Prep Hoops Exclusive: 17U Top Point Guards
The Prep Hoops Circuit rolled on this past weekend at the Prep Hoops Exclusive. It was a fantastic turnout, with 98 teams from all around the country competing in the 17U division. I was able to see a bunch of…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit rolled on this past weekend at the Prep Hoops Exclusive. It was a fantastic turnout, with 98 teams from all around the country competing in the 17U division. I was able to see a bunch of them in action at Drive Nation in Irving, TX and will be highlighting standout prospects from the event throughout the week.
With that in mind, here are seven of the best point guards from the 17U division:
Jaiden Blaylock | 2022 | 6’3” Point Guard | DC Kings Denton 2022 | Denton Braswell HS – Blaylock had a noteworthy performance on Saturday, knocking down a buzzer-beating three to send the game to overtime and subsequently going 4-for-4 from the foul line in the second OT period to secure a victory for his squad. The Braswell guard understands how to execute in the closing minutes of games and isn’t afraid of the moment. Beyond that, Blaylock read defenses well and zipped some terrific passes to his teammates.
Jamari Simpson | 2022 | 5’11” Point Guard | Rush Athletics 2022 | Moscow HS – Simpson is one of those guys who is simply a joy to watch. He was easily one of the best ball handlers in attendance, utilizing some fancy dribbling to score from all three levels in his Sunday outing. The 2022 prospect was so good at getting to his spots and creating his own shot. His ability to pass out of double teams stood out as well. Simpson’s weekend was highlighted by 36-point game on Friday.
Micah Willis | 2022 | 6’3” Point Guard | Hustle Hard Elite 2022 | Slidell HS – Willis is a good athlete at the one spot who can do a lot of things. He is a capable three-point shooter when spotting up, a creative scorer when attacking the basket off the dribble, and contributes on the glass at both ends. The soon-to-be senior showed good burst when splitting double teams as well as a soft touch when putting up floaters and runners.
Konnor Wight | 2022 | 5’9” Point Guard | AAO Flight 2022 Shannon | Muldrow HS – Wight is an old-school floor general who facilitates and works his tail off on defense. The Muldrow guard was a gritty defender throughout the weekend, sitting down in a stance and getting up into his opponents. At the other end of the floor, Wight was responsible for some brilliant assists. He is an unselfish passer who can thread the needle, keeping his teammates involved at all times. Additionally, he is more than capable of hitting a three when it is required of him.
Keyshon Spotwood | 2021 | 6’0” Point Guard | Team Buddy Buckets OKC 2022 | Edmond Memorial HS – Spotwood had a fabulous game as a slasher in his opening game of the tournament. He continuously displayed a quick first step, seemingly getting to the rim at will on Friday. The 2021 guard converted numerous tough shots at the basket from difficult angles. He was acrobatic and crafty as a finisher, helping to lead his team to an undefeated record this weekend.
Orlando Thomas II | 2022 | 6’3” Point Guard | Fundamental U 2022 Grey | Rolling Meadows HS – Thomas was excellent at pushing the ball in transition and getting his team high-percentage looks when they had a numbers advantage. He knew where his shooters where and consistently delivered accurate passes to them. In addition, the Rolling Meadows guard showed that he can shoot the three off the bounce as well as from the catch.
T.J. Ford Jr | 2023 | 5’8” Point Guard | TJ Ford Basketball 2022 | Ridge Point HS – Ford Jr had some brilliant takes to the basket Friday night. He slithered through the defense and finished through contact and traffic on several occasions. He also showed that he can knock down step-back shots from behind the arc. All that said, it was his perimeter defense that impressed me the most. The 2023 guard moved his feet and stayed in front of his man while displaying grit and determination at that end of the court. He really got after it.