Spring Kick Off: Top Backcourt Players (17U)

<p>The Prep Hoops Spring Kick Off was loaded with talent. With teams from across the Hustle Region coming to Denver, there were a ton of guards with various skill sets. These guards stood out amongst the crowd and have what it takes to play and contribute at the next level. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1270688" first="Dae’Sean" last="Johnson-Holiman"] (Jr) – 5’9 – BDH Elite</strong></p> <p>Dae’Sean is an undersized guard but he has the speed to get where he wants on offense and the quickness to keep guys in front of him on defense. The best tool in his bag is his knockdown jumper but it was his calm demeanor that impressed college coaches this weekend. His team only lost once this weekend but Dae’Sean was the offensive presence that kept BDH Elite around.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1284506" first="Tyler" last="HUNSINGER"] (Jr) – 6’0 – PSB 2023</strong></p> <p>Tyler may have been the best shooter in this event. He has a quick trigger and shoots it with confidence from well beyond the arc. It isn’t common to see kids who understand angles and moving without the ball at such a high level, but Tyler has a very high IQ. In one game Tyler hit seven threes and almost all of them came from him creating space using screens from his teammates.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1270693" first="Dane" last="Lewis"] (Jr) – 6’2 – BDH Elite (Pictured)</strong></p> <p>Dane is an interesting prospect because of how diverse his skillset is. With his scoring ability, he can play either guard spot. He was one of the best ball handlers in the gym and his shiftiness makes him almost impossible to defend on an island. He scores from all levels and always makes the correct decision after getting by his guy. He knocked down big shots and made flashy no-look passes all weekend. If Dane can become a more consistent shooter from three, he will increase his stock tremendously. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="918905" first="Kijuan" last="Thompson"] (Sr) – 5’10 – 5280 Athletics</strong></p> <p>Kijuan was one of my favorite prospects to watch this weekend. The unsigned senior played much bigger than his frame. While his team struggled in moments, Kijuan always found a way to get a bucket. He understands pace and used his change of speed to get to his spots without needing too many flash moves on the perimeter. There is definitely a college coach that could benefit from his leadership and skillset.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1285134" first="Hunter" last="Guiles"] (Jr) – 6’2 – Hardwood Evolution</strong></p> <p>Hunter was another guard that impressed me with his shooting ability. Hunter was knockdown from three and mid-range all weekend. In a game on Saturday, he scored three times in a row and the third bucket was a deep three off the dribble. I have always loved watching the kid that isn’t afraid to pull the “heat check” shot. Hunter is a kid that is not afraid of the moment and that confidence carried over to his teammates.</p>