Summer Stock Risers-2021 Guards (Part Two)
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 Xavier Colvin Xavier Colvin 6'5" | PF Carver (Montgomery) | 2021 State AL 0 Xavier Colvin Xavier Colvin 6'5" | PF Carver (Montgomery) | 2021 State AL 1 guards.
For part one, click here!
Bez Mbeng Bez Mbeng 6'3" | CG Good Counsel | 2021 State #190 Nation MD | Good Counsel/ DC Premier
Mbeng picked up three offers since May from the likes of James Madison, Robert Morris and Towson. The 6-foot- Michael Bass Michael Bass 6'0" | CG Wetumpka | 2021 State AL combo guard already held offer from Bryant, LaSalle and St. Francis (PA). Mbeng presents good size for the position and while he’ll still need to add to his frame, his length and athleticism make him an effective finisher around the rim. He’s a joy to watch in the open floor where he provides excitement with above the rim finishes. In the half court he’s a slasher that can take advantage of driving lanes and is improving as a catch-and-shoot presence from three. Defensively he can guard either backcourt position thanks to quick lateral agility and is an effective off the ball defender who causes deflections in the passing lanes.
Jalen Miller Jalen Miller 6'1" | CG Highlands Prep | 2021 FL | Bishop Walsh
Miller didn’t participate in any AAU play this summer, but he was one of the biggest stock risers you’ll find in the region from his play throughout the high school season. From the end of March to early August, the 6-foot- Xavier Colvin Xavier Colvin 6'5" | PF Carver (Montgomery) | 2021 State AL point guard picked up 15 offers from a range low-to-mid major programs. He decided to make his pledge to Rutgers. Miller brings plenty of intangibles that a team needs from their point guard while also having a great feel for the game on both sides of the ball. He should fare well in the Big East as his career progresses.
Vincent Payne Vincent Payne 6'2" | CG St. Maria Goretti | 2021 State MD | St. Maria Goretti/Global Squad
We here at Prep Hoops always saw the potential that Payne had as an off-ball guard who can stretch the floor with his shooting and defend multiple positions. He’s a high IQ player that moves extremely well without the ball and gets into his shot in a hurry. Programs are starting to take notice since his play with Global Squad this summer and following his play at Millersville Elite Camp, Payne received his first scholarship offer from the Millersville coaching staff. Other Division II and Division III programs continue to track him closely.
Wes Peterson | Bishop O’Connell/ DC Premier
Peterson saw an uptick since early August once DC Premier started playing more games and providing more streams to college coaches. He’s hard not to like at 6-foot-5 where he offers versatility and explosive athleticism. Peterson is an elite off-ball defender who feasts in the passing lanes causing deflections or turnovers and translating them quickly into rim-rattling finishes. He’s a plus shot-blocker for his position and can also do damage from beyond the arc off the catch. George Mason and Hampton are his most recent offers as Bryant, East Tennessee St., Loyola (MD) and Towson all extended offers earlier in the year.
Trae English Trae English 5'11" | PG Baltimore Poly | 2021 State MD | Poly/Team Thrill
English has put together a quietly productive summer helping Team Thrill to a perfect 12-0 record along the way. His biggest bucket of the year came this past weekend to help lift Thrill over Team Takeover in the waning seconds. A super quick defender with active hands, English makes life difficult for the opposing team’s point guard by supplying full court pressure on every possession. He has good instincts on that side of the ball and was a catalyst for their uptempo pace. Offensively he set the table and got the team into their sets. When driving lanes presented themselves, he took advantage and finishes with craft among the awaiting shot-blockers. English still holds no offers, but shouldn’t be long until Division II programs start pursuing him.