Ranked & Unranked Guards from the Grind SZN Kickoff
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Being a guard that is not ranked seems to place a chip on the shoulders of certain players. Consequently, those players want to prove, with their play, that evaluators are wrong by not rating them. From the Grind SZN Kickoff,…
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Continue ReadingBeing a guard that is not ranked seems to place a chip on the shoulders of certain players. Consequently, those players want to prove, with their play, that evaluators are wrong by not rating them. From the Grind SZN Kickoff, there were more than a few guards in this category. In this installment of Unranked, I will focus on a few guards who may be unranked now but should be in the near future.
Zyrin Brantley (6’0″ / Lubbock Matadors / 2023)
Brantley showed a very quick first step in games during the Grind SZN Kickoff in Oklahoma City. He also displayed the ability to read defenses and take advantage of what was given to him. If it was the baseline drive, he used his burst to get in the paint quickly and finish with a soft floater. In transition, Brantley displayed speed to get behind the defense and make a transition layup before some defenders got to the three point line. He is a basketball player with speed and those players are a commodity. Hopefully more showings like this will improve his chances of being ranked in Texas.
Camrien Manahan (5’11″ / Lubbock Matadors / 2023)
Manahan was part of the succcess Lubbock had during the weekend. Like the other guards on his team, Manahan is quick to the ball especially in loose ball situations. He can turn a loose ball situation into a layup in a blur. Manahan also has a floater that he uses when he drives to the paint as well. His speed is the key to his performance on the floor. Once Manahan extends his range on offense, he will be a hard guard due to his speed and quickness.
Aadhi Ayyappan Aadhi Ayyappan 6'1" | SG Bartlesville | 2023 State OK (6’0″ / Tulsa Hawks Blue 2023 Blue)
Ayyappan is as good as it gets as a complete guard. Ayyappan is more swift than he looks and he showed the ability to blow by defenders who were guarding him in man-to-man situations. When he gets in the lane, Ayyappan can finish with either hand while absorbing contact. While he showed the ability to finish in the lane, Ayyappan is just as good behind the arc. He had several double digit games during the weekend proving that he can score as well as distribute. Ayyappan is one of the better unranked guards in Oklahoma and should make his way to the rankings.
Phil Jackson (6’1″ / Team Run 2023)
Jackson was part of a very game Team Run backcourt. He found his way to the rim and finished through contact repeatedly. He is hard to stop going to his right and a tough perimeter defender. Jackson can also defend on the perimeter as well as most guards I have seen on the 16U circuit so far. He gets into whomever he is defending and causes turnovers and creates havoc. His continued development may help him move up the player rankings when the new school year begins.
Sebastian Perry Sebastian Perry 6'1" | PG Heritage Hall | 2023 State OK (6’1″ / Team Run 2023)
Perry can get to the rim almost at will. He has a very good handle and can blow by defenders with regularity. He scored in the double digits in a couple of his outings over the weekend just being quicker than his defenders. His offensive game is still evolving but his ability to get to the rim is next level. Perry is growing into one of the better players in the Oklahoma and will continue to improve once his shooting evolves. He is definitely hard to keep out of the paint.
Ethan Brown (6’2″ / Tulsa Hawks White 2023)
Brown may become a next level shooter when his prep career is done. He has the ability to set his feet quickly and can get his shot off before defenses rotate to him. Brown is also more athletic than he appears and can get to the rim when given the opportunity. His ability to shoot is what will put the fear in defenses. He can make one or two and it will be hard for defenses to cool him off. Once his handles improve, he will be tough to guard on all levels.
The Grind SZN Kickoff gives ranked and unranked players a chance to showcase what their talents are. Look for more ranked and unranked/unproven players to show their worth as the Prep Hoops Circuit continues throughout the grassroots season.
*Edited to reflect current rankings of players who were thought to be previously unranked by their state.