Point Guards who stood out at the Underground Invitational IV
Another week, another solid outing at the underground run. This was one of my favorite ones, so I was not able to do it by class but rather by position. Here are my top guards on the day. Aidan Kuhl…
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Continue ReadingAnother week, another solid outing at the underground run. This was one of my favorite ones, so I was not able to do it by class but rather by position. Here are my top guards on the day.
Aidan Kuhl Aidan Kuhl 6'0" | SG Rocky Mountain | 2022 State #245 Nation CO — Rocky Mountain
Kuhl has been one of the under the radar standouts in the 2022 class that has been playing some excellent basketball this summer. Kuhl came into the underground run and completely controlled the pace as he led his team to win after win. Kuhl passes the ball exceptionally well and brings a sense of urgency to every game. He is an assertive guard that is looking for others, keeps his dribble alive as he assesses the situation, and also showcased himself as a creative finisher. Kuhl scored the ball both inside and out. His shot was falling, so that opened up the defense and also brought his scrappiness to the defensive end. I am high on Kuhl.
Michael Wolf Michael Wolf 6'0" | PG Regis Jesuit | 2021 State CO —Regis
It took a bit for him to get started, but then the 2021 guard got into a rhythm, and it became easier for his team to operate. Wolf usually gets himself going with his outside shot as his confidence is on a different level right now, but he got it going differently. Wolf worked inward and then started to step out. He used his strength and size over defenders the same height, got into a smooth mid-range pullup, and then started to let it fly from deep. What goes overlooked because of his scoring is his passing ability. Wolf makes zip passes and is a willing passer. He is always moving without the ball; he makes great outlet passes, and when he has his offense going, and the defense has to decide on stopping the pass or the basket, he becomes a difficult player to defend.
Elijah Knudsen Elijah Knudsen 5'10" | CG Mead | 2022 State CO — Mead
To begin the summer, I would say the 2022 guards’ production was predicated on his jump shot. If his shot was not falling, then he was not producing. Well, things have changed. While the shot is still there, and presumably might never leave, Knudsen has found a way to affect the game in other ways. Knudsen is using his speed to create mismatches. He is a speedy guard with an excellent ball handle that can shoot it off of the dribble. Knudsen provides a change of pace and has excellent footwork as he hits off-balance shots and also keeps defenders on their heels. In the run, he blew by defenders and finished with both hands, worked off of the ball to free himself, and also ran the break. Knudsen remains one of the better guards in the class.
Jameel Wright Jameel Wright 5'10" | PG Overland | 2021 State CO — Overland
The Jameel Wright Jameel Wright 5'10" | PG Overland | 2021 State CO that was seen this week was head and shoulders above the player that I saw at the last run. The biggest difference was the effort. Wright has a nonchalant game where everything seems to come easy to him, where it does not appear that he is working as hard as he is. Wright is gifted with the ball in his hands and is a natural playmaker that gets points on the board one way or another. Wright got the day started with a 3-pointer, and that loosened up the defense to overplay him. He then started with runners and reverses mixed in with him showing off his court awareness. Wright is one of the best passers in the class, and when you combine it with the perimeter defense, he becomes a unique player. Wright had the most steals on the day and gave maximum effort on that end of the floor. The 2021 stock riser was ripping players at half court and going for easy layups. A much better day for him as he is one of the surprise standouts of the summer.
Cade Palmer Cade Palmer 5'11" | CG Rangeview | 2021 State CO — Rangeview
Palmer is a player who has steadily climbed for me, and he had a great day in the gym as one of the top standouts. Palmer affects the game in different ways and is always making the right basketball play. He has come a long way as an offensive weapon, and that is a testament to the work that he has put in day in and out. Palmer shoots lights out from beyond the arc but also has a deadly mid-range jumper that keeps the defense guessing. Palmer shoots off of the dribble and also is transforming more into a point guard as he is one of the few guards willing to make the extra pass. Palmer is a true competitor in that 2021 class that gets after it, and it was another time that he impressed.