Kansas youngsters to watch this offseason (2021)
Kansas youngsters to watch this offseason (2021)
Prep Hoops takes a look at several youngster to watch this spring.
Tamar Bates, 6’3, G, 2021, KC Piper
Just a freshman, Bates had a terrific performance at the Class 4A Division I state tournament in Salina. A 6’3 guard, Bates has a long, rangy build with long arms and a well-rounded skill set for a young player. He came off the Piper bench and despite logging just a little more than six minutes of court time in the first half, he led the Pirates with seven points. He has a good feel for the game, can create off the bounce and has a smooth looking perimeter shot.
Jackie Johnson, 5’11, PG, 2021, KC Run GMC
Johnson is off to a good start to the grassroots season playing up an age group for the KC Run GMC 16U squad. A lightning quick, left hander point guard, Johnson is a dynamic ball handler, can get to the basket, shoot from the outside and can make plays for those around him. He is the team’s leading scorer through the first four game at 16 points per game, shooting 51 percent from the field and made nine 3-pointers in the team’s first four games.
Lonnel Lane, 6’1, PG, 2021, Harmon, MoKan Elite
A terrific athlete, Lane put together a big freshman season for Harmon averaging more than 16 points and 4.8 assists per game. Lane is a good ball handler who has the ability to get into the lane and finish acrobatic chances around the basket. He also has a floater than he uses to his advantage and plays the game with poise.
Daylan Jones, 6’4, G/F, 2021, Wichita East, MoKan Elite
A guard with terrific size, length and athleticism with a natural feel for the game. He is a good defender, utilizing his length well to get in the passing lanes and shows the ability to handle the ball and create for others.
Danair Dempsey, 6’6, F, Wichita Heights, MoKan Elite
Dempsey is still relatively raw at the offensive end and while he has a nice shooting stroke and the ability to finish garbage buckets around the basket, he mostly serves as a defensive anchor and a rebounding machine for Heights. He is a terrific basket protector who plays bigger than his 6’6 listed height would suggest as he has the ability to block or alter shots and he is all over the glass at both ends of the floor. He has terrific quickness and really pursues the ball with determination.