The Legendary Riverside Hawks AAU program

 When you get to play for the Riverside Hawks a N Y based AAU program you are entering an elite class of player. The program has been around since 1961. They have sent several hundred players to the NBA. The program also promotes moral standards and the importance of education. As one of the longer-running AAU programs they still get top talent to play for them. Their alumni boast NYC legends such as Tiny Archibald, Chris Mullin, Kenny Smith, Malik Sealy, Ron Artest, Donavan Mitchell, Ty Jerome, Rod Strickland, Elton Brand, Kenny Anderson and Shamarie Ponds.  Read our two part report on the Hawks as we look to see who will join this select group. With no hoops being played in New York I give special thanks to coach Daniel Colon in giving me access to his players. Here are the Hawks class of 2021 players.

Jonathan Coffy.           6”2.        2021         HOCHKISS  HS

Plays on the defensive side like a DB in football. Quick to the gaps for steals and deflections. Uses his length well. Impressive athletic rebounder. Tough and gritty. Terrific passer. Extremely difficult to stop from getting to basket. Really good at changing speeds. Attacks and elevates at the rim. Efficient catch and shoot player. No wasted motion and elevates on his jumper .

Troy Hupstead.       6”7            2021              MOUNT VERNON HS

Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) this coming fall

A physically tough player. Poised passer out of traps. Fights for position on duck- ins. Really good in a hi-low set. Soft touch on the pass from the high post but also can drive hit from there. Has improved on his shooting outside of 17 feet. Really good with his help defense on penetration.

Julien Soumaoro       5”11        2021        CARDINAL HAYES HS

Woodstock academy CT  this coming Fall

Prototypical point guard. Leader on the floor. Very good at anticipating on defense. Dynamic in the open floor. Can chase down the ball and turn defense to offense in an instant. Giving himself or a teammate a scoring opportunity. Creative passer. Explosive off the bounce and gets great lift on his jumper.

Jayshayne Woodard      6”6      ( 2021)       WINGS ACADEMY 

A long player. Runs the floor with long strides effortlessly. Can lead the break and make plays for himself or teammates. Very patient player inside. High IQ. Stretches the floor because of his ability to shoot the three. Really good at draining the three or finishing at the rim off the break.

Zakai Zeigler.   5”10    (2021)     IMMACULATE CONCEPTION  (NJ)

Does not need much space to get his shot off. Very efficient in catch and shoot from three. Elevates quickly. Very poised at handling pressure. Explosive first step. Changes speeds well and crafty at the rim. Good on the ball defender but also anticipates well and shoots the gaps for steals.

Kawar Singh.        6”6             (2021)             MOLLOY.  HS

Scores around the rim with either hand. Nice jump hook over left shoulder. Capable shooter 19 feet and in. Plays well off of pick and pop sets. Tenacious rebounder and very active on the defensive end.

Promise Opurum.      6”7         (2021)          NEW ROCHELLE HS

Big, strong,  long 4 man. Runs the floor rim to rim. Physical rebounder, who uses his body well. Hard to move out. Has great explosion and  is a quick jumper. A rim protector who  can block shots.