Player Breakdown: AJ LaBeau
AJ LaBeau AJ LaBeau 7'0" | C Timberline | 2023 State ID is a 6’7″ forward from the class of 2023. Last season, LaBeau found his role for Timberline and he became a centerpiece of their offensive and defensive schemes.…
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Continue ReadingAJ LaBeau AJ LaBeau 7'0" | C Timberline | 2023 State ID is a 6’7″ forward from the class of 2023. Last season, LaBeau found his role for Timberline and he became a centerpiece of their offensive and defensive schemes. In the upcoming season, AJ will look to help lead the Wolves to a shot at their district title and a deep run at the state tournament in March. Continue reading for a breakdown of AJ’s skills and abilities on both ends of the floor ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Defense: AJ is a really solid defender for the Wolves. He is tall and long for his age and he uses both to his advantage. In the paint, he is a great shot blocker and holds down the middle with ease. He jumps well and has great timing to deflect shots or force the offensive players to alter their shots at the rim. He uses his size to his advantage and does a great job defensively against opposing bigs while forcing them to shoot over the top of him with a jumper or tough hook shot. Against guards, LaBeau has great lateral movements and he routinely keeps guards in front of him by staying further away and contesting with an outstretched hand. He can switch with any other player and can guard all players on the floor. As a rebounder, AJ makes great reads and knows exactly where the ball will go. As he puts on size and strength, he will only become more dominant in this aspect.
Offense: LaBeau has a great offensive feel for his age. He is still figuring out his strengths, but he has developed a really solid mid-range jumper and can step back to hit the long ball as well. He likes to work from the block or the short corner where he can use these skills to his advantage. At the rim, he finishes really well and can finish through contact with both hands. He has a lot of finesse and plays at a high level. LaBeau is a solid passer that likes to look for his teammates for kick outs or cuts to the basket. As he continues to get older and more comfortable with the game, he will continue to expand his skills and he will be a great player shortly.
Overall: Altogether, AJ is a great player for Timberline. On defense, he is a stopper at the rim and has great skills and the ability to defend anyone. On offense, he has a lot of offensive weapons that he is continuing to develop. AJ would make a great 4 or 5 at the next level.