Players to Watch from the Space City Collision
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The Space City Collision saw a large assortment of talent during the two day event in Houston. From players who are widely known in recruiting circles to preps attempting to get noticed, the tournament in Houston showcased players who will…
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Continue ReadingThe Space City Collision saw a large assortment of talent during the two day event in Houston. From players who are widely known in recruiting circles to preps attempting to get noticed, the tournament in Houston showcased players who will be widely recruited in the months to come. The preps that follow are players that coaches and recruiters should keep their eyes on as the days and months go by.
Treylin Whaley Treylin Whaley 6'4" | PF Livonia | 2022 State LA (6’5″ | Showtime Elite ’22 | 2022)
Whaley may have been known in Louisiana circles as more of a football player. However, after his play this summer, he may have a big upside with the roundball. Whaley has shown that he can have big games scoring. During his weekend in Houston, he shot the ball well from three, put it on the deck repeatedly to get to rim, and had several coast-to-coast baskets. He was very aggressive and found himself at the charity stripe as well. If Whaley keeps it up, he will definitely have suitors from several colleges inquiring about him.
Zaren James Zaren James 6'5" | CG University Lab | 2022 State LA (6’5″ | LA Broncos | 2022)
James was one of the players that helped the LA Broncos to an undefeated weekend in Houston. Standing at 6’5″, he played inside for the Broncos and was an inside presence. He also released on the break and ran his lanes well which garnered him several scoring situations by hustling. What was probably the most surprising was his ability to put the ball on the deck and get into the paint. He finished with a layup or a little push shot in the lane. James was very good for the LA Broncos and definitely worth watching once they travel again.
Kentrelle Royston Kentrelle Royston 6'3" | PG Aldine Nimitz | 2023 State TX (6’2″ | North Houston Bandits | 2023)
Royston has been one of the best players on the Prep Hoops Circuit this summer and kept that high level of play going in Houston. Royston is adept at playing the passing lanes or creating steals from his man-to-man defense. There were several instances when he did that on the weekend. Royston also shot the ball well from the perimeter at the Space City Collision. He has elite level speed so getting to the rim was not an issue. The fact that he made jumpers from two and three makes him a player ready to make a jump to the next level.
Jacob Ryan (6’2″ | L.A.B. Elite ’23 | 2023)
Ryan was by far one of the best player at the Space City Collision. His floor game showed all kinds of confidence as he shot over and drove around defenders. The lefty guard displayed the ability to score at all three levels and with relative ease during some possessions. Besides his confidence, what Ryan did best during the tournament was make decisive moves. He drove left but set it up well with the dribble. He backed guards down and shot over them as well. Ryan is a stud of a player and I think he is going to have a big grassroots season.
Deshaun Russell (5’11″ | Tarrant Elite | 2022)
Russell was a point guard who put all types of pressure on the defenses that played against Tarrant Elite in Houston. His two best attributes were his ability to get into the paint and finish and nailing his stationary three point shot. Russell also showed a very good handle that allowed him to pass his initial defender several times. Russell played the point guard position just as well as anyone over the weekend at Space City. Tarrant Elite is in good hands with Russell as its lead guard.
Rondrick Gray (6’0″ | Louisiana Fire | 2022)
While playing on and off the ball, Gray displayed the kind of guard ability that has helped Louisiana Fire play successfully on the Prep Hoops Circuit. His performance at Space City was no different. Gray was able to control tempo and get the ball to his scorers when playing the point. When he slid off the ball, he displayed the ability to get to spots (like the baseline or the elbow) for a comfortable jumper. He got out in transition well also and finished on a few plays. If Gray can continue to play both guard positions well, his game will truly open eyes.
Alex Ball (6’6″ | The Disciples | 2021)
Ball is one of those 2021 players still attempting to find a home on the next level. From his play in Houston, he might garner some late interest from teams on the Division II, Division III, or NAIA levels. Two things he showed he can do at Space City was play the high screen and roll game and rebound. Ball trailed the guard well to the rim and got quite a few putbacks from missed layups. He also pulled out a couple of drop step finishes (one with a dunk) after catching the ball on the block. Ball may find a team late. He is skilled enough to play on the next level.
The Prep Hoops Circuit will continue in many areas of the country while Texas and Louisiana begin to prepare for the month of June and team camps all over the states. Prospect camps for 2021 players will be going on as well.