First Live Period: Under-The-Radar Point Guards To Watch (NC) | Free
In a day and age where teams must be able to score and defend the ball well to win, it’s important to have a point guard that gets the job done on both ends of the floor. Early on in the AAU season, there have been a few standouts at the lead guard position that have set themselves apart. Get more information about 5 of those guards detailed in the report below.
Malcolm Wade – 6’0″ PG – Carolina Wolves 17U | United Faith Christian Academy, 2018
Wade is an extremely quick point guard that gets wherever he wants to in the blink of an eye. Despite standing just 6’0″ he possesses a chiseled frame that enables him to play bigger than he appears. Off the dribble he’s elusive and possesses a bevy of hesitations that enables him to get off clean looks. In transition, once he gets a head of steam you can almost assuredly count the basket. He really gets to the basket extremely fast and finishes at a high clip. His jump-shooting ability is also an underrated part of his game. While the shot isn’t particularly quick, he is efficient nonetheless. Defensively, he has shown ability to get body to body with ball-handlers and make them work harder than usual, negating his height differential. Also seemingly has the “it” factor when it comes to winning. Teams he compete for always seem to have a winning nature. Going forward, should he continue to prove that he can knock down jump-shots and continue the upward trend in displaying play-making ability, several colleges may offer this summer.
Jimmie Sanders – 5’8″ PG – NC Red Storm 17U | Wayne Country Day, 2018
Not too many players can say that they’ve scored over 2000 point in their high school career, but still have a year left to play. Jimmie Sanders can state this claim and prove it to be true. Despite his size, it’s still a tad surprising that he hasn’t received more interest and several offers. He can flat out play and get the job done against all levels of competition. No matter who has been in front of him, Jimmie competes, scores the ball at a high level, commands the respect of his teammates, runs the show and makes games competitive with any team he sets foot on the floor with. With Red Storm, that same aggression, leadership and scoring ability has been on full display and he hasn’t missed a beat no matter the size or level of competition he’s faced. High level shot maker, excellent passer and a nagging on ball defender. Obviously, his height is considered his biggest weakness and he must continue improve his finishing in the paint over elite shot blockers. Overall, Jimmie will end up being a steal at the next level for the school that takes a chance on him.
Eli Batts – 6’2″ PG – Team Wall Goldsboro 17U | C.B. Aycock HS, 2018
When this kid gets going, he’s a load to slow down. Eli possesses one of the best bags of tricks off the dribble in Eastern, North Carolina. Whether it’s step-back moves, hesitations from left to right, in & outs or spin moves, he has the total package off of the dribble. In high school, the style of play of the team features several players so he’s not going to blow you away with box scores, but watching in person you’ll immediately notice his high skill level. Outside of his ability to create off of the dribble, he’s an excellent shooter with deep range and elevation on his jump-shot. Going forward, Eli could possibly draw some extra attention and land a few offers from some east coast colleges (or elsewhere) should he continue to score the ball, dish the ball and show flashes as a guard sound enough to play some combo as well. He will need to get stronger at the next level (like most kids) and must continue working on his core to handle bigger and stronger guards. Definite college level prospect with the potential to put on muscle and produce sooner than later at the college level.
Latrell Campbell – 5’11” PG – Xpress United 16U | West Craven HS, 2019
Savvy. Most people know how to use the word savvy, but they can’t explain the definition. From now on when asked the definition of savvy, respond with “Latrell Campbell”. Probably one of the more underrated lead guards in the NC Class of 2019. Reigning New Bern Sun Journal Player of the Year, Latrell gets the job done on both ends of the floor. His strengths all come from his ability to read the game and make sound decisions. Despite carrying the load offensively, he keeps turnovers to a minimum and makes any team that he is on a better team immediately. Defensively, he makes the jump quickly on ball-handlers and typically comes away with at least 2 pick-pockets every game. Beats his man to spots and makes ball-handlers over-think. Excels offensively at line drives and does a solid job protecting the ball from defenders using his body. Going forward, he must improve his free throw shooting and shot making from the outside Nevertheless, a really exciting young prospect (who has a twin brother, Laqueze that is also very good in his own right).
Rashod Smith – 5’6″ PG – Team Premier 16U | Northside-Pinetown HS, 2020
Heard of this kid? He was third nationally among freshman point guards in assists per game, averaging 8.6 per night in total. Re-read that. Third nationally. One of the best passers in the freshman class that also possesses an air-tight handle, creativity and deep range on his jump-shot. Currently diminutive, but for a freshman (or any class) he has a big overall game. When he gets going offensively, he alone makes teams that aren’t deep at each position very competitive and puts them in positions to win games. A high level shooter off the bounce and off the catch. Makes over 50% of his shots in the paint and shoots around 40% from three-point range. A true point guard that has an outstanding feel for the game, making things much easier for his teammates. On the AAU circuit, Rashod will continue bringing much excitement and winning fans over with his size, court vision and personality. However, he must continue to be an aggressive full court defender and become more explosive as he steps up in competition. His passing ability will always shine through, but big strong guards will look to test him using their physicality. Will look to continue proving he can produce against high levels of competition.