Prospect Spotlight: Bryson Becker (2019)
After averaging 14.9 points, nine rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game as a sophomore at 3A Platte Valley last season, Bryson Becker needed an elevated challenge as he prepared to further his basketball evolution.
His first spring playing AAU basketball was exactly that. Becker joined Colorado Chaos and has made the hour-plus ride from Kersey to the Denver area each week to Chaos practices. He has reveled in the competition, which he has found bountiful in tournaments both in state and out.
The 6-foot-8 forward dominates at Platte Valley by standing above the crowd. Now, he’s learning how to let his game do the talking when he’s not standing head and shoulders above everyone else.
“The physicality (of the AAU circuit), I just love it so much more,” Becker said. “I’ve deeply loved playing with Chaos and playing nationally at these tournaments. All those tournaments have helped me grow so much stronger by playing those bigger guys, whether they are 7-2 or they are 5-8 and I have to lock down on the perimeter. The versatility that I’ve gained from playing with Chaos and playing in those states to show what we’ve got, it’s something really special.”
Becker said one of the biggest benefits of playing club has been the attention that’s been paid to his defensive play. While he could simply stand in the paint and protect the rim in high school, he’s been forced to learn more positional defensive techniques, particularly as he’s asked to guard mobile forwards out on the perimeter.
Becker has the ability to be a solid pick-and-pop player. He has a good IQ for the game and sets screens well. He shot a solid 35 percent from 3-point range as a sophomore, but he was rarely asked to step outside on the perimeter. With Chaos, we’ve seen Becker effectively knock down shots at times, providing good spacing on the floor.
Now, he’s eager to bring back much of what he’s gained through the spring — and the tournaments in July that will follow — back to Platte Valley.
“I love getting these kind of experiences because I can build as a player,” Becker said. “The versatility on the perimeter — I’ve been getting 3-point looks and 15-foot jump shots — that kind of ability, plus pick-and-roll off the 3-point line with my passing, it’s moving me outside the paint and it has all helped me improve. That’s something I can really bring back to Platte Valley.”