the occasion. He mixed-in pull up jumpers every now and then. Actually, once or twice a game he would show off a move in the paint or on a drive that showed lightbulbs are starting to go off for this player. He is still pretty raw but certainly has a path forward as a productive player at the next level.