Prospect Spotlight: Jaden Hamilton (2020)
Rugby’s been one of the best teams in Class B North Dakota the last few seasons and should be among the three or four highest ranked teams in the preseason this winter. The Panthers have a number of talented and…
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Continue ReadingRugby’s been one of the best teams in Class B North Dakota the last few seasons and should be among the three or four highest ranked teams in the preseason this winter. The Panthers have a number of talented and experienced players. The best one might be Jaden Hamilton.
Hamilton, a 6-foot-6 forward, averaged 17 points and seven rebounds while knocking down 2.5 triples per game, helping Rugby start the year with 10 straight wins on the way to a 20-4 season which ended with a third-place finish in Region 6.
With a majority of that core set to return, excitement levels are high.
“We had a lot of team camps in Minnesota, South Dakota and around here,” said Hamilton. “That went well. We’re really excited. We have great chemistry. I think we’ll have more size. We’ll be more athletic. I can guard whoever now, I won’t have to always guard the biggest guys. That gives me some more opportunities.”
Hamilton spent the spring playing with ND Attack Black where even in an abbreviated AAU season, he had an opportunity to test himself against strong competition over the course of April and May. That experience helped him grow his game even further.
“I liked it a lot,” Hamilton said of his AAU experience. “It was very fun. I liked playing with the guys. The physicality is important, it makes you play a lot tougher.”
At 6-foot-6, Hamilton is a tough guy to guard. He’s one of the best shooters in North Dakota and has the size and smoothness to get that shot off seamlessly on the catch or off the dribble. He’s a solid playmaker who sees the floor well and while he’s not the most explosive athletic guy, he’s a smart defender who shows the ability to guard up or down in a lineup.
Hamilton’s got a lot skills that can be assets at the next level. Playing Class B basketball in North Dakota presents challenges when it comes to drawing recruiting interest, but Hamilton is hoping a strong senior year can open some more eyes.
“I’ve had a few send some letters,” said Hamilton. “I’d really like to play at that level. I’m hoping a good senior year can give me some exposure. That’s been a goal of mine since I was a little kid.”