Star City Classic Preview: Guards to Watch
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A loaded event is going down up in Lincoln this weekend featuring the likes of Bradley Beal Elite, Nebraska Supreme, Run GMC, Drive 5, OSA, Marcus Denmon, and SSA Elite. Talent is going to be through the roof at this…
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Continue ReadingA loaded event is going down up in Lincoln this weekend featuring the likes of Bradley Beal Elite, Nebraska Supreme, Run GMC, Drive 5, OSA, Marcus Denmon, and SSA Elite. Talent is going to be through the roof at this event as some of the best shoe brand and independent programs in the Midwest will be coming together for a wonder showcase event. Let’s take a look at some of the guards to be on the watch for.
TJ Williams, 2024 SG, Run GMC: Williams is a tremendous athlete with a ton of upside. At the Recruit Look event last weekend he made some eye popping plays in transition especially on the defensive end with chase down blocks, hustle steals, and rim protection from the guard spot. He plays under control off drives and I like how he gets into the paint and can finish off two feet. Also a pretty solid passer with quality court vision. He has a smooth pull up jumper as well and is a tough cover as a lefty.
Mozae Downing-Rivers Mozae Downing-Rivers 6'3" | PG Free State | 2022 State KS , 6’3 Point Guard, Run GMC 2022: On of the top floor generals from the high school season in Kansas, Downing is a guy most colleges will want running the show in their back court and he continues to do it on the grassroots scene. From being a lock down guard in the back court on the defensive end, to getting teammates easy bucket after easy bucket, keep an eye out for his assist numbers this weekend.
Damare Smith Damare Smith 5'10" | PG Shawnee Mission Northwest | 2022 State KS , 5’11 Point Guard, Run GMC 2022: A downhill gem from the point guard spot, able to really get going when he attacks the rim which sets up the rest of his game, distributing the ball and getting his jump shot going. He had a terrific high school season and has been playing at a high level so far this spring. Him and Downing make up a lethal back court. Quick burst with the ball in his hands, and a nightmare for defenses in transition.
Zaid Dajani Zaid Dajani 6'4" | CG Olathe Northwest | 2022 State KS , 6’4 Shooting Guard, SSA Elite 17U Black 2022: The rise of his stock continues to flourish after picking up a Washburn offer this week and being name one of the top SG’s at the #PHLive event last weekend, averaging 22 points and 6 rebounds per game. Dajani is an all around terrific scorer with a unique finish seemingly every time he gets in though the paint, a lethal pull up jumper, and a consistent catch and shoot 3 ball maker.
Travis Green III Travis Green III 6'2" | SG Hazelwood Central | 2024 State MO , 6’2 Point Guard, Bradley Beal Elite 2024: Green is a terrific point guard who can pass that ball at a high level. A ton of quality playing in pick and roll, rejecting ball screens, getting into the painted area, and can masterfully pick apart the defense. Watching his early runs this spring, he is a rising star as a point guard prospect in the class of 2024 from St Louis.
Other Guards to Watch
Cooper Jackson Cooper Jackson 6'0" | PG Free State | 2022 State KS , 6’1 Guard, Run GMC 2022
Howard Johnson Howard Johnson 6'0" | SG Junction City | 2022 State KS , 6’1 Guard, SSA Elite Black 17U 2022
Trevor Mcbride Trevor Mcbride 6'2" | CG Basehor Linwood | 2022 State KS , 6’2 Point Guard, SSA Elite Black 17U 2022
Tony Osburn Tony Osburn 6'2" | CG Mound City | 2022 State MO , 6’3 Guard, Nebraska Factory 2022
Nahcs Wahwassuck Nahcs Wahwassuck 6'5" | CG Royal Valley | 2022 State KS , 6’5 Point Guard, SSA Elite Black 17U 2022 *May be out with injury*
Jack Bachelor Jack Bachelor 6'0" | CG Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS , 6’2 Guard, Marcus Denmon Elite 2023