First Look: UAA Grind 2020
With the end of the high school season fast approaching, we began our AAU previews at the start of March and now we have begun the look at rosters. Rosters and teams are starting to take shape and we are getting more and more everyday. This one, is a look at UA Grind 2020 coached by Michael Saunders.
# | Prospect | HT | POS | CLASS | High School |
0 | Jeremy Baker | 6’1 | SG | 2020 | Kokomo |
3 | Michael Saunders Jr. | 5’11 | PG | 2020 | Lawrence North |
4 | Hunter Jackson | 5’10 | PG | 2020 | Arsenal Tech |
7 | Roy Higgins | 6’1 | SG | 2020 | Brebeuf Jesuit |
10 | Kenny Tracy | 6’1 | PG | 2020 | Decatur Central |
12 | Brevin Jefferson | 6’1 | PG | 2020 | Southport |
23 | Dillon Duff | 6’4 | SF | 2020 | Fort Wayne Snider |
24 | Deontae Craig | 6’4 | SF | 2020 | Culver Academies |
43 | Cleevas Craig | 6’6 | PF | 2020 | Fort Wayne Concordia |
45 | Kolten Sanford | 5’8 | PG | 2020 | Evansville North |
Roster Breakdown: UAA Grind 2020 is a team built around speed and scoring ability. They are home to a ton of guards and have just enough size to be impactful. With only, Cleevas Craig as the lone post player, they don’t have a lot of depth but they should be able to run quite a bit. Look for Deontate Craig and Dillon Duff to provide enough rebounding ability to be make up for that. Their guards, however, are key to their success. Michael Saunders, Hunter Jackson, and Brevin Jefferson are all really good and the former two have really improved in their offensive ability since last year. Again, this team is built for outrunning and outscoring teams and they can do that with this group, especially if their size provides the rebounding ability.
Guy You Have To Watch: Dillon Duff (Fort Wayne Snider)
The reason you have to watch Dillon Duff is because he’s a big key for overall team success. His rebounding and athleticism is a huge asset to a team that really lacks size. Duff has really been consistent in his play and he’s going to be a player that college coaches could lock in on early because of all the areas he brings to the table. While still early for recruiting for the majority of these guys, Duff and guys like Jackson and Saunders will be worth a look.
Best Bet To End Up Breaking Out: Brevin Jefferson (Southport)
He really impressed me earlier this year with what he could be. Now, he’s still developing the offensive part of his game but he has the ability to be a high-end talent. Now 6’1 or so, his size and length is ideal from the point and if he can grab ahold of that shooting ability to be the basis for his offense, he could be a Three & D type guard that would be very attractive from a recruiting standpoint.
Who Should Be Watching: HM-NAIA
When you are looking at 2020’s this year, realize that there is a lot of small school programs that won’t even really take a look at this class this early. Maybe a bit throughout the year but really DII and DI programs have a major focus at this point. With that being said, this group has some DI players but development will be key. Really Saunders, Baker, Jackson, Tracy, Jefferson, Deontate, and Duff are the guys that will be the main attractions for those teams but I like the possibility for Kenny Tracy and Cleevas Craig if they can get off to hot starts.
Date: | Event: | Location: |
March 30-April 1 | NY2LA Swish & Dish | Milwaukee, WI |
April 13-15 | Indyball | Indianapolis, IN |
April 20-22 | UAA Session I | Dallas, TX |
April 27-29 | UAA Session II | Indianapolis, IN |
May 4-6 | Run-N-Slam | Fort Wayne, IN |
May 18-20 | George Hill Invitiational | Indianapolis, IN |
July 11-15 | UAA Invitational | Atlanta, GA |
July 18-22 | NY2LA Summer Jam | Milwaukee, WI |
July 25-27 | UAA FInals | Las Vegas, NV |