Colorado’s Best Available: 2016 Point Guards (Part I)
With the high school season nearing its midway point, we will begin a new series: Colorado’s Best Available. In this series, we will break down 2016 players at various positions who have yet to commit to or sign with a…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the high school season nearing its midway point, we will begin a new series: Colorado’s Best Available. In this series, we will break down 2016 players at various positions who have yet to commit to or sign with a college program. This series contains prospects at all levels. Today: Point Guards, Part I of II.
Jervae Robinson, 6-2, Overland
Robinson is probably the state’s most athletic point guard. He has seen his stock skyrocket during the high school season, thanks in large part to his ability to consistently put pressure on defenses with authoritative attacks at the basket. His athleticism helps him consistently finish at the rim, even through contact. Robinson, averaging 15 points per game, has shown good strides to his perimeter shot as well. He also defends the position well. Robinson is a clear low to mid-Division I prospect who just continues to show rapid improvement.
Riley Matticks, 6-2, Legend
Matticks has been an impressive floor general for the Titans this season, showing the improved confidence that comes with experience. He is a strong ball-handler who doesn’t get too sped up. Runs well of screen action, and has improved his ability to get to the basket, where he is a creative finisher with soft touch. Matticks’ perimeter jumper is a work in progress as he’s just 1-of-14 from 3-point range this season, but his primary responsibility for a talented 5A team is to help distribute and run the offense, and he does that well, evidenced by averages of 12.5 points and five assists per game this season. Matticks is a sure-fire D-II/D-III/NAIA prospect.
Reggie Gibson, 5-11, Overland
Gibson, who has shared backcourt duties with Robinson this season, is perhaps the state’s top ball-handler. That’s his biggest weapon in being able to overcome limitations of size and burst. His talent with the ball in his hands was on display during Overland’s run to the state title last season, when he consistently beat defenders and got into the lane to create for himself or feed the likes of big man De’Ron Davis. Gibson also has solid touch, shooting 37 percent from 3-point range this season. He could certainly be a strong contributor for a D-II program, and he has also had some low-DI interest.
Jack Buckmelter, 6-1, Denver East
Buckmelter is a natural at the point guard position, even though this is his first season playing the position full time at the varsity level. Buckmelter has good strength that allows him to handle defensive pressure with poise. He’s an intelligent player who gets East’s talented players the ball in positions to score. Buckmelter’s biggest strength is his shooting ability. He’s a knockdown 3-point shooter who can pull-up sharp and hit it off the dribble, can give the ball up and get it back cutting hard off screens and can spot up in transition. He’s also solid defensively. Buckmelter could have low D-I potential. He’s also a high-academic performer who profiles as a fantastic D-III player.
LaDarius Thomas, 6-3, Aurora Central
Thomas has been a mainstay in the backcourt for the Trojans for several years, and his athleticism and ability to create has been a major part of that team’s success. He has elevated his game to another level this season, averaging 19.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists through 14 games. Thomas has good shooting touch, can get to the basket, pull up from mid-range and knock down the 3, and he’s is a solid decision-maker in transition. Thomas is a sure-fire Division II prospect who could potentially raise his stock even further as his final season progresses.
Tynan Velasquez, 6-1, Palmer
Velasquez transferred from Doherty to Palmer heading into his senior year and hasn’t missed a beat, averaging 13.5 points and three assists per game. Velasquez has great feel and awareness for the position, and he also has an element of toughness that helps fuel him. He’s a scrappy defender on one end and a smooth and creative ball-handler on the other. Velasquez has two older brothers who played small-college basketball, and he certainly has the talent necessary to reach that level as well.
Tyrone Clark Jr., 5-11, Liberty
Clark is a player who can dunk off a standing vertical, so the athleticism is there for the diminutive senior. He has good scoring ability (16.2 points per game), keyed by his willingness to attack the basket and finish near the rim. Clark needs to continue to hone his shooting touch, but he’s an intriguing player who could be a good piece for a small-college program.
Noah Baldwin, 6-1, Windsor
Baldwin affects the game in so many ways, and few point guards in Colorado have been so adept at distributing the basketball this season. His 7.4 assists are top among big-school players in the state, and he also averages 12.5 points per game. He’s a reliable shooter, who shoots at 40 percent clip from the 3-point line and better than 90 percent from the free-throw line. Baldwin is a great leader who could make a positive impact for the right small-college program.