Live Period Team Preview: Atlanta Timberwolves
Scott Samach’s Atlanta Timberwolves squad has had a solid start to the spring, getting ready to show what they’re made of during the April Live Periods. Similar to prior years, the Timberwolves have a nice group of smart, fundamental players that have flown under the radar but will make college programs better. Here is what you need to know about this team:
April 20-22: Phenom Challenge (Spartanburg, SC)
April 27-29: HoopSeen ATL Jam (Atlanta, GA)
5’11 2019 PG Alex Kelehear (Lafayette)- It’s been clear through the first month of the travel season that Kelehear is the leader of this team. He keeps everything under control and knows what is required from him in each game for the team’s success. Kelehear can fill it up but has no problem facilitating either; his well-rounded, unselfish game is a great boost. Kelehear’s impact goes way beyond the boxscore.
6’7 2019 F Austin Sloan (Houston County)- Sloan has already been making some noise early this spring and this trend should continue. He is a unique prospect because of his athleticism and reliable outside shooting ability at his size. Sloan is proving to be one of the better sleepers in the 2019 Georgia class and should attract a host of Division 1 coaches. He will be scary as he keeps getting stronger and more aggressive. The Timberwolves will need his production these next two weekends.
6’3 2019 G Jordan Krueger (Walton)- Timberwolve teams can always shoot and there are usually 1 or 2 guys that specifically make their mark as outside specialists. That’s what Krueger is looking to do with this year’s group. He hit 11 3’s in the 3 games I saw last weekend and is super confident behind the arc. If he gets hot early and is efficient these next two weeks, coaches will take notice.
6’3 2018 W Jon Morgan (Lafayette)- Almost every game, Morgan has a few plays that make you want to stand up. The long wing is an exceptional athlete and if he gets just a step on his defender, it will probably end up being a big dunk. He knows what he does best, keeping things simple with strong drives once he gets to left hand and finishing with good touch in the paint. Those tools alone should get coaches talking; I wonder what else he’ll show coming up.
6’1 2020 PG Jack Kostel (Mill Creek)- Kostel is just a sophomore, but you can’t tell when you watch him play. He is poised and confident with the ball, making flashy plays that may surprise you. Kostel is best-suited at the point but is effect off the ball as well because of his shooting and scoring ability. He contributes in a variety of ways, and seemed to show a different part of his skillset in each game this past weekend.
6’3 2020 G Joseph Staiti (West Forsyth)- Also a sophomore like Kostel, Staiti is an important member of this team. I’ve liked how Staiti plays bigger than his height for this undersized Timberwolves team. He makes a rebounding impact every time out and isn’t afraid of playing through contact inside on offense. Combining that with his shooting ability allows him to get easy looks frequently.
6’0 2019 G Davis Herndon (Riverwood)- Herndon missed this past weekend with an ankle injury and will be looking to work his way back into things in Spartanburg. He plays a smaller reserve role for the team but does some good things for them. Herndon’s best trait is his ability to hit mid-range shots, but can make 3’s consistently also. Proving himself as a ball-handler and passer should be his main focus this spring.
6’4 2019 W Chris Cunningham (Northwest Whitfield)- Having just joined the team last weekend, Cunningham has already shown he can be a consistent contributor. Cunningham has good size on the wing and an effective perimeter shot. He stays within himself and lets the game come to him, which results in efficient performances. It’ll be nice to see what role he plays as he becomes more comfortable with the team.