Underground Invitational 2022 Notes
The summer is winding down with tournaments in and out of state and various showcases; it is great to have basketball back. One of the best runs for the past couple of seasons are those underground games where some of…
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Continue ReadingThe summer is winding down with tournaments in and out of state and various showcases; it is great to have basketball back. One of the best runs for the past couple of seasons are those underground games where some of the best players in the state get together and compete – underground games. Here are prospects that stood out last week.
Tarrance Austin Tarrance Austin 5'10" | PG Pueblo South | 2022 State CO – Chaparral
Speckman is a long, lean forward with a tremendous amount of upside. Speckman is often known for his work inside, but in an open run setting is where he shines because it allows him to showcase his ability to put the ball on the floor, and he is also able to shoot the ball better than expected as well. Speckman is a run running rebounder that uses all of his size and strength. He also has excellent defensive upside and refuses to be scored on. He has a defensive edge down low, can guard on the perimeter, and also protects the rim. He was the biggest beneficiary in the run that I was in.
Brock Wisne Brock Wisne 6'9" | PF Colorado Prep | 2022 State CO – Horizon
Wisne is a big, strong forward who has some versatility and scoring. He’s got good size at 6’7 and still growing that allowed him to match up well with taller post players and win some of those matchups. Wisne is mobile and athletic on the break. What stood out to me about Wisne is he played within the offense and did not force up shots that we typically see with him being the biggest guy on the court and most capable scorer at most times. Wisne put the ball on the floor and was handling the ball, which kept the pressure off of him. He also made smart-reads when the defense shifted and moved without the ball for finishes. He also showcased the ability to shoo the mid-range, which will help him transition to being a wing as well as a forward at times. Once he gets the balance of consistently playing as he did in the run and pushing that to out to how he performs during the season, the ceiling that he has will be unreachable. The scary part is Wisne seems to be progressing, and that is while not having to score with brute force every time down. These runs are good for him.
Elijah Knudsen Elijah Knudsen 5'10" | CG Mead | 2022 State CO – Mead
Knudsen, right there with Palmer, was such a great showing as the two of them were the best shooters on the day. With Knudsen, it is known that he can shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor and if he has a set look at it –bottoms up. What I got to experience by playing was to see just how quick he is with the ball. Knudsen is super quick, has an advanced handle with the ball, is always moving, and is starting to transition more to being comfortable with the ball in his hands as a ball-handler that can create. The shot is always going to be there; he can shoot it on the move or off of the dribble, but having a lethal shot fake, court awareness, and embrace that speed will only make him more dangerous. It’s coming together for Knudsen.
Brayden Maldonado – Smoky Hill
Maldonado is a high IQ guard from Alaska that is heading to Colorado, and EVERYONE will know about him soon. When engaged, there are not many players that can hang with him, and he possesses the ability to do a bit of everything. Maldonado stands out on the defensive end because he picks up 84 feet. He is pressuring guards for the entirety of the run with a relentless motor and has active hands where he is poking it to teammates. On offense, he is lethal in the open court as he has excellent awareness, and while he is unselfish, he chooses to score. He makes the right play with creativeness. He is hitting floaters, turn arounds, mid-range pull-ups, and is confident with his off-hand. I am excited to see him more as a shooter and see if he has that in his repertoire, but I like what I saw from him and love that you see his maturity off of the court as well. I’m big on Maldonado.
Jaeton Hackley Jaeton Hackley 5'11" | PG Douglas County | 2022 State CO – Douglas County
Hackley is a creative guard who likes to have the ball in his hands. He makes the right plays on the floor and does not turn the ball over despite the defense being physical with him. He plays at his own pace with great overall speed and creativity in the lane. He had some incredible finishes at the rim, and on offense, he is built around getting others involved and seeing the game in a different way. He was excellent in the half-court dribble-drive game. He opened up the floor, and teammates ran harder when he had the ball as they knew that he would find them. I would like to see him a bit more aggressive as a scorer as he finished when he wanted, but he just lets the game come to him, so it made up for him. I am excited to see a bit more of him.