Two-Way Threats from The Finale
Elijah Green – Oklahoma Impact – Classen Northwest – 2024 At roughly 6’2, Green was electric in the fast break while bringing the necessary energy on both ends. While Green was largely deployed off the ball as a floor spacer…
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Continue ReadingElijah Green – Oklahoma Impact – Classen Northwest – 2024
At roughly 6’2, Green was electric in the fast break while bringing the necessary energy on both ends. While Green was largely deployed off the ball as a floor spacer and cutter, he maximized his low usage. His strong frame and explosive north to south burst consistently created paint opportunities as a driver, especially in transition. Another key area was rebounding, although shorter than a typical wing, his strength and attention to relocation created a bunch of second chance opportunities. Green’s biggest impact was felt from his perimeter defense, where he was lockdown versus 1s and 2s.
Dason Cook Dason Cook 6'7" | SF Broken Arrow | 2023 State OK – Ball 4 Life – Broken Arrow – 2023
Another serviceable wing from Ball 4 Life, Cook was a jack of all trades at 6’5. Cook was an excellent complementary wing who could attack closeouts or get a bit more creative one on one. When left on an island, Cook exposed smaller matchups in the post, excelling with his pivot foot to create scoring opportunities in the paint. He consistently looked for contact, drawing more than five free throws through multiple games. Another key part of his team centric style of play comes from high post and top of the key passing, where he was automatic hitting cutters. Although not a flashy above the rim athlete, Cook is an underrated athlete who moves well laterally while possessing sneaky bounce. Invest in high IQ wings, it’s simple.
Taeshaun Jones – Lubbock Matadadors – Levelland – 2023
Jones is a wiry 6’6 wing capable guarding on the perimeter who has flashed scoring upside when given the space. A capable straight line driver versus closeouts, Jones’s long strides allow him to get downhill quickly. Although typically deployed in the high post to set screens, he showed quick reactions and passing vision. Given his size and length, he is especially capable making high to low passes over the top of smaller defenders. Jones possesses a fairly quick vertical leap off two feet, where his mobility allowed him to shine as a glass cleaner on offense. Continuing to fill out his frame will be essential for his defensive versatility and interior scoring.
Bobby Burrell Bobby Burrell 6'2" | SG Newcastle | 2024 State OK – Oklahoma Runners – Classen Northwest – 2024
Playing for both the 2023 and 2024 Runners teams, Burrell is a strong shooting guard whose jump shot adds a unique layer. At 6’2, Burrell is more than capable rising up into mid-range jumpers or even stepping into shots from NCAA range. Possessing a smooth motion, the guard clearly has taken the necessary reps to become dangerous off the bounce.
Gary Raney – Oklahoma Impact – Byng – 2024
Raney has legitimate size at 6’6 or 6’7, possessing budding shooting prowess and the size to give drivers some trouble. Arguably the largest x-factor with Raney’s skill progression will be the jumper. Already possessing a fairly high release point, Raney hit two threes versus Next Level, of which nobody has much opportunity to block those attempts. Continuing to speed up the shot will be essential to maximizing his perimeter skillset at the next level. With his height, Raney recorded multiple blocked shots and a few altered shots, tracking how he handles contact will be another key factor.