Colorado’s Top Small-School Guards To Watch In July — Part II
Earlier this week we brought you a look at the first part of a look at some the 2017 guards in Colorado who Division III, III and NAIA schools should be keeping close tabs on in July and beyond. Below…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this week we brought you a look at the first part of a look at some the 2017 guards in Colorado who Division III, III and NAIA schools should be keeping close tabs on in July and beyond.
Below is part two of our examination on small-college backcourt prospects to keep an eye on:
Isaac Essien, 5-10, Hook ‘Em
Essien was among the state’s leading distributors last season. He has excellent vision and a knack for seeing plays as they develop ahead of the defense. In other words, he’s great at making the pass that sets up the pass. Solid downhill ball-handler with good quickness. As his jump shot improves, he has the chance to be an impact point guard at the small-college level.
Marquise Johnson, 6-0, Team B.A.N.G.
A combo guard with an ability to excel on the ball or off, Johnson averaged 10 points and 3.5 assists for a talented Vista PEAK team last season, and he’s been a catalyst for an uptempo B.A.N.G. team this AAU season. Efficient attacking the basket with a good mid-range pull-up, and he brings good defensive energy.
Kyle Blair, 6-0, Colorado Chaos Blue
Blair was one of the biggest stock risers around this spring, as the Grand Junction product demonstrated that he can knock it down from the outside at a highly efficient rate. Can really space the floor and can get his shot in a variety of ways.
Joe Miks, 6-1, Shining Stars
Miks should have a good audience at the Double Pump Best of Summer tournament in Anaheim next week, which will see the sharpshooting guard do his thing. Miks works really hard to get his outside shot, running hard off screens and sprinting to spots in transition. He plays with a good motor on both ends of the floor and has good intangibles.
Tre Early, 6-0, Team B.A.N.G.
Another Vista PEAK product who plays bigger than his size, particularly on the defensive end. Early is strong and athletic and rebounds his position well. Has an improved mid-range game and is a tough finisher through contact.
Conner Martin, 6-2, Colorado Cardinals
Martin is in Las Vegas this weekend at Jam On It’s West Coast Grade-Based Championships, where he should have a decent audience to monitor his ability as a scorer at all three levels. Martin has great range and has really dialed in his efficiency over the offseason.
Nick Holmes, 6-1, Billups Elite Select
The left-hander (pictured above) had a strong performance for Overland at the C3 Tournament back in June, displaying good confidence as he moves into a more substantial role with that team. Have liked the way Holmes has attacked the basket during the last several months. He has good athleticism and creative finishes. His game is tied to confidence, and when that’s working for him he can be impressive.
Austin Remus, 6-1, Colorado Chaos 2017
Some small-college program is going to be lucky to land a point guard they know they can trust with the ball in his hands. We’ve been impressed with Remus’ play at the position since the end of his sophomore season. He handles it really well in traffic and always seems to make good decisions with the basketball, finding guys in good position without forcing. It will be fun to see him play as a senior on a Valor Christian team that is a favorite for the 4A state title.