The Platform 16U Standouts – Missouri/Wisconsin
The Platform was an incredible event, with plenty of talent to boast about, and even more college coaches to watch it. And while the 17Us were the stars of the show, the 16Us had a load of standouts too. Here…
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Continue ReadingThe Platform was an incredible event, with plenty of talent to boast about, and even more college coaches to watch it. And while the 17Us were the stars of the show, the 16Us had a load of standouts too.
Here are the Missouri and Wisconsin standouts:
Levi Birkholz Levi Birkholz 5'2" | SG Lakeside Luthersn | 2023 State #290 Nation WI , 6’2″, 2023, Grassroots: Wisconsin Crusaders
Birkoholz was my favorite player to watch this weekend. His combination of skill and athleticism drove me to him, and he did not disappoint as he played against some of the tournament’s toughest competition. Birkoholz does all of the little things right and can expose defenders who aren’t used to the high level of play that Birkholz boasts. He’s an excellent cutter, knows how to get in passing lanes, and can get to the right spots on the floor to make the right play. An above average passer, Birkholz can be trusted to run the offense or be slotted in as the 2-guard. His athleticism is underrated and he can soar over defenders for good finishes and even slam the ball a bit if needed. He’s got some work to do in the ball handling department, but Birkholz seems to have a high ceiling and is a guy I will keep my eyes on for the next two years.
Caleb Glaser Caleb Glaser 6'6" | SF Appleton East | 2023 State WI , 6’6″, 2023, Grassroots: Wisconsin Crusaders
Glaser came off the bench for the Crusaders, but made a huge impact regardless. This big fella owns the paint, mostly on the defensive end. With multiple games with more than 3 blocks under his belt, you could tell immediately that Glaser has some experience in rejecting shots left and right. Glaser can finish around the rim nicely as well and can fight through contact, making him a magnet for And-1s and trips to the free throw line. Glaser is a guy who has a really really high ceiling if he can work on some of the other facets of the game, but will no doubt make an impact at the high school level starting next season.
James Lee, 5’10″, 2023, Grassroots: MPJ Elite
This Missouri point guard was an immediate standout the moment he stepped on the floor. His speed, quickness, and change of direction with the ball in his hand are lethal, and left opponents either confused or already 2 steps behind. He can shoot the basketball well and can score from all 3 levels. His vision is passable and he can direct an offense, as a good point guard should, whenever he needs to. It’ll be interesting to see where Lee’s development goes from here considering that he is a smaller guard, but the sky is the limit for him as he continues to improve throughout the next two years.