Grassroots preview: PWP 17U
The state of Oklahoma knows very clearly who is the top team in the 17U division, Oklahoma Run PWP. The team is loaded with 2018 talent led by nationally ranked Combo Guard Keyshawn Embery. Trey Hopkins is also nationally ranked for PWP on the Wing. Division I coaches at all levels will want to watch this fun and exciting team.
“Coming off last summer where we didn’t lose any games by more than 7 points on the UAA circuit our primary goal is to win the championship,” said Jermaine Simpson, Oklahoma Run PWP 17U head coach. “We had a lot of late game situations where if we don’t turnover the ball, hit a few free throws or get a few stops we could have had a different outcome. With the addition of Keyshawn Embery to the already improved core I believe we really have a solid team that can compete for the UAA championship with how we ended last season winning the Jayhawks Invitational and finishing the summer ranked in the top 30 by Indi Hoops.”
Oklahoma Run PWP certainly has a chance to shine this summer on the Under Armour Circuit. The players throughout the roster are all college level players who can have an immediate impact. Everyone knows the headliner names of Embery and Hopkins who have multiple Division I offers. Jaycson Bereal and Caleb Huffman are two others with a few Division I offers each. Below we take a look at some of the players flying under the radar on the PWP 17U squad.
David Ward 2018 Wing
Ward is attracting Division I coaches with his size at 6’5 on the Wing with a college ready body. He is physical on the Wing with smooth jumper. Ward projects to the low to mid major Division I level. Ward is one that colleges will start to jump on once they see him this summer.
Jon Matthews 2018 Point Guard
Matthews has really grown this season and is starting to get attention from low major Division I and a few high level Division II’s. Rice, Omaha University, North Dakota and OBU have all been in contact with me about following Jon this summer. He is really quick and has some excellent handles. The knock on Matthews is his 5’8 size, but he does a great job using his high IQ and great vision to be a dynamic Point Guard.
Camden Patterson 2018 Forward
Patterson made big strides since first joining the program after his freshman and continues to grow in height now standing at a solid 6’11. He is a true stretch Forward and loves to shoot the three-point shot, but now is attacking the basket and getting out in the break finishing at the rim. Tulsa, ORU, Wichita State and Missouri State have all reach out about Camden this summer.
Tauriawn Knight 2018 Combo Guard
Knight is finally healthy after suffering a torn ACL, MCL and surgery on his ankle over the last 4 years. With improved hops, ball handling and a more consistent outside jumper. This summer Tauriawn will play the 6th man role because he can come and play the 1 or the 2. Minnesota, North Dakota, OBU and UCO have all reached out about Tauriawn.
“The best thing about coaching this team is the dedication all of these boys have put into their personal development and how coachable everyone of them have been,” said Coach Simpson. “Every player has brought into my game plan of being unselfish and sacrificing their personal game for the better of the team. After last year each player understands they don’t have to average 30 points to get the attention of college coaches and the overall focus is being recognized as one of the best teams in country by the end of July.”
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com