With the Tennessee Panthers, Jaylon Sanders could flourish anywhere on the court
Time waits for no one. Just ask combo guard Jaylon Sanders, who has realized his opportunities of being a late bloomer in the 2020 class has to start this summer with the Tennessee Panthers 17U AAU team. At 6-foot-4, Sanders…
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Continue ReadingTime waits for no one.
Just ask combo guard Jaylon Sanders, who has realized his opportunities of being a late bloomer in the 2020 class has to start this summer with the Tennessee Panthers 17U AAU team.
At 6-foot-4, Sanders can see over most defenders and can score from different areas of the floor. The Southaven High product is a difficult task because he’s a left-handed jump shooter, and it’s difficult to block his shot. Chances are when Sanders elevates from the perimeter, he will most likely be fouled on the wrist or elbow.
Sanders just recently joined the Tennessee Panthers after spending a short time with One Shot at Greatness 17U AAU team out of Mississippi. Sanders will be coached by Jermarcus McInnis, a guy who loves for his team to play position-less basketball. Sanders, if needed, can play multiple positions on the floor because of his length and scoring ability.
“I just want to be somewhere where I feel wanted, and where I will have a better chance of going to college,” Sanders said. “I have coaches helping me make that decision, including my dad.”
Sanders currently has interests from UNC-Asheville, Charleston, Murray State, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, and Eastern Tennessee State. McInnis has put past players in position to get the attention of college coaches. Bartlett High School senior forward and Georgia Southern commit Jalen Cincore is a perfect example.
Last summer, Cincore, 6-5, wasn’t getting looked at by a lot of schools, but his time under McInnis sparked his recruitment, which opened up a lot of doors for Cincore.
“Well, first, coach McInnis is a very open guy. He has the relationships, it seems like with everybody, because we can be in the hotel room talking about coaches and he would say ‘Oh, yeah, I know him,’” Cincore said. “It seemed like he knew every coach in the stands, so that’s one reason why I joined his team.
“Another reason is to go out and play my game with no restrictions. Of course, you don’t go out there and just jack up shots, but it was a very organized way. I love the way he coaches. He loves to get up and down the floor, which is where I flourish. He just lets you play your game.”
Before Sanders started playing for the Tennessee Panthers , McInnis told him “don’t leave any regrets out there and to leave everything out on the court.” McInnis also admitted that Sanders is a perfect fit for how he wants his team to play.
As a junior last season for the Chargers, Sanders, who was the primary ball handler for Southaven, averaged 16.3 points, six assists and five rebounds a game. He had two 30-point performances last season, including one 25-point outing.
“With us, he can play the one through the four because we get out and run,” McInnis said. “Everyone on the floor will be able to start the break. The whole five on the floor will be able to shoot the 3. We’re going to switch on defense.
“So he fits in perfectly because he’s long, he can guard multiple positions and on the offensive end, he can score at all three levels.”