New Faces: 2018 Guards
Despite the immersive coverage of Kentucky high school basketball each AAU April there are always breakout players. The following players emerged in the face of strident competition. Source evaluations include UnderArmour, NIKE, adidas Gauntlet, and Kentucky State AAU events.
Jalen Johnson
6’1″ – PG – Hopkinsville – Attucks Wolfpack 16u
Admittedly, Jalen is not a new face, but more and more Johnson reminds of former New York Knick Charlie Ward. Remember the Heisman-winning quarterback that decided to pursue a professional basketball career? Well, Johnson also has exceptional agility along with strong court vision. As a quarterback JJ can dance all over the field. On the hardwood he has more slashing skills than Ward did. Is a Heisman in Johnson’s future? Predicting Heismans for anyone is absurd, but his ability to dominate 16u basketball and prep football is exciting.
Jacob Noe
5’11” – PG – Ft. Thomas Highlands – Kentucky Legacy 16u
Jacob Noe can play either guard position, but will probably stick as a point guard that can shoot. During a LIVE period contest in Noblesville, Indiana, Noe demonstrated his full arsenal in a tight window. First, Noe hit back-to-back three-pointers. On the subsequent possession, as the defense adjusted and sent another body flying his way, Noe found the evacuated teammate in stride. The court awareness was perfection. So often a hot-hand will take that third shot under duress. We jokingly call it a heat check, when it misses. But the poised play is to draw the defense and capitalize on their over-play. Noe did.
Adam Kunkel
6’2″ – PG – Burlington Cooper – Travelers EYBL
Kunkel is a splendid discovery by the Travelers program. Adam hails from just outside the overpriced CVG Airport and competes for Cooper High School. The handles will dazzle, but Adam’s instincts give him a bump. When he dribbles he has those crafty, subtle evasive dribbles that create time and space. Think Steph Curry on a much more introductory level. He runs the floor well and gets up amongst the trees. Kunkel does need to add muscle to his frame.
Bryant “BJ” Robinson
6’3″ – SG – Pleasure Ridge Park – Hoop Dreams 16u Travel
During King James Southern Exposure, BJ Robinson exploded to the rack with regularity. His mixture of strength and confidence was special. Robinson played a lot for PRP as a sophomore. More than once he was in the top two scorers for his team. There is a verticality to Robinson’s game. He jumps higher than defenders expect. Only when they see his elbow moving downward do they realize their severe underestimation. Robinson also has a strong sense of the moment. He scores in bunches when the game is on the line.
PrepHoops.com is rolling out New Faces articles this month. See more new faces from Kentucky (2019 Wings).