July Watch List: 2017 Guards
Summer is finally here. We will be providing various watch lists, broken down by class and position as the July live period draws nearer. Below is an up close look at some rising senior guards to keep an eye on. CG…
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Continue ReadingSummer is finally here. We will be providing various watch lists, broken down by class and position as the July live period draws nearer. Below is an up close look at some rising senior guards to keep an eye on.
CG George Mawanda-Kalema | DC Premier
George Mawanda-Kalema usually finds a way to make an impact on both ends of the court. Kalema has a great work rate to go along with a high basketball IQ and a very solid set of skills. He’s a talented and crafty scorer with the ability to create his shot off the bounce. He’s very comfortable in the middle areas, and does a nice job feeding others when he doesn’t have a great look. He’s also an efficient finisher in the lane who seeks and converts through contact. Kalema’s on-ball defense is commendable. He does a great job getting down into a defensive stance and keeping his arms out. He has good lateral quickness, and anticipates passing lanes well.
CG James West IV | BWSL WAWG
James West IV demonstrates a great feel for the game, and the ability to play on and off the ball. A knock-down three point threat, West needs little room to get his shot off. He has a quick and confident release, and does a great job moving off the ball. West knows how to space the floor and get open. He’s also a very good passer. West understands how to get others involved, and can make his teammates better. Defensively, he anticipates well. West is an aggressive on-ball defender who does a nice job using his hands to create deflections and swipe steals. He is deceptively fast, and sneaky athletic.
CG Denmark Slay | District Basketball Club
Denmark Slay has been regarded as a dangerous scoring threat for quite some time. He has the ability to attack the basket and finish consistently in the lane, and also excels off the bounce as a jump shooter. Slay has recently demonstrated improved playmaking ability. He can handle pressure, and exhibits good vision and passing skills. Slay is a speed merchant who understands how to change gears to be most effective. He’s got a great work ethic, especially on the defensive end. Slay is a lockdown on-ball defender as result of his quickness, strength, and quick reactions.
CG Jamal Washington | Higher Level Premier
Jamal Washington has the ability to effect the game in multiple ways. He’s an aggressive scorer who can get into the paint and constantly finish with either hand in traffic. Washington is also a willing and able distributor, who is always looking to find open teammates on his drives. A capable jump shooter, Washington has the ability to hit multiple threes in a game from the catch. He’s a very solid rebounder for his position, and does a good job snagging boards in crowds. Washington can push the ball in the open court, but also understands when to slow the tempo and run the half court offense. While he may be most effective as a scorer, Washington showcases very solid playmaking ability.
PG Anias Saunders | River City Reign Hill
He missed most of the spring due to injury, but Anias Saunders will be back to make a statement in July. A two-way threat who can play either guard position, Saunders is a big, strong, versatile guard who can impact the game in a number of ways. First and foremost, he takes pride in being a shutdown defender. He contests shots with purpose, and limits dribble penetration with suffocating ball pressure. Offensively, Saunders is a good paint getter. He finds open teammates from the bounce, and converts through contact in the lane. He has a great work rate, and crashes the boards relentlessly.