Names to Know: Underrated 2021 Guards (Part 2)
High school basketball coverage has become extremely comprehensive, but there will always be talented prospects that slip through the cracks. There are so many players to observe, especially in a big state like Texas. Some guys just don’t get the…
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Continue ReadingHigh school basketball coverage has become extremely comprehensive, but there will always be talented prospects that slip through the cracks. There are so many players to observe, especially in a big state like Texas. Some guys just don’t get the same amount of attention that others are afforded. It may not be fair, but it’s reality.
With that in mind, I’d like to highlight some guards from the class of 2021 who have flown under the radar. Here are five names you need to know:
Mike Prather | 2021 | 6’0’’ Point Guard | Little Elm HS – Prather is a shifty ball handler who has no trouble creating space for himself on the floor. He is great at getting to his spots in the mid-range area and converting. The Little Elm guard can stop and pop from inside the arc or take it all the way to the basket off the dribble. Prather also plays with great pace and is an excellent playmaker with a knack for finding his teammates in scoring position. This is a wildly underrated prospect who definitely has the necessary skills to play at the next level.
Aidan Bailey | 2021 | 6’0” Combo Guard | THP Elite White 17U | Dripping Springs HS – Bailey is a high IQ player with an efficient style of play. He doesn’t turn the ball over and almost exclusively takes high-percentage shots from the field. The senior guard is a good catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, especially from the corners. He is a solid distributor too when operating as more of a lead guard. That said, my favorite part about Bailey is his activity on defense. He loves to be disruptive and is terrific at playing the passing lanes for easy steals.
Lav Cvetkovic | 2021 | 6’8’’ Shooting Guard | TRT Basketball | Spring Creek Academy – Cvetkovic’s international experience is evident in his style of play. He is a generous passer who keeps the ball moving, as well as a gifted perimeter scorer at 6-feet-8-inches. The SCA senior takes and makes difficult shots both inside and behind the three-point line and has a soft touch around the rim. Furthermore, he is an explosive leaper who finishes with power above the rim when he has the opportunity to do so. Cvetkovic’s blend of size, skill, and athletic ability make him the complete package.
Kevin Thompson | 2021 | 6’2” Combo Guard | DC Kings Denton 17U | Denton Ryan HS – Thompson seems to be most effective when he is playing the one spot and operating as his team’s primary ball handler. He is a scoring guard who can light it up in an instant. He is a confident guy who plays with swagger and a bit of an edge. The Denton Ryan guard accelerates well, only needing a few steps to reach full speed, and hangs in the air for what seems like forever when he leaves his feet. He is at his best when he gets downhill and attacks defenders off the dribble in isolation.
Dylan McKeon | 2021 | 6’3” Combo Guard | Team F.O.E. 17U White | Sachse HS – McKeon has a tremendous feel for the game. The Sachse senior possesses great body control around the basket and has a knack for maneuvering his way through traffic for good looks off the drive. He isn’t afraid to take some bumps when slashing to the hoop and does a good job of finishing through contact. In Addition, McKeon has a good-looking pull-up three in his arsenal that defenders must respect. It really compliments his ability to score at the basket.