Spring Recap: 2020 guards on the rise

<p>Photo courtesy of Israel Potoczny, Prep Hoops</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the grassroots circuit underway this offseason, several guards in Kansas' 2020 class are putting together strong performances and raising their profile in the process.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Below are several guards who have raised their stock with a strong performance.</span></p> <p><b>Ethan Bentzinger, 5’10, G, 2020, Lawrence (Grandstand Elite)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He moves off the ball well and can connect from distance. He has his sweet spots he looks for but can get the bounce in spots he’s not comfortable pulling up from. He has good handles and looks to pass ahead and make the right play when he has the ball.</span></p> <p><b>Derrick Robinson, 5’9, G, 2020, Lansing (Elevate 17U)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A smaller guard who brings hustle and grit to the floor. He doesn’t let his size hold him back as he can shoot, handle the ball and has good vision for a player his size. He is also strong and has good instincts when he’s double-teamed and needs to keep his dribble alive. Robinson can also defend up top as well.</span></p> <p><b> AJ Cooper, 5’10, G, 2020, Basehor-Linwood, (Elevate 17U)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Known as a strong outside shooter with a great deal of confidence for the moment. Cooper is playing smart basketball player who is finding value in the extra pass and defensive effort. He has a nice basketball frame and a good head on his shoulders. A player who can get on the board when he’s in the zone.</span></p> <p><b>Elijas Watson, 5’11, G, 2020, Shawnee Heights, (Kansas Hoggs 17U)</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">PICTURED: It’s easy to see his confidence and his game continues to improve as of late. Watson is scorer more and in a variety of ways. He finds his way inside and pops out and has his way with competitors around the wing. A skilled player who is turning a corner and is getting to a place where his experience gives him an advantage.</span></p> <p><b>Sean Pleimann, 6’1, G, 2020, Blue Valley</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A crafty ball handler, Pleimann brings a nice combination of skill and heart to the floor. He runs hard and can beat his man one-on-one and also get to the lane and score or find an open teammate. A player with solid vision and good handles that can come up with big plays on both ends.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>