NCAA Basketball Academy South – It’s a “Bull Market”
Houston, TX. Now that the inaugural NCAA Basketball Academy has come and gone. I enjoyed the competition. There was plenty of 2020 talent on display during the Academy. Due to the scheduling, it was difficult to cover everything. Nevertheless, there…
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Now that the inaugural NCAA Basketball Academy has come and gone. I enjoyed the competition. There was plenty of 2020 talent on display during the Academy. Due to the scheduling, it was difficult to cover everything. Nevertheless, there were instances during the camp where talented players faced-off. Whether it was Rommell Williams and Jake Milkereit competing against Braelon Bush and Daylan Hamilton or Ramondo Battle squaring off with Jarren Cook, Session I brought some action. Shoe circuit players or non-shoe circuit players: if you can play, colleges will find you. Let’s get it!
Based upon my personal observations–whether during skills training sessions, situational games, or in complete games, interest should rise or is expected to rise for the players listed below. Hence the term, “bull market.”
Rommell Williams – 6’2″ SG (Mayde Creek, Katy, TX).
Playing both PG and SG, Rommell shared the ball by making the right reads and keeping the big men involved in the offense. Rommell also showed that he is more than capable of defending some of the fast-twitch PGs in the region. Over the summer Rommell solidified his name as one of the best 3 pt shooters in the Greater Houston Area. Showing off his NBA 3pt range, this trend continued for Rommell during #AcademyU. As a facilitator during the camp, Rommell capitalized on scoring opportunities within the context of the motion offense. He rebounds well outside of his zone. Rommell impressed with his consistently efficient play during the week.
Daylan Hamilton – 6’3″ SG (Klein Forest, Houston, TX) – Daylan is a rangy defender that is strong on the offensive and defensive glass and runs the floor well. He is competent slasher from the wing that can finish at the rim. Daylan also demonstrated an ability to score off the dribble in traffic.
Braelon Bush – 5’6″ PG (Silsbee High School, Silsbee, TX) – This was my first opportunity to see Braelon play. Live, local, latebreaking newsflash – Braelon is extremely quick. It is one thing to see speed on film, but it is another thing to see speed live. While accelerating and stopping at full speed, Braelon demonstrated exemplary body control when probing the defense. I liked his full-court vision, deft passing ability, and his control of game tempo.
Jake Milkereit – 6’4″ SG (Bishop Lynch, Dallas, TX) – Displaying an array of moves to create space for his shot, Jake is a scorer that can also finish above the rim. While shooting a nice percentage from 3, Jake routinely drew fouls from defenders on his forays into the lane. He appears comfortable posting up versus defenders with length as well.
Ramondo Battle II – 6’6″ SF (Prosper, McKinney, TX) – If you were close enough to the court, you constantly heard opposing defensive communication, “He can shoot,” concerning Ramondo. As a spot-up shooting or utilizing an escape dribble to create space, Ramondo served notice that defenders should not leave him open. On defense, his length is an asset on the glass and as shot blocker.
Jarren Cook – 6’3″ SG (Newman Smith, Carrolton, TX) – There were a number of good shooters at #AcademyU, but Jarren’s performances during the Camp made certain that his name would be included in the conversation. Jarren does not force the action. He simply takes what the defense offers. Whether it be an open 3pt attempt or a crease to get to the basket, Jarren made the right plays.