Geico Nationals: Oak Hill Acad. vs Link Acad. (Part 2)
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Geico Nationals: Oak Hill Acad. vs Link Acad. (Part 2) FORT MEYERS, FL—It’s hard to believe but Geico Nationals is in its thirteenth year of existence and its been quite a ride with a staggering amount of players that have…
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Continue ReadingGeico Nationals: Oak Hill Acad. vs Link Acad. (Part 2)
FORT MEYERS, FL—It’s hard to believe but Geico Nationals is in its thirteenth year of existence and its been quite a ride with a staggering amount of players that have ended up in the NBA, including Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Jaylen Brown to name a few. This year is no different as there are a plethora of highly-talented ballers in Jordan Walsh Jordan Walsh 6'7" | SF Link Academy | 2022 #31 Nation MO , Chris Livingston Chris Livingston 6'6" | SF Oak Hill Academy | 2022 State #9 Nation VA , Dariq Whitehead, Keyonte George, and Gatorade National POY Gradey Dick.
Much-Improved
Chris Livingston Chris Livingston 6'6" | SF Oak Hill Academy | 2022 State #9 Nation VA (Oak Hill Academy)
2022, G, 6-foot-5, 190 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Kentucky-bound Livingston has improved his game each and every season. The bully-ball guard has some Lance Stephenson and Stanley Johnson to his game. He has the strength and physical mindset to damage defenders off the drive and his 3-point shot is becoming more consistent. He can finish with either hand and he plays with a solid motor.
All-Around
Julian Phillips Julian Phillips 6'8" | SF Link Academy | 2022 #19 Nation MO (Link Academy)
2022, F, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds
Joel’s Take: The willowy Phillips didn’t have his jump shot falling for him, but he found a number of ways to impact the game. He used his lengthy frame and ball skills to slash his way to the rim and he is quite bouncy. In addition, he showed savvy with his passing and he hit the boards at both ends. l
On the Rise
Tarris Reed Jr Tarris Reed Jr 6'10" | PF Link Academy | 2022 State #43 Nation MO (Link Academy)
2022, C, 6-foot-9, 245 pounds
Joel’s Take: Reed, who is headed to Michigan, has a lot of the physical traits coaches want in their big men. He has a big frame with broad shoulders and long arms, has good feet and solid hands. His offensive game is still in its rudimentary stages, but he hits the offensive glass hard for put-backs. Defensively, he moves pretty fluidly and he can hedge out on screens.
It’s about the “D”
Felix Okpara Felix Okpara 6'11" | C Hamilton Heights | 2022 #51 Nation MO (Link Academy)
2022, C, 6-foot-11, 240 pounds
Joel’s Take: Okpara is yet another center with a huge frame and solid athleticism. The Ohio State pledge has good hands and long arms, and he is a formidable rim protector. His offensive game is pretty raw, but he can snag rebounds and finish through contact.
Need some time
Christian Reeves Christian Reeves 7'0" | C Oak Hill Academy | 2022 State VA (Oak Hill Academy)
2022, C, 7-foot, 230 pounds
Joel’s Take: It will take some time, but Reeves has come along way in the past couple of years. The willowy center has a narrow shoulder base, but he has very long arms and soft hands. Despite having a slight frame, he will battle for rebounds and try to finish through contact. His nimble feet will make him a versatile defender at the next level and his shooting touch is impressive. It will take some time to contribute at Duke, but he has a nice upside.