Minnesota Future Stars Classic: Stellar knock-down shooters
As basketball has evolved, jump shots have become more-and-more important to the success of a basketball team. But while everyone may take them, it doesn’t mean everyone should. However, throughout the Minnesota Future Stars Classic, a number of players stood…
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Continue ReadingAs basketball has evolved, jump shots have become more-and-more important to the success of a basketball team. But while everyone may take them, it doesn’t mean everyone should. However, throughout the Minnesota Future Stars Classic, a number of players stood out for their ability to knock down shots that others couldn’t.
6 knock-down shooters:
Tate McDonald
Brueggemeier and McDonald connect for 3! #PHFutureStars #aaubasketball #MinnesotaSwish pic.twitter.com/NvuYAs9WHs
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) April 27, 2019
The most dominant five-possession stretch by a single player belonged to Tate McDonald. He was absolutely lethal against Blast Hoops. Here is the play-by-play of his run:
- McDonald recognized the sagging defense and knocks down a long jump shot (2 points).
- McDonald drove to the basket and hit a layup (2 points).
- McDonald knocked down an open three (3 points).
- McDonald forced a steal, but missed the transition layup attempt.
- McDonald stole the ball again and converted a layup (2 points).
That stretch saw McDonald log 9 points and 2 steals in under 2 minutes. While this particular stretch showcased McDonald’s ability to get to the basket, he primarily scored on jump shots. His most proficient jump shots came on corner threes. The featured clip shows McDonald knocking down a three against D1 Minnesota.
Andrew Barich
When Andrew Barich wasn’t playing elite-level defense, he was knocking down jump shots. The frustrating part for opposing defenses was that he was often doing so with a hand in his face. Barich’s ability to shoot the ball without being distracted by good defense was critical to his success on the court. He stayed calm throughout the tournament when shooting the ball and was extremely important to his team on offense.
Oscar Khazon
The owner of the purest jump shot this weekend was Oscar Khazon. His ability to stop-and-go at any moment often left defenders off balance and allowed him to get off his jump shot whenever he wanted. His shot was extremely smooth, and he did a great job of repeating the motion time-and-time again.
Aaron Womack III
Aaron Womack III just knocked down this 3 for Ray Allen Select! #PHFutureHoops #aaubasketball pic.twitter.com/cWr4WdSbGk
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) April 28, 2019
Ray Allen Select operated like a a well-oiled machine this weekend, and that benefited Aaron Womack III on Saturday at the Colin Powell Center. Their offense moved with great efficiency which led to a lot of open looks for the team. Womack III also possesses a quick jump shot which allows him to get the ball up before defenders have a chance to close out effectively. In the featured clip, you can see how Ray Allen Select used a quick screen to create separation for Womack to get his shot up quickly and knock down the three.
Brandon O’Neil
The more games the Minnesota Heat played, the more shots Brandon O’Neil hit. Throughout the weekend O’Neil showed that he could find space for himself within the offense and get his shots up when the team needed a bucket. While O’Neil did show an ability to hit shots over defenders, he often didn’t have to. Throughout possessions, O’Neil moved effectively and was able to drift away from defenders so his teammates could find him for open shots.
Jack Chamberlain-
Having a player on your team that can shoot from long distance is always an advantage. Jack Chamberlin was that player for Top Flight East 2023. His ability to pull up from four or five feet behind the three-point line and knock long shots down with frequency provided an outlet for his team when possessions were stagnant. His skill also forced defenses to stretch out and create more space on the floor for his team to operate in.