Grassroots Preview: UA Grind 2019
The AAU season is upon us and we are ready to get things going. This season, we begin again with our previews of some of the top AAU programs in the state. Today, we take a look at UA Grind 2019.
# | Name | HT | POS | Class | HS |
James Franklin | 6’1 | PG | 2019 | Cathedral | |
Armaan Franklin | 6’2 | SG | 2019 | Fishers | |
Drew Comer | 6’2 | SG | 2019 | Greensburg | |
Simon Banks | 6’4 | SG | 2019 | Brebeuf Jesuit | |
Zach Kuhn | 6’4 | SF | 2019 | Shelbyville | |
Luke Bumbalough | 5’11 | PG | 2019 | New Castle | |
Aaron Etherington | 6’6 | SF | 2019 | Hamilton Southeastern | |
Mason Gillis | 6’6 | C | 2019 | New Castle | |
Jalen Johnson | 6’7 | PF | 2019 | Indianapolis Manual | |
Sam Devault | 6’8 | PF | 2019 | Evansville Memorial |
Strengths: The strength of this group comes from their athleticism. This team is full of it from Armaan Franklin to Aaron Etherington to Jalen Johnson. They also have good size. Their wings and forwards are all tall and should be able to compete with most teams from a height standpoint this season.
Why College Programs Should Watch: This is a very competitive group with lots of under-the-radar players to draw some DI attention sooner rather than later. Armaan Franklin, Aaron Etherington, Mason Gillis, James Franklin, and Simon Banks should all get a look from DII to MM coaches.
Player To Watch: Simon Banks (Brebeuf Jesuit) – Banks has really started to adapt his game over the last year and is much more offensively inclined than I might have thought. With his size and frame, he could end up being a big time player in this class.
Where To Find Them: They will be playing on the Under Armour Association circuit this summer so they will be in New York this weekend and Indianapolis next with a stop in Los Angeles later this spring. In between, they will be in Indianapolis for a few tournaments.