GRBA National Championships: 2018 Guards
Ohio’s loaded 2018 class is led by perimeter wings and guards. While many of the top talents have already landed at high-major colleges, some of the low-major, D-II, NAIA, and D-III prospects left it all on the floor this weekend in Fort Wayne.
Reiko Bagley, 6’6” G/W, Elite Basketball Club/Marion Franklin
Bob Faller, 6’5” G, VCC-NOVA (Beard)/The Wellington School
Faller is an intelligent offensive player who commands attention from the defense with his shooting ability. Without the ball, Faller is always moving, and sometimes just his activity can open up opportunities for a post entry or driving lane for a teammate. When Faller is given the ball on the wing, he creates a lane by jab-stepping and makes quick decisions with the ball. He tends to dribble straight into the teeth of the defense and prefers to find someone on the opposite block for a bounce pass. His outside jumper and consistency in making the correct play should make him a priority for in-state D-IIIs.
Jelani Simmons, 6’6” G/W, All Ohio Black/Beechcroft
Simmons glides into the lane and is able to barely slip by the half-court defense with side steps. He only needs one dribble from the wing to get all the way to the rim, and he finishes with finger-rolls. However, in a game on Friday afternoon, Simmons showcased a three-point threat that surprised us. Said slashing ability led the defense to lay off him in the half-court. Simmons made them pay by launching some 3-pointers after sizing up the defense and realizing they wanted him to shoot.
Given his size, athleticism, and developing skill, Simmons has solidified himself as a D-I ball player in our eyes.
Jarrett Cox, 6’3” G, All Ohio Black/Lakota East
Cox has a one-track mind with that basketball in his hands: he’s looking to put it inside the hoop. His tunnel vision is noticeable on drives, where he puts his head down and clears space in the lane before flipping it in with tough layups. He also has an effective jump stop, where his broad shoulders are an asset against back-peddling guards. The strong athletic prospect from the Greater Miami Conference can also pull-up or hit triples. Expect Cox to eventually land at a premier D-II program.
Omari Peek, 6’6” G/W, Club Ohio/Strongsville
Caden Kryz, 6’3” G, Murphy AC/Mentor
Kryz might not have a diverse game, but he does one thing exceptionally. His three-point shooting ability on spot-ups allows him to affect the game as a role player. He was hot all weekend, often burying a couple in a row, as he can extend his range once the defense steps out to the arch. Kryz is especially apt to fading off screens, as his range extends near the NBA line. Kryz needs to tighten up his lateral quickness, in order to solidify himself as a D-III prospect.
Jordan Burge, 6’1” G, Ohio Basketball Club – Classic Impressions/Lutheran East
Again and again, Burge proves himself as an indefensible wrecking ball when attacking the basket. Against Hidden Gems Orange on Saturday, Burge went straight into the chest of defenders once he made one or two crossovers beyond the arch. In the paint, he uses old school jump stops to, again, go straight into the defense. On the other end, Burge’s strong chest allows him to defend taller 2-guards.
Darweshi Hunter, 6’4” G, VCC Ohio Warriors Pro Bound/Cincinnati Princeton
This talented group didn’t have their strongest performance against TNBA East in the 17U Platinum quarterfinals. Yet, Hunter shined in the final grassroots game of his career. First of all, he competed like crazy on the defensive end — he picked up full-court even when they were down big late, drew a 5-second call in the half-court, and absolutely swatted a layup attempt by hustling over from the blindside.
Offensively, Hunter confirmed what we already knew about him. His shooting ability is premier. Hunter hits consistently from NCAA range, as defenses tend to allow that deep look for some reason. In this game against TNBA, he also converted a baseline turn-around and another pull-up against tough defense.
Dyshawn Jackson, 6’2” G, TNBA East/Cleveland Central Catholic
This weekend told us that Jackson is willing to come into a program and simply defend. While he is competent as a ball-handler and slasher, Jackson’s impact is most felt by his motor and moxie on the defensive side. On their way to the 17U Platinum Championship, they went through the VCC Ohio Warriors Pro Bound, The Family, and the Illinois Wolves. Jackson was drawing charges, staying glued to D-I guard talents, and constantly moving. Forget the physical tools! Just the ability to lock-in mentally this entire weekend was profound. He’s gritty.