The Platform: 7 solid performances (16U only)
Live period tends to bring the best out of prospects, only because college coaches, from different programs, are in attendance. Saturday featured a lot of great performances. I was on hand at The Platform to observe the action. Here are…
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Continue ReadingLive period tends to bring the best out of prospects, only because college coaches, from different programs, are in attendance.
Saturday featured a lot of great performances.
I was on hand at The Platform to observe the action.
Here are seven solid performances from Saturday.
Ryan Forrest, Woodz Elite 2023: The 6-foot-3 shooting guard had his way in the 71-57 win over 94 Feet Elite 2023. His 27 points led his team, and Forrest made things look easy. Forrest is a pure athletic that thrives in the open court, has smooth ball handles that will catch the defender off guard and can finish at the rim with either hand. The rising junior isn’t one of the best 3-point shooters in his class, but he can make enough from 3 to get the defense’s attention. Forrest is a solid prospect in the 2023 class.
Elijah Reynolds, East Coast United 2023: Reynolds showed poised in his team’s 51-50 victory over Family Elite 2023. With the game hanging in the balance, the 5-9 point guard drove into the lane, drew a foul as he attempted a short jumper. Reynolds went to the free throw line and made both shots, giving his team the lead for good. The rising sophomore didn’t settled for an outside jumper. Reynolds saw the opportunity to get into the lane and went for it. During the contest, he also showed his ability to break down a zone defense. Reynolds knows where the basketball needs to go before he makes the pass. He’s also the type of point guard that thrives in an up-tempo setting.
Thomas Baird, DC Kings Missouri 2023: Baird’s team lost a nail biter, 68-67 to Colorado Titans 2023 Gold, but the 6-7 power forward was huge for his team. In one-on-one situations, Baird, who finished with 16 points, didn’t have any issues scoring the basketball. There was no one on the other team taller than 6-5, so he was able to shoot elbow jumpers over the top of his defender. Baird knows how to play with his back to the basket. He’s good at rebounding. Baird brings energy and confidence on the floor.
Nathan Ryan, MO Thunder 2023: NuBreed 2023 didn’t have an answer for Ryan, who helped his team rally from 18 points down to come back to win 65-61. Ryan is only 6-4, but he plays bigger than his listed height. Each time he got great position in the post, Ryan came away with a score. He had moments where he scored uncontested layups in transition. The power forward finished with 28 points and eight rebounds in the victory.
Frederick Payne, Livon Fleur De Lis EYBL 2023: The 6-2 shooting guard had 22 points in a win over P.L.U.T.O. Prospects 2023. His scoring was impressive, but his hustle was more impressive. Payne was going after loose balls and deflecting passes. From the start of the game, the rising junior was very disruptive on the defensive end. Payne did a good job of finishing scores in transition. He was effective on both ends of the floor on Saturday.
Archer Vansickle, P.L.U.T.O. Prospects 2023: Vansickle can be effective at both guard positions. He has everyone’s attention when the basketball is in his hands. Vansickle can create his own shot. He has the gift of taking his defender off the dribble. Vansickle doesn’t get rattled when the opponent sends a double team. He’s unlikely to force shots. Vansickle allows the game to come to him. In the loss to Livon Fleur De Lis EYBL 2023, the rising junior showed his shooting range and how deadly he can offensively he can be when he’s in a rhythm.
Gavin Pierce, Minnesota Fury 2023: Pierce and his teammates had fun in their 67-48 win over the Georgia Stars EYBL 2023. Pierce was getting great looks from 3 and made the opposing team pay. The 6-4 shooting guard made big shots for the entire game. Pierce finished with 19 points and converted on five shots from 3-point range.