Top Saturday 16u Performers: Nike EYBL Atlanta
SUWANEE GA — Saturday was a wild day for EYBL basketball just northeast of Atlanta. While the media crushed the 17u featured performers, plenty of 16u stars grinded to victories. These were the day’s top players from Florida, Illinois, and California at the 16u level.
JJ Reed | 2018 | Kentucky Travelers 16U
JJ Reed was a agile power forward that became a high school point guard and turned into a potential college wing. Reed’s versatility makes him an exciting watch. Late Saturday night Reed flourished out in transition. He can really get up the floor and loves to hop. Reed thrives in the open floor and oozes enthusiasm. The Travelers got plenty out of him against a difficult NIKE Team Texas Elite.
Xavier Castaneda | 2018 | Meanstreets 16U
Though listed on the 17 Meanstreets squad, Xavier Castaneda runs with his fellow 2018 teammates. Xavier (Whitney Young High School) plays basketball like he just kicked off football cleats and decided to clatter through some bowling pin-shaped humans. He careens all over the floor. The full court press comes to life when Castaneda finds the pass or dribble anywhere nearby. A physical, bull of a guard, Castaneda knocks every pass down and rips the most sure-handed wings. XC truly disrupts such ordinarily simple aspects of the game with his strength and activity.
Kevin Blaser | 2018 | Nike Team Florida 16U
All-around talent, Swiss Can’t Miss Kevin Blaser of NikeTeamFloridaKevin Blaser (FL) and his NTF crew managed a wonderful comeback just after the noon hour. Blaser’s game can be encapsulated by the following phrase: patient, powerful penetration. He can move side-to-side and dive into the paint. The stout Swiss-born wing does not have a weakness. He is not fast, but he is quick and perceptive. Faced with a team of quick, dagger-sharp short guards, Blaser found his composure and helped inspire a final minute comeback. Strong. Blaser always keeps his eyes up. Loves his outside shot. Despite missing from outside early, he continued to impact the game with rebounding, defense, passing, and slashing. Blaser is both unselfish and capable of taking over.