Grassroots Preview: BWSL EYBL 17U
With the high school season coming to a close, we now move our focus towards the AAU season, which started last weekend. We will be doing individual previews for teams across the state ranging in age from 15-17U. We continue…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school season coming to a close, we now move our focus towards the AAU season, which started last weekend. We will be doing individual previews for teams across the state ranging in age from 15-17U. We continue today with the preview for Boo Williams EYBL 17U. Check it out below, and be sure to stay tuned to Vantage Hoops for more AAU previews and news moving forward.
Program Director: Boo Williams
Head Coach: Boo Williams
Affiliation: Nike
Roster
Matt Coleman; 6’2” PG (Oak Hill Academy)
Marquis Godwin; 6’5” SG (Hampton)
Devante Carter; 6’2” PG (Woodside, 2016)
Kevin “KJ” Davis; 6’5” F (IC Norcom)
Dajour Dickens; 6’11” C (Bethel)
Keldon Johnson; 6’6” SG (Park View, 2018)
Josh Carlton; 7’0” C (DeMatha, MD)
Tyler Foster; 6’5” F (South Kent, MD)
Brendan Newton; 7’2” C (Faith Christian)
Jordan Cross; 6’5” SG (Middleburg Academy)
Schedule
April 9-10: Boo Williams Invitational; Hampton, VA
April 15-17: EYBL Session 1; Brooklym, NY (Live Period)
April 22-24: EYBL Session 2; Indianapolis, IN (Live Period)
May 13-15: EYBL Session 3; Hampton, VA
May 20-22: Hoop Group Southern Invitational; Hampton, VA
May 27-30: EYBL Session 4; Atlanta, GA
July 6-10: EYBL Peach Jam Summer Finals; North Augusta, SC (Live Period)
Rest of the schedule: TBA
Notes
After a disappointing season last year, in which BWSL finished 6-11 in the EYBL and missed the Peach Jam Finals, the entire Boo Williams organization made a strive to get back on top this summer, and you can see it in their 17U EYBL team. Led by point guard Matt Coleman, who will be starting for his third straight season, an almost unheard of feat in the EYBL, BWSL loaded up with new prospects, some of them highly touted by high major programs. Possibly the thing that sticks out the most for Boo this summer is their tremendous size, as they have a front line that includes 7’2″ Brendan Newton, 7’0″ Josh Carlton and 6’11” Providence commit Dajour Dickens. With a dynamic shooter, great size on the front line and a bevy of wing scoring options, BWSL should make a solid run at making it back to Peach Jam where they belong this summer.
Players to Watch
- Matt Coleman: He followed up his big summer last season, in which he attended the NBA Top 100 and other national camps, by transferring to national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy, where he helped lead them to the Dick’s National Championship. Not only is Coleman explosive, heady and competitive, but he has the bonus of being a three-time EYBL starter, and will need to be a leader on both ends to get this team to where they need to be in the coming weeks.
- Keldon Johnson: Coming off of ankle surgery at the beginning of the high school season, Johnson looks like he’s ready to get back on the circuit and remind everyone why he’s a top 10 player in the 2017 class. A 6’6″ wing with good feel, he has continued to get stronger and work on the consistency of his jump shot. He’s capable of scoring it with the ball in his hands, but playing next to Coleman should allow him to work off the ball and attack the offensive glass using his good frame.
- Dajour Dickens: We mentioned him earlier, but the Providence commit is the only other returner to the EYBL team for BWSL. At 6’11” Dickens moves very well, and he has great timing on the defensive end where he’s able to protect the paint and block shots. He’ll have to help dominate the glass, especially on the defensive end so he can ignite the break for Coleman and Johnson.
- KJ Davis: We’ve been high on him for the best two seasons, and the Boo Williams coaches have been raving about his improvement and work ethic over the last two seasons. Davis is a 6’6″ forward with length and touch, and he’s really improved his ability to create for himself on the perimeter. He’ll play many roles for BWSL with his ability to rebound and defend in the post, while also stretching the defense offensively.
- Jordan Cross: He’s somewhat of the question mark for this team. Cross is a 6’6″ two-guard that can shoot it off the bounce and off the catch, and his length creates havoc in passing lanes defensively. He missed his entire junior season at Middleburg with a knee injury, but if he’s back at 100% Cross could be a key offensive option for this team in the EYBL.