Mullen’s High Profile Recap: (Class of 2018 Guards)
Here is a look at some of the top Missouri Class of 2018 guards from last weekend’s Mullen’s High Profile Tournament in Bel Aire, KS.
Damien Daniels 5’7″ KC Run GMC: For this Hogan Prep High team, the speedy Daniels is a bucket-getter who averages close to 30 points a game. Playing with Run GMC, plays more of a true point guard role and floor general. He does an excellent job as a facilitator and leader on the court while keeping the tempo at a fast pace. He picks his spots when it is time to shoot the basketball and he walks the line pretty well. In a comeback victory over KS Pray n Play in the quarterfinals, Daniels took over the game late with a 3-pointer, a couple of steals and a late coast to coast dash for a layup and a three-point play.
Mason Taylor 6’4″ KC Pacers Blue: A nice big guard with ideal size and skill level to be an excellent college prospect. Taylor has the ability to score at all three levels. He can score around the basket on dribble drives or strong post ups against smaller guards where he can put that size to use. He has a very good mid-range game where he can stop and pop it from 15 feet, plus he has the ability to knock down shots from 3-point range. Taylor can also get it done in transition. With his size and scoring ability, he projects as a low to mid-major Division I level talent.
Austin Thompson 6’2″ MO Team Carroll: The athletic point guard enjoyed a breakout offensive performance during the weekend with a number of 20-point outings, which included several downhill finishes at the rim and some improved shooting from 3-point range. Thompson is a physical guard with a strong body and a high basketball IQ. His offensive emergence is making him a strong two-way guard as he is an elite defender who puts in a committed effort at that end of the floor. He picked up ball handlers for 94 feet and nearly caused a 10-second violation by himself while turning the ball handler.
Daren McDaniel 6’0″ NdaGym: A speedy combo guard who enjoyed a big weekend with his ability to produce at both ends of the floor. He was tough to defend with his ability to break down defenders with his speed off the dribble going to the basket. He combined that with some excellent 3-point shooting to make him a hard player to corral on defense. He also put in a committed effort on defense as he picked up ball handlers full court and made them work every second they had the ball.
Diego Bernard 6’0″ KC Pacers Blue: One of the most athletic point guards in the tournament, the high-flying lefty had more than a few crowd pleasing dunks during the weekend. He is just as fierce as he is explosive as he brings a football-like mentality to the basketball court. He is at his best offensively when he is going downhill and attacking the basket off the dribble. He is strong and can finish in traffic. He has added an improved shot from 3-point range to make him a more effective offensive player, plus he is a very tough defender. Has offers from several Division II schools and is attracting some Division I interest.
Kevaun Maull-Edwards 5’11” KC Magic: An aggressive all-purpose guard who had a very productive weekend while doing a lot of positive things for his team. He is strong with the ball and he used his quickness to get to the basket and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He scored on nice drives and short jumpers, plus he did a nice job in a transition game. He was just a very solid performer on both ends of the floor.