Indiana All-Stars: Looking at the Juniors
On Thursday, we took a look at the Indiana All-Star scrimmage between the Seniors and Juniors. Two days before, the Seniors put the Juniors in their place. On Thursday, the Juniors showed why they are one of the best classes…
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Continue ReadingOn Thursday, we took a look at the Indiana All-Star scrimmage between the Seniors and Juniors. Two days before, the Seniors put the Juniors in their place. On Thursday, the Juniors showed why they are one of the best classes this state has seen since 2012.
Jalen Adaway – Adaway is one of the better athletes in the class but he’s slowly starting to show aspects of his game that don’t necessarily rely on his athleticism. He’s got a capable jumper but it is really only good when he gets set and takes his time. Doesn’t have that touch to hit the off-balance, quick released shot. He played well in this game as the high-energy guy just has to continue finding his spots to make plays.
Paul Scruggs – I thought Paul did very well and had some stretches where he was the flat out leader of the team. He can rack up high assist totals with his ability to drive and get to the rim. He doesn’t show much fear against opposing defenders even if they are a full class ahead of him. He’s still got a long way to go as a combo guard but he does have that really good knack of finding the easy dump off pass.
Tyler Smith – This was the best game from Smith that I have seen to this point. Tyler wasn’t even a relatively decent jump shooter a year ago, it was an aspect of his game that you would like to hide. However, it has gotten a ton better and last night it was on full display as he hit three of four from deep and had a couple mid-range pull-ups too. His touch is there now and the form is repeatable and clean. Give him another year and see where it is at, his stock will rise with it.
Jaren Jackson – Jaren reverted back to his old ways a little bit last night as he showed off some of his really solid interior scoring prowess. He didn’t settle for the perimeter jumpers he had been shooting all spring. Once he balances out his game with inside and outside, pair that with his post defense and he’s got all the tools to be one of the best players in the country.
Malik Williams – Malik is a solid shooter from distance but it usually is just an aspect that he incorporates with the rest of his game, it isn’t a highlight. He’s much more comfortable off the bounce and getting to the rim. Last night, he showed off the deep shot to the tune of 5/7 and was the second leading scorer with 15 points. He showed how much of a pain he can be as an offensive player.
Jack Nunge – Like Smith, this was the best game I’ve seen from Nunge in a long time, if ever. He’s your prototypical face-up four man but last night was the most I’ve seen him do from an athletic standpoint with his above-the-rim play. He had a couple transition dunks and a pair of athletic tip ins, things he doesn’t hardly ever show. Hard to take it as a full on addition to his skill set but if he shows it again soon I’ll be very happy.
Parker Hazen – Parker had an okay spring with Spiece but he could have been better. However, that level of play could spur his play later on this summer, especially if last night was a preview. He was really good making those scrappy, athletic plays and playing tough on the boards. I really like his game as a wing but he has to continue to show that he can bring some offensive power.
Kris Wilkes – Wilkes had a little bit of a tough game with fouls and lack of touches but he’s still one of the most efficient players this state has. He dropped 14 points on what you would consider a bad night for him. Wilkes is an elite player in the nation and while he didn’t necessarily look at his best, you can’t be unaware of his talent level.