Team Preview: Team Bayless 17U
Team Bayless 17U has found a way to be competitive in elite level invitationals despite not playing with a true big man for the majority of the spring and the summer. In fact, they recently participated in the Pangos Sweet 16 Invitational bracket with no player on their roster taller than 6’5. The group competes at an extremely high level and possesses a lot of talent.
Although they have found success with a height deprived roster, they will be carrying a couple of new pieces with them to their last live period showing. This group will have more length and size comparative to their typical team. This group should be ready to make some noise with a number of talented prospects hitting the road with the group.
Team Bayless 17U Roster
Tyrese Eugene 6’0 PG 2018 Ironwood
Despite being a two year starter at Ironwood, many do not know Eugene. He is a slasher and a capable shooter. Eugene has a strong physique that enables him to get into the paint at will. He is a top tier on ball and help side defender. Moreover, he rebounds extremely well for his size. He has started to receive recruiting interest from multiple NAIA Division I schools and looks to carry that positive momentum into the final live period.
Dominic Gonzalez Dominic Gonzalez 6'3" | SG Ironwood | 2020 State AZ 6’3 SG 2020 Ironwood
Gonzalez started the Pangos Sweet 16 Invitational on fire with 2 20+ point games in a row. Despite only being a 2020 prospect, he has demonstrated that he can play at this level. Even though he is only 6’3, he has extremely long arms that enable him to create shots for himself at a high level. He shoots the basketball with great accuracy and consistency. Defensively, he needs to continue to improve, but he brings length and effort to that side of the basketball.
Geoff Hibbitt 6’6 PF 2017 Ironwood (ACU)
Hibbitt is playing despite his commitment to Arizona Christian University. The former big man at Ironwood is currently transitioning to more of a 4 role at the next level. He has improved his ability to shoot the basketball from the mid-range and deep significantly. He still brings a big body presence and is a walking double-double threat. Despite his size, he moves his feet extremely well which enables him to guard 3-5 and attack off of the dribble.
Allen Abayev 6’0 SG 2018 Sunnyslope
Abayev has been a consistent threat for this undersized group. His ability to shoot the basketball from deep while playing tough on ball defense has helped this team greatly. In addition, he is a physical strong prospect which has aided him in guard 4s and 5s on the block. He has a high basketball IQ and plays extremely hard.
Kyle Fischer 6’5 SF/PF 2018 Sunnyslope
Fischer does not do one thing great. However, he does everything extremely well. He has a knack for creating plays always seems to find the rebound despite being out sized. Defensively, he is as tough as they come. He can guard multiple positions and is not afraid of the challenge. Offensively, his shooting can be a little bit of a question mark at times. With that said, when he is shooting the basketball at a high level, he is dangerous. He has a good feel for the game and finds his teammates as well as creates for himself. Fischer has NCAA Division I abilities and has been a huge part of this team’s success.
Bryson Mewhinney 5’11 PG 2018 Sunnyslope
Mewhinney is a skilled point guard who brings a consistent mid-range jumper and length. Although he is only 5’11, he has really long arms that assist him with making plays in the paint. Moreover, his length aids him greatly on the defensive end. He is a pass first point guard who does a good job of facilitating and putting his teammates in good spots.
Tanner Ray 5’8 PG 2018 Mountain Ridge
Despite being undersized, Ray fits in well with this team. He plays extremely hard and shoots the basketball at a high rate. He is a team first point guard who is surprisingly able to create for himself and others despite being a little undersized. Moreover, he does not force the issue and lets the offense come to him. His ability to shoot the basketball has helped spread the floor and allow others to create.
Brandon Savage 6’8 C 2019 Deer Valley
I have said it before, and I will say it again, Savage is one of the most improved prospects in the entire state. He is still raw in some areas but his motor has improved greatly. Savage usually participates with the Classics 16U group. Thus, it will be interesting to see how is improvements will transition to the 17U game.
Deven Breckner 5’10 PG 2018 Deer Valley
Breckner will participate with Team Bayless despite participating with Team Harden for the majority of this July. He participated with Team Bayless last year. Breckner is a fundamentally sound point guard who can shoot the basketball with the best of them. At times, his abilities have been limited due to his physical strength. However, he competitive fire and skill set have enabled him to still have lot of success. He is a good addition to the team as he brings much needed consistent shooting from the wing.
Shaun Wahlstrom 6’8 PF/C 2019 Estrella Foothills
Wahlstrom is one of the most talented unheard of names in Arizona. It is surprising that this is the case considering that he is 6’8 with good build. His strength and footwork enable him to create for himself in the paint. Moreover, he brings length and a big build to the defensive end which helps him pack the paint. He is a capable shooter who is extremely unselfish. He is capable of taking opposing offensive players off of the dribble and has a good feel for the game.