Was able to see some soldiers run the point with class, style, and grace this weekend in Las Vegas at the Big Foot Hoops tourney and would like to share a few with you. Didn’t get a chance to see all the teams but here is a list of the ones who stood out from the games I did catch.
Runs the show for the top AAU program in the country. The Georgia Stars were able to win 2015 Peach Jam as well as Las Vegas BigFootHoops this summer with him at the helm. He has committed to Auburn and should be able to compete at the next level despite standing only 6’0. The youngster shows poise, gets to the rack, and has a nice shooting touch. He leads his squad and is a true extension of the head coach – rarely making any mental errors and constantly communicating on the floor with his fellow teammates. His skill-sets are unique and he doesn’t appear to be as good as he is.
Look out next year as Markus will be putting up big numbers on the AAU circuit. You talk about scoring?? The kid has game. He scores from all levels on the court and handles the ball with superior skill. Was waiting for him to break against the top teams but time and time again he answered the bell. He goes to Findley Prep and should be looked upon as a top recruit and major D1 point guard prospect despite standing only 5’11- but on the flip side, he’s very stocky and strong. The ESPN 5 star recruit has many offers from major D1 schools.
Troy Brown Jr. 6’6 190 -Las Vegas Prospects – Class of 2017 (Centennial High, Las Vegas)
Looking for a long point guard that’s skilled and can handle the rock, then mention this kid. He shares the duties with Markus but has his own set of intangibles with a nice mid-range game, good handles (didn’t see him get ripped once), and good court presence. Because he is 6’6, other smaller PG’s had a difficult time checking him and he finishes very good at the rim and shows very good shooting form and stroke. This ESPN 5 star recruit is very, very good indeed, living up to the hype each game I saw. Dapper Dandy at the next level for sure.
Heart of steel. That’s what comes to mind when you watch this kid play. The Washington State commit is a very good player with a very good upside and should be able to come in and compete right away for WSU. He’s very court savvy and runs the team like a true general. Great court awareness and his basketball IQ is very high. He shares the PG duties with Devearl Ramsey and sometimes may be overshadowed by this. From a coaches perspective, I can’t think of anyone else I would like to go to battle with.
Was thinking to myself before the game “what is this kid doing balling for Mac Irvin”?? Well don’t let the baby face fool you. He is as tough as nails and leads his team very well. Although Mac Irvin didn’t have a stellar summer this AAU season, Charlie definitely held his own. He is a prototypical small point guard with tremendous skills and ability to get to the rack and make open shots. His defense is also on point as he time and time again frustrated the other PG he was facing. ESPN has him slated as the #2 point guard in the state and a 4 star recruit.
Remy is a very tough and physical point guard for his size. Rarely will you see the kid make mistakes on the court that will hurt his squad. He is a good shooter and excellent passer. His poise under pressure is second to none and his motor is always going at 100% His stock has definitely risen from a great showing at BigFootHoops. Looking forward to seeing his maturity next year as well as his play during the 2015-16 season for Sierra Canyon, CA.
Javonte Smart – 6’4 165 -Elfrid Payton Elite – Class of 2018 (Baton Rouge, LA)
As I watched this kid play and had no idea who he was, everyone in the gym including myself was stunned at how easy he scores and gets to the rack at will. Being only a sophomore is even more impressive. There was just something different about his team, EP Elite, in that everyone was looking for the dagger – to take their man to the rack and get buckets. It seems as though he is mature beyond his years. Not quite sure of his age and any hold back issues but watch out point guards ’cause when you face Javonte, you better come with your A game. This ESPN 5 star dapper dandy is truly a joy to watch.
In our next post, we will spotlight some of the wings that shined at the 2015 Big Foot Hoops Tourney.