AAU Workout Visit: GA Canes Mixed 2021/22’s

<p>When you sat down to watch a GA Canes game last summer you quickly got an idea of what to expect - speed and athleticism across the lineup, hard-nosed in your face defense, great enthusiasm both for the game and each other, and one heck of a fight to the last buzzer.</p> <p>Dropped by one of their workouts Saturday, and Bryce Williams and his staff have put together pair of rosters littered with names to watch for both their unsigned 2021s as well as some intriguing 2022s who will absolutely be on the lips of recruiters by summer’s end. It was a bit of a skeleton crew on hand, but let’s look at a few:</p> <p><em><strong>2021s</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1047092" first="Iajah" last="Phillips"], CG, Lanier</strong></em></p> <p>Always been a freakish athlete who glides around the floor with a special ease, but coming off a solid season for the Longhorns he was the workout star Saturday, showing off a markedly improved handle in a PG role to go with a much more consistent looking jump shot. His defensive ability has never been in question, and at around 6-0 he can rebound from the guard post as well as anyone north of the perimeter. Starting to see some attention from small schools, and I expect that to ratchet up.</p> <p><em><strong>Shamar Wingfield, CG, Westover</strong></em></p> <p>Wingfield was one of my breakout stars from last summer, someone I had in my notes to keep an eye on up to this spring. He and his Westover mates had a tremendous playoff run that came up just short of Macon, but he advanced his prospects in my view and has a chance to take them even further as he returns to a familiar crew with the Canes. Explosive first burst, a great nose for the rim, and a willingness to take the big shot, can play either guard spot and is as a good a defensive guard as you’ll see all summer. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="869601" first="Jens" last="Rueckert"], SF, South Cobb</strong></em></p> <p>It was no secret Rueckert was one of my favorite players to watch last summer, as much for his explosiveness off the deck as for his entertaining chatter to rattle defenders. But, where that explosiveness, defensive versatility at 6-4, and rebounding prowess should be enough to attract attention, expanding his offensive repertoire was a needed function. Saturday he showed some expanded range out past the arc, something that at his size is a must in today’s game, so it’ll be fascinating to see that aspect incorporated into the rest of his arsenal.</p> <p><em><strong>OTHERS TO WATCH: [player_tooltip player_id="1036814" first="Makai" last="Vassell"] (Lanier), [player_tooltip player_id="806775" first="Kai" last="Simmons"] (St Francis), [player_tooltip player_id="1047093" first="Chase" last="Ballard"] (Stephenson), [player_tooltip player_id="1130509" first="Montavious" last="Myrick"] (North Atlanta), Derreck Earley (New Manchester), [player_tooltip player_id="869608" first="AJ" last="Burke"] (Wheeler), BJ Barker, Zaire Floyd</strong></em></p> <p><strong><em>2022s</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Elijah Wiseman, SG, Cumberland Christian</em></strong></p> <p>CCA had another big season in the GAPPS division with a loaded roster of serious risers. Most of the names on people’s lips come out of the 2023 class, but Wiseman really impressed Saturday with his poise and exceptional shooting stroke. It’s quick, natural and filled with confidence, and he’s got a good frame to go with it at 6-2. This is a terrific fit for him with all the penetrating guards he will see the ball a lot of kick-outs with the chances to show off that release to a lot of eyeballs.</p> <p><strong><em>Zion Fruster, SG, Alexander</em></strong></p> <p>Much like Wiseman, I had only seen Fruster in glimpses, but what I saw Saturday had me wanting to see more. Also showed nice poise and control, and a similarly pretty jump shot and quick release, but what really intrigued me was his work attacking from the wing and finishing with authority off the break at 6-2. Looking forward to seeing more.</p> <p><em><strong>OTHERS TO WATCH: Dominik Henderson (Monroe), [player_tooltip player_id="758373" first="Andre" last="Young"] (Pebblebrook), Lewis Coville (Arabia Mtn), Cardell Bailey (Fayette County), Tyler Barton (Arabia Mtn), TJ Barrett (Pelham) </strong></em></p>