GASO Dallas Tip-Off: Best Small Forwards
DUNCANVILLE, Texas — The first Great American Shoot-Out of 2019 took place this weekend at the Duncanville Fieldhouse. The event was loaded with numerous teams, some of which included very talented prospects. In this article, Brandon Jenkins highlights the small forwards who stood…
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Continue ReadingDUNCANVILLE, Texas — The first Great American Shoot-Out of 2019 took place this weekend at the Duncanville Fieldhouse. The event was loaded with numerous teams, some of which included very talented prospects. In this article, Brandon Jenkins highlights the small forwards who stood out with their level of play this past weekend:
Austin Garner – Small Forward – 3D Empire – 2020
Garner (Trophy Club Byron Nelson) is usually the third scoring option for 3D Empire, but when their elite scoring backcourt of Logan McLaughlin and Baylor Hebb both had to sit out due to injury in the matchup vs. G.A,T.A. Garner knew it was time to take over. That is exactly what he did, scoring a game-high 27 points to help his team get the win. The 6-foot-4 solid-framed wing is a lights out shooter off the catch and rhythm dribble.
Jaden Jones – Small Forward – Mudiay Elite (UAA) – 2021
The 6-foot-7 point forward looked as good as ever. He initiated the offense at times, backed down smaller defenders to score, and saw the floor to find his teammates for open opportunities. Jones’ best performance was in the Friday night matchup vs. Texas Playmakerz where he scored 17 points and dropped a few dimes in the twenty-point victory. The fifth-grade prodigy proved that he can be an effective asset playing on or off the ball at Prolific Prep (CA) next season.
Trae Clayton – Small Forward – Nike Drive Nation 15U (EYBL) – 2022
The state championship forward is slowly making the transition to becoming a full-time two-guard, but will still need to fine-tune some of his skills on the perimeter. Nevertheless, Clayton (Oak Cliff Faith Family) plays hard on both ends. His energy and activity are unmatchable on the court. He is a capable three-level scorer who does not need to score to maintain a positive impact on the outcome of a game. Expect for him to make a slight rise in the next updated freshman class player rankings.
Colin Smith – Small Forward – Nike Drive Nation 15U (EYBL) – 2022
Smith is a perfect addition to Drive Nation after the departure of Tre White. He has experience playing with the lead guard and three-point marksmen Noah Shelby at Dallas St. Mark’s and he provides value at either forward position. Smith sets up well for the three and can knock it down with time and space. He also utilizes his length and athleticism to make something happen above the rim. Smith has already made a name for himself on the recruiting scene, holding offers from the likes of Baylor, Georgetown, Kansas, and TCU.