AAU Preview: International Elite 17U

<p>AAU basketball is starting to ramp up and as always, PrepHoops Oregon has you covered. It’s time for our yearly team previews and we get things going with a look at this year’s group at International Elite. Now in its third year, program director Nate Bowie has a new challenge with a brand new team but he’s excited about the opportunity and the future college talent he has on board.</p> <p>"17U is a special group that hasn’t even gotten close to tapping in to their potential," Bowie said. "With just cracking the tip of the iceberg you see amazing spurts of behind the head dunks, stop on the dime pull-ups, to probing the baseline making a heady pass. With them having all the necessary attributes they will be a scary group and only time will tell - a lot of high level players on the roster."</p> <p>Here’s a look at the key guys on the 17U roster:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="855943" first="Jonah" last="Zeller"] (2021 Catlin Gabel)</strong> - Zeller is a mobile big man makes an impact on the defensive end with his shot-blocking ability but also has a nice touch from the perimeter out to the three-point line. A rim runner at 6-foot-10, he will get down and finish with authority as the trailer on the break.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1005095" first="Cameron" last="Andre-Covington"] (2021 Columbia Christian)</strong> - Long, lanky, and athletic, Andre-Covington is a threat both around the rim and from mid-range on out. At 6-foot-9 he can run, jump, and score above the rim but faces up with a nice looking jumper. Defensively he’s another shot-blocking threat from the weak side.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="855955" first="Kell" last="Estep"] (2021 Sunset)</strong> - Arguably the top offensive player on the team, Estep is also the key guy on the squad who can get his own shot. A crafty ball-handler and creator, the 6-foot-3 combo guard can launch from deep, pull up off the dribble, or take it all the way to the hoop. Also an underrated passer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="855990" first="Nate" last="Mouzong"] (2021 Mountainside)</strong> - Playing both guard spots but often leading at the point will be Mouzong. An outstanding track athlete, the 6-foot-1 guard can push the ball up the floor and has a knack for finding the open man on the break or cutting to the hoop in half-court settings. Mouzong is improving as a perimeter threat.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965076" first="Aiden" last="Grady"] (2021 Westview)</strong> - Grady adds depth and skill along the frontline. He’s lanky at 6-foot-7 but has solid post moves and soft touch around the hoop. Like the other big men on the squad, Grady has a pretty good face up game and has the ability to knock down open jumpers. He’s also a high-academic performer already garnering Division III interest.</p> <p><strong>Malik Rose (2022 Central Catholic)</strong> - Rose is the only player on the squad playing up in age and he’ll settle in right at point guard. He’s extremely quick at 5-foot-8 and has a quick burst to the basket. Rose can play at different speeds and will set the table just as much as he will score.  He’ll be brand new to Oregon this year as a transfer up from Folsom, California.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="843782" first="Nathan" last="Voliva"] (2021 Sumner)</strong> - The lone representative from Washington, Voliva is a long and lanky 6-foot-7 forward with surprising athleticism. He runs the floor well, finishes around the hoop with either hand, and can also hit from the perimeter.  Voliva currently ranks as the #94 player in the PrepHoops Washington Class of 2021 rankings.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1005094" first="Spencer" last="Lanier"] (2021 Newberg) </strong>- Lanier rounds out the roster.  He’s a versatile player at 6-foot-5, capable of scoring around the hoop or stepping outside and either hitting the jumper or creating off of the dribble. He was a First Team All-Pacific honoree last year at Newberg.</p>