2018 #EYBL Standouts (FL)
Jack LeGwin contributed to this report.
SUWANEE, GA — Memorial Day weekend is long known for launching movies into the stratosphere. Like a comet firework, multiple Class of 2018 hooper’s stock shot up skyward. The EYBL is the best tournament-format showcase in prep basketball. Without a doubt you are looking at the names of future college starters. These are their exploits from EYBL 4: Atlanta.
Antwan Jones| 2018 | E1T1 16U
Antwan Jones carries the torch for the tall Floridian guard. Remember Antonio Blakeney? Jones hails from the same high school (Oak Ridge) that Blakeney made famous. Without backcourt-mate Michael DeVoe healthy, Jones was a dip below his MVP-best. Jones glides around the floor like Malachi Richardson (Syracuse). His handle is good, but he plays with several smaller guards on E1T1 16u. Operating off the ball some of Jones’ impact is mitigated. He shoots a higher percentage when dribbling into his looks. Suday Jones and E1T1 lost out to St. Louis Eagles. If there is one criticism of Jones at EYBL 4, then it is his inability to bounce back from a late deficit. To be a leader of men he has to put any frustrations aside and appear confident in the face of adversity. Regardless Jones is a scoring machine with years of success ahead of him.
Emmit Williams| 2018 | E1T1 17U
Emmit Williams rebounded as well as anyone Sunday morning. Also, the 6-foot-7 forward continues to get increasingly agile in the open floor. His college position may be power forward, but long term he has the possibility to become a rugged wing. Williams not only jumps high. He also rises quickly, which helps him beat big defenders to the backboard.
Kevin Blaser| 2018 | NikeTeamFlorida 16U
An I.M.G. Academy player by winter, Kevin Blaser has the look of a Ron Artest. Physical, agile, competitive. He doesn’t mind mixing it up or pushing the basketball on the break. Like many young guards he can over-dribble and enter into trepidatious situations. Still, he is a humble and driven young man with multiple bankable skills.
Serell Smith| 2018 | E1T1 16U
Serell Smith showed off a great handle. The young guard has dozens of breakdown moves in his toolbox. His spindly legs move rapidly and the quick hands poke free plenty of loose balls. Smith benefited from DeVoe’s absence and was able to involve E1T1’s elite wings.
Luke Anderson| 2018 | NikeTeamFlorida 16U
Luke Anderson (Lakeland High) might be a college three. Maybe. His defense belongs on the blocks, but Anderson shoots like a guard. Head Coach Darrin Wallace even drew up a late game play for him to get an open look from the arc. Anderson played wonderful in the latter stages, collecting defensive rebounds, while burying challenged triples. He is an interesting prospect.
Damon Harge| 2018 | Southern Stampede 16U
Damon Harge and his Southern Stampede (GA) won plenty of games Friday/Saturday. In fact, they motored through Sunday too, advancing to Monday morning’s 16u semifinals. Harge was an instrumental part of the success. His quickness created countless problems. Harge hit a handful of jumpers in the process, but his strong suit was dusting defenders with the dribble. Electric.
Check the PrepHoops.com Class of 2018 Florida Rankings here.