Division II-AA: Mr. Basketball candidates
Each day I talk to someone about basketball, the one question that I’m asked the most is “Are we going to have a high school basketball season?” That’s a prime example of how much basketball means to people in the…
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Continue ReadingEach day I talk to someone about basketball, the one question that I’m asked the most is “Are we going to have a high school basketball season?”
That’s a prime example of how much basketball means to people in the state of Tennessee.
I can’t answer that question, but I wish I knew the answer. But the one thing I can provide is an interlude to what they may see during the 2020-21 season.
My last story focused on the Mr. Basketball candidates in Division II-A. Now, let’s look at the potential Mr. Basketball candidates in Division II-AA.
Skyy Clark, Brentwood Academy: The 6-foot-2 combo guard can dribble himself out of double teams. Clark has solid court vision and is close to perfect from the perimeter. He also can make shots from 3. I expect, barring any injuries, Clark to be a Mr. Basketball finalist at season’s end. He’s going to be one of the best players in the league. Clark is going to have his way with defenders on a lot of nights.
Chandler Jackson, Christian Brothers: Jackson has proven in the last two seasons that he’s a hand full. At 6-4, Jackson isn’t the most athletic point guard, but he’s very patient, skilled and smart with the basketball. His mid-range game has taken major strides. That helped lanes open up more for him during his sophomore season where he averaged 18.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 block per game.
Brian Edwards Jr., Knoxville Catholic: Edwards is another patient and skilled guard. The 6-2 point guard isn’t flashy, but he fills up the stat sheet. Edwards does everything a floor general is supposed to do. His strength is eye communication with his teammates and seeing the play before it fully unfolds. As a sophomore, Edwards averaged 19.3 points, 6.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game while converting on 56.4 percent of his shots from the field.
Malik Dia, Ensworth: The 6-8 small forward should average a double-double this upcoming season. Dia isn’t as athletic as other wings, but he makes up for that with his post moves and footwork. Dia has been putting up shots in the gym over the summer. It’s paying off as he has showcased his offensive progression playing for Team Thad 16U. Dia didn’t get to play much last season since he transferred from Blackman at the beginning of the school year, but the potential is there. In just five games for the Tigers, Dia averaged 12 points per game.