PrepHoopsTN / Above the Rim Gym Fall Combine Recaps: Part XIV

MURFREESBORO--

Brandon Miller (Cane Ridge), Omar Robinson (Franklin County), and Brennon Marsh (Siegel) each excelled in their own way at the PrepHoopsTN / Above the Rim Gym Fall Combine. 

Brandon gave coaches a glimpse of an elite tall guard.  Omar, the senior, knocked down open shots almost every opportunity he created.  Brennon Marsh impressed several coaches with his footwork and high release point.

Omar Robinson 2019 Franklin County Wing Guard

Senior Omar Robinson was one of the more matured hoopers in attendance. 

Over time, presumably, Omar Robinson removed many of the extra dribbles and ill-advised shots persistent in youth basketball.  The wing understands what he does well and he does it as often as possible.  Perfect understanding of the role he fulfills on any given team. 

Weaknesses first.  Omar doesn't close out fast enough on perimeter players.  Standing 6-foot-2 with shoes Omar is only able to play guard after high school.  Defensive accountability is generally one of the quickest ways to play early and often for any college coach.   Omar Robinson must close out effectively to deny or at the very least discourage shooters. 

Omar's rebounding needs to be better on the defensive end.  He gets good position, but he doesn't explode upwards to contend for the rebounds.  With his size and strength more rebounds should be wrangled by him in traffic.  Robinson generated a 35" one-step vertical leap at the combine.  With this level of bounce there is no excuse for missing out on rebounds against like-sized foes.  

Omar Robinson showed off several strengths during the combine.  Omar is a highly efficient shooter.  In the fullcourt runs Robinson comfortably knocked down his shots with and without defenders nearby.  His shot is repeatable and smooth. 

As a player operating off the ball, but obviously excited about taking outside shots, Omar Robinson could move more to attract passes, especially when teamed with strangers.  Guards typically recognize movement when perusing the landscape.  Moving targets make the passing guard's job easier and Omar is the perfect target because he makes good choices and makes shots when he catches.

Defensively, aside from the slow, half-hearted closeouts Omar showed wise, veteran tendencies.  At 179 pounds, Omar consistently put his chest in the way of the slasher.  His body denied the opportunity and forced guards to reconsider their penetration.  Wonderful.  

Overall Omar Robinson's PrepHoopsTN / Above the Rim Gym Combine performance can best be described as quietly effective. 

Brennon Marsh 2020 Murfreesboro Siegel Forward

 What a day for Brennon?   Long considered a tall, potentially quality high school big Brennon displayed hints of college potential Sunday.  He has been putting in offseason with Coach/Trainer Jaime Burkhard and it shows. 

The mid-range touch is wonderful.  The post moves are coming along nicely. 

Brennon does not have the kind of speed you want from a big though.  Any transition game is going to finish before he arrives. 

In the halfcourt, the junior Marsh will be a very real weapon this season and hopefully for years to come.

Competing with Team ARG 17u and now training with Siegel High School Brennon Marsh is poised for a breakout junior season.  He dressed varsity last year, but didn't play heavy minutes early in 2017-2018.  That will change this year.

The technique and varied post manuevers set up Brennon to score on like-sized defenders.  He can get off the ground and proved it with a 31.5" one-step vertical jump.  Keep in mind Brennon Marsh's standing reach is 105" or 8'9" off the ground.   

Credit Jaime Burkhard with some of Brennon's develop as the two worked together in advance of the event.  Of course, Brennon deserves credit too for his hard work put in outside the limelight of AAU basketball.

Brennon Marsh deservedly landed in the All-Star Game at the conclusion of the day.

Brandon Miller 2022 Cane Ridge Forward

Freshman Brandon Miller splashed onto the PrepHoopsTN front page last spring while playing with RSD 15u.

The elegance of Brandon suggested a bright, bright future in this beautiful game.  During the fall combine Miller continued to push his reputation forward. 

Brandon Miller stands 6-foot-6 in shoes.  He moves like a dream and projects as a MM-MM+ college basketball player. 

Brandon made the All-Star Game and only missed the ten best list because older players dominated the day better.  Judging purely on potential there were not three better prospects.

The high school freshman registered a fantastic 3/4 court time, better than any other player over 6-foot-4.  His lane agility suffered and this speaks to his need to keep working on change of direction and lower body control. 

It is extremely unlikely that Brandon Miller is completely done growing and even if he is, at his age, the physical acclimation to his body is not done.  He has to "grow into" his body as you often hear. 

Brandon's handles and ability to finish around the rim really unveil the ability to play in a college backcourt someday.  He should keep working on that already excellent skill. 

Obvious areas for improvement are adding good weight (muscle) and improving his vertical ability.  

Often taller guards shoot over their peers for years.  This can lead to limited jumping improvement. Think Darwinism. The jumper doesn't need to be released higher for years, so the player stops jumping higher to release it.  

But Brandon Miller can't suffer that same fate.  He must get more lift on his "J" in preparation for future, taller opponents.

At this early stage Brandon Miller hosts a wide assortment of elite skills and many more budding skills on a tantalizing basketball frame.