Collegiate Radar: Dublin Gaels

The Dublin Gaels currently have the most talent in the East Bay Athletic League (EBAL) by a sizable margin. Their best prospects are juniors and sophomores which ensures strong chemistry for the program going forward. This season, the program looks to pressure teams out of the building as they are looking for a EBAL title as well as a deep playoff run. The program is attracting a lot of skilled young players who are driven to play at the next level and is absolutely an organization to watch at the freshman, JV and varsity levels.   *This player list includes players that have the potential to play collegiate hoops which includes NCAA Divisions 1, 2, and 3 as well as the NAIA and Junior College levels. As of the date of this article, here are the players I have seen that currently display the most collegiate potential.   <ul> <li>Elijah Alonso (2020) 6'1 Guard, Varsity</li> </ul> A physical attacker who can spark runs for his team, Elijah is at his best attacking the basket where his powerful frame and football background allow him to finish through contact. He is a much improved shooter and has had several games where he has nailed multiple bombs from deep. When the intensity is at his peak, his defense goes up another level and really impacts the game.   <ul> <li>Rocky Anderson (2021) 5'8 Guard, JV</li> </ul> A tough minded guard who can shoot the ball well, Rocky leads by example with a seemingly tireless motor. His shooting ability allows him to attack defenders off of the dribble where he looks to make his teammates better by getting them in scoring position. He defends with as much intensity and intelligence as a kid you'll see in the area. He is capable of forcing 5-second calls at the JV level as well as preventing his matchup from touching the ball all together.   <ul> <li>Robby Beasley (2020) 6'1 Guard, Varsity</li> </ul> The Gaels Sharpshooter and MVP leads by example with a tireless motor and an incredibly high level of toughness. He can go absolutely nuclear on the opposing team with a barrage of three point shots from well behind the stripe. He is very efficient and will convert almost every free throw you give him if allowed to do so. His dribbling and playmaking are top notch as he loves to absorb contact while slashing to the cup. Robby is playmaking for others very well this year which makes him even more difficult to contain. Despite all of this effort on the offensive end, his defensive tenacity is just as strong where he can really frustrate teams and individuals with his ability to guard. Keep in mind that he is uncommonly efficient and explosive on the offensive end while playing for a team that uses a full court press for most of the game.   <ul> <li>John Cartago (2021) 5'9 Guard, JV</li> </ul> This southpaw sniper is a true deadeye who can knock down multiple shots in a row. He excels at running off of screens primarily but is more than capable of creating a shot for himself as well. A quiet confidence that shows itself throughout the game, shooters like John are always welcome at the next level.   <ul> <li>Devon Jackson (2020) 6'2 Guard, Varsity</li> </ul> The athletic wing will dunk on you multiple times a game if you don't keep an eye on him. He excels in transition which he ignites with proper leveraging of his athletic gifts on the defensive end. He has improved as a shooter from the perimeter and will only get better as this gym rat constantly works on his game. A powerful frame allows him to bounce defenders away as he converts in the paint.   <ul> <li>Malik Jackson (2020) 6'3 Forward, Varsity</li> </ul> This jack of all trades wing is pretty fun to watch. He has a crazy long frame that is very disruptive on the defensive end. He is often tasked with guarding the best player on the opposing team and does a great job of making life difficult for his matchup using his high motor. On the offensive end he is best as a cutter and a slasher where he can step around defenses as well as shoot over them. Malik has improved his shooting from three enough to hit a couple of them per game and he should be on a school's radar for anyone interested in a versatile wing.   <ul> <li>Ryan Kent (2021) 6'6 Center, JV</li> </ul> With arms that go forever, Ryan changes the game with his ability to protect the rim and rebound. An agile frame allows him to run the floor and be a constant passing target for his teammates. As his skill level improves, Ryan can help a program on both ends of the floor with his upside. He should develop nicely as he is surrounded by a lot of skilled guards that can feed him the rock.   <ul> <li>TJ Meagher (2021) 5'10 Guard, Varsity</li> </ul> As the only sophomore on the loaded varsity squad, TJ is gifted with rare passing vision. He can throw teammates into open spaces and has a great natural sense for the game. He uses his change of speed to attack defenses and make his teammates better. He always maintains poise and displays a quiet confidence on the floor. A solid shooter as well, TJ is an excellent young prospect for a program especially if they play uptempo or within a motion offense.   <ul> <li>Caleb Oden (2021) 6'0 Guard, JV</li> </ul> This kid is going to torment defenses for the next few years. Easily one of the most talented JV players in the EBAL, Caleb is a smooth slasher with a gift for being able to step through defenders. His wingspan allows him to shoot over and around defenders as well as whip passes from angles that aren't easily accessed. He is the rare young player that can dominate a game without scoring. Besides passing and rebounding, he is a strong multi-positional defender who can block shots and steal the ball as well. You'll want to keep an eye on this kid going forward for his efficiency and potential as a do it all perimeter player.   <ul> <li>Anthony Roy (2020) 6'3 Guard, Varsity</li> </ul> The Gaels have a few very special talents on the roster and Anthony is one of them. He has scary upside inside of his monstrously athletic frame. He is a triple double waiting to happen as well as being able to shake a few rims along the way. His best attribute is his passing ability which he uses in concert with his size and length to throw pinpoint passes over and through any defense. His athleticism can also be a tool on the defensive end where he can really cause problems for the opposition when he is locked in. He is another prospect who can dominate a game without scoring and has improved shooting ability from deep. I highly recommend programs keep an eye out for this kid as he is going to blossom very nicely going forward.   <ul> <li>Jaden Saunders (2020) 5'8 Guard, Varsity</li> </ul> A true floor general, Jaden is a pitbull who confidently leads his teammates by getting them in position to be successful. He is a skilled dribbler and playmaker for others and is a strong shooter from deep. He leads both by example with his effort and vocally with his poise under pressure. He really enjoys making life for the opposing point guard difficult with his defense where he can snag steals or deflections. You won't find many other players more capable of leading your team than this one.   <ul> <li>Henry Smith (2021) 5'8 Guard, JV</li> </ul> The epitome of lightning in a bottle, Henry is an incredibly explosive athlete who possesses one of the most devastating stop and start dribbles you'll see in the east bay. He has a gift for being able to change directions off of the dribble while moving at top speed. He attacks the basket relentlessly looking to set up his teammates with strong interior passing ability. The only ability that rivals his court vision, are his defensive instincts. A one man press who legitimately strikes fear in the other team in a manner that I haven't seen in some time. Henry enjoys seeing his teammates being successful on the court. The passion and intensity that he exudes are contagious.