Arizona 2018 D1 Darkhorses
The last live period in July has officially concluded. A number of players who are going into their senior years were hoping to have a big July as a means of enticing a next level opportunity. Below are the darkhorses who emerged as potential candidates to not only play the college level but at the NCAA Division I level.
Arizona 2018 D1 Darkhorses
Rashaad Smith 6’4 PG Hamilton
Smith should not be a darkhorse. He is a NCAA Division I capable point guard. Smith has good change of pace and change of direction on his ball handling moves. He sees the court extremely well and does a good job of getting his teammates involved. Further, he is a knock down shooter from deep. As if that was not enough, he is 6’4. Recently, at the ACU team camp, he demonstrated his high level ability. Whoever lands Smith will be getting their money’s worth.
Dominic Mooney 5’11 PG Buena
Speaking of change of pace and direction, Mooney might be the best in the state at it. Further, he brings great quickness and speed with a tough approach to attacking the rim. He is also a skilled shooter with a smooth lefty release. Defensively, he pressures the basketball at a high rate and intimidates opposing point guards. Mooney brings a lot of toughness to the point guard position along with a high level skill set.
Ajang Aguek 6’7 SF/PF Ironwood
Aguek has had a huge summer. His name started to get circulated more and more after a 16 and 9 performance in the state tournament. He came off of the bench much of last year. However, he has continued to work and improve and looks poised for a huge senior season. This summer, he made the top 40 game at the Southwest All-American Camp where had an MVP type performance. Further, during the live period, he had a 19 point, 17 rebound, and 5 block shot game. Lastly, at the TR3 Hoop Summit, he was named to the top 20 game where he gained great reviews. He has received much more college interest and might sneak his way into a D1 offer.
Quentin Guliford 6’4 SG/SF Liberty
Guliford has all of the tools to be a NCAA Division I player. It was a matter of time for all of it to click. At multiple times this summer, he looked like a D1 bound player. He is smooth and can score the basketball in an array of ways that translate to the college level. He possesses good length as well. While playing for the Factory this summer, he played against some of the top competition in the state and held his own. Needless to say, his stock went up exponentially as far as next level suitors are concerned.
Miles Lightfoot 6’9 PF/C Gilbert Christian (Army)
Lightfoot has officially come into his own on the defensive end. He controls the glass and the paint. Further, he has a good motor and gets up and down the floor well. Offensively, he has improved tremendously but still needs to polish his game more. He moves well without the basketball. He is a good screener who has a soft touch around the rim. In addition to being a darkhorse, he played well enough this summer to actually sign at a D1 school.