Recap: Double Trouble AAU Tryouts
On February 3, 2019, Double Trouble (DT) Training held tryouts for their highly anticipated 15U AAU team. Under the leadership of Charles and Michael Pack, Double Trouble Training has flourished since its start in 2015. DT Training has assisted in the development of the nation’s premier players including Brandon Goodwin (Memphis Grizzlies), Jordan Goldwire (Duke), and Brandon Boston (5-star prospect). From training sessions to exposure camps and now expanding into the AAU circuit, Double Trouble Training is making its mark on Georgia high school basketball. DT 15U AAU is led by head coach Mark Livingston and assistant coach Myles Kirby. Here are a few standouts from Double Trouble Class of 2022 AAU tryouts:
Michael Wooten (Norcross HS)– I immediately noticed “Big Mike” when I walked into the gym. Standing at 6’6, Wooten is a big body yet very mobile offensively. The lefty can finish with either hand at the rim and has good touch on his jump shot. Surprisingly, Wooten also has a decent handle as he scored on numerous defenders off the dribble. His game resembles that of Glen “Big Baby” Davis. Norcross has produced a plethora of division 1 big men, and I am sure Wooten will follow in their footsteps in the near future.
Jacquez Thornton (Sprayberry HS)– The sky is the limit for Jacquez Thornton. He has all the tools to dominate at the guard spot. He is very aggressive offensively and defensively. Offensively, Thornton excels at getting by his defender and is very crafty with the ball in his hands. He is a good decision maker at the point guard spot who can easily create space and knock down shots off the dribble. His offensive game reminded me a little of Zaire Wade, son of Dwayne Wade. Defensively, he is scrappy and always applies pressure on the ball. Thornton will be a name to remember in a few years.
Jameel Rideout (Duluth HS)– Rideout will be a solid guard at the high school level. He has a variety of moves in his arsenal to get to his spots off the dribble. His hesitation dribble was virtually unguardable at the tryout. Rideout is a strong finisher at the rim who has good size at his position. He must continue to work on his jump shot, but in all Rideout was one of the most impressive players I saw at the tryout.
Robert Dix (McEachern HS)– Standing at 6’5, Robert Dix is lanky and very athletic. He finished a few plays above the rim during drills. Dix has a good crossover and pull-up jumper. The McEachern product is also a great defender on the perimeter. Once Isaac Okoro leaves for Auburn, Dix has the potential to fill his role if he continues to develop his skillset.
Jassar Ali (Etowah HS)– Ali is very quick with the ball in his hands. He does a good job of using jab fakes and ball fakes to create driving lanes to the rim. Ali is very efficient off the dribble, as he needs only 3 or 4 dribbles to complete his move. He has a solid jump shot and does a good job of finishing with floaters at the rim.