Coach’s Take: D1 Nation

<p><strong>D1 Nation</strong> had one of the top 16U teams on the westcoast this year. Despite not having any high major prospects and few surefire Division I guys, they won a lot of games against a lot of tough competition and did so convincingly. Their head coach Glenn Mayberry gave us the scoop on how he thinks his guys did this summer.</p><h2>Rajhan Billingsley 6'4" F 2017 Desert Vista</h2><p>Rajhan had some very good games for us during the month of April and July.  He has a nice frame which allows him to play between the 1 and 4 position.  Rajhan always wanted to guard the other teams best offensive player which is indicative of his toughness.  He has a desire to get better and is looking forward to a great season at his new high school, Perry High School.</p> <h2>Terrell Brown 6'3" G 2017 Basha</h2><p>Terrell by far was the glue to our team.  He plays 3 sports on the varsity level; basketball, baseball and football, which shows his overall athleticism.  He would make very difficult plays look easy.  Terrell had an excellent spring and summer.  His speed, quickness and agility project next level indicator.  He received interest from Nebraska Wesleyan University.</p> <h2>Sean Dunn 6'9" C 2017 Brophy Prep</h2><p>Sean has been a huge surprise to me as I have watched him play over the years and didn’t realize, until coaching him, how soft of hands he has.  He is probably one of the few natural posts in Arizona that has very good footwork.  Sean played very well for me in April and July’s live periods.  He showed he can step away from the basket, 10-12 ft, and knock down shots consistently.  Sean has received interest from Weber State, ACU and UC Davis.</p> <h2>Keith Holmes 6'2" G 2017 Desert Ridge</h2><p>Keith has been with me for 3 years and has all the physical tools to play collegiate basketball.  He has a high IQ and is able to get to the rim as will.  Keith has a long frame and quick feet to guard the other teams best player.  He had a very good April and July for us.  He has received interest from Denver University, Nebraska Wesleyan University and Arizona Christian University.  </p> <h2>Andres Mayberry 5'10" G 2017 Red Mountain</h2><p>Andres has improved his ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter this year.  He has become more vocal in becoming a point guard.  He has a high IQ and is starting to understand what is expected of him as a point guard.  Andres has received interest from Arizona Christian University, Nebraska Wesleyan and Eastern Washington.  </p> <h2>Gabe McGlothan 6'5" F 2017 Basha</h2><p>Gabe played well for us in April/July before getting hurt leading us in rebounding and scoring.  Not only did our team win two live period tournaments but he became of vocal leader on and off the court, which was a new roll for him from the previous year.  I was very proud of Gabe because he was not always popular with his teammates as he challenged them to be better. Gabe has received two offers, one from Northern Colorado and the other from Grand Canyon University and has high interest from Weber State and Eastern Washington University.</p> <h2>Ethan Smith 6'6" SF 2017 Desert Ridge</h2><p>I have coached Ethan for 3 years and each year he continues to get better. It’s difficult to decide where to play Ethan at times, as he has improved his ability to play on the perimeter as well as in the paint.  Ethan has shown that he can be our best perimeter defender, even though he has a long frame, as he is able to defend smaller guards which causes a lot of problems for opposing offenses.  He also continues to  develop an inside game, which was vital to our success both in April and July. </p> <h2>CJ Waters 6'4" SF 2017 Gilbert</h2><p>CJ may be the most underrated player in his class but is a coaches dream.  This was his first year playing with D1 and was named the Team Captain.  This is a kid with a 4.4 GPA and never complained.  CJ had knee issues for most of the summer and never complained once.  CJ is a great rebounder and defender and can guard the 1-5 position. </p> <h2>Blake Williams 6'4" G 2017 Perry</h2><p>Blake played the 1-3 for us this summer and showed a huge upside.  He has a very good basketball IQ and was the teams best passer.  Blake also, with his long frame, caused match up problems for smaller guards.  I am expecting Blake to have a great year at his high school with the absence of Marcus Howard.</p>