Adidas Invitational: 2023 Guard Evaluations

<p>The Adidas Invitational took place over the past weekend in Fishers, IN and a ton of great basketball was played. The live period was in full effect and our in-state prospects put a good showing in front of a big chunk of college coaches from all over the map. Today, we take a look at some of 2023 Guards that stood out for me.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="935724" first="Christian" last="Johnson"] – 6-0 PG – Parke Heritage – Team Teague 2023: Johnson is a shorter lead guard that likes to play physical. Was real aggressive on both ends of the floor and was not afraid to play in your face on the defensive end. On the offense, he was playing off the dribble but was also finding ways to get his teammates involved with his passing. Also was real tough in the paint going after rebounds. Solid showing from Johnson here.  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1049176" first="Devon" last="Woods"] – 5’10 PG – Pike – Team Teague 2023: Woods is a flashy lead guard that is also so smooth with his playing style. Saw the floor very well and did a little bit of everything this game. Outside jumper was on point and had one of the most beautiful no-look passes I had seen over the weekend.  Really noticed how confident he is a lead guard and knows how to be that playmaker that already looks like will transition well to the next level. Future is bright for Woods. </p> <p><strong>Richard Dube</strong> – 6’4 SG - Perry Meridian – Indiana Elite Swish 2023: Dube is a taller shooting guard with a good amount of skill. Has a ton of athleticism and knows how to use that to his advantage on both ends. Solid rebounder and made most of his plays around the rim on the offense. On defense, he showed the ability to guard every spot and was using his speed and long arms to make stops. Dube is a player that is under the radar but after watching him over the weekend, I can for say that this guy has a ton of upside.     </p> <p><strong>Caleb Kroll</strong> – 6’1 PG - Oak Hill – Indiana Elite Swish 2023: Kroll is a lead guard with a slightly long frame. The right handed layup was his main attack and he finished those nearly every time. Showed a bit of athleticism and explosive speed a few times throughout here. Real solid 15ft jumper as well. This was my first time seeing Kroll play but could already tell he is the type of lead guard that a team can rely on to always find ways to contribute. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="868266" first="Connor" last="Hussong"] – 6’3 SG – Oak Hill – Indiana Elite Swish 2023: Hussong is a taller shooting guard that worked real hard here, especially on the defensive end. Did not score a ton here but did have a couple of smooth outside jumpers off the catch. The main contribution that Hussong had this game was his sharp passing that led to a bunch of scores from his teammates. Have seen Hussong a few times now and am just always impressed how smart of a player he is overall. Hussong continues to raise his stock.    </p> <p><strong>Cayden Greer</strong> – 6’0 SG – Kokomo – HC Havoc 2023: Greer is a smaller shooting guard that can get hot. Had a few threes here and most of them came off the catch. He fires off his shots very quickly and only needs the tiniest bit of room to get one off. Also got in and rebounded a little as well. Greer is a natural shooter that can put up points if the defense is not careful. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1202993" first="Zavion" last="Bellamy"] – 5’10 PG – Kokomo – HC Havoc 2023: Bellamy is a shorter but tough lead guard. Has a good amount of strength and showed that on a few strong, right handed drives and finished nearly every time. Plays defense and has nice hands to get in there and steal the ball. Also not afraid to get in there and fight for rebounds with the bigger forwards. Good showing from Bellamy here.   </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="868247" first="Jaxson" last="Gould"] – 6’2 PG/SG – Warsaw – Team Indiana 2023: Gould is a talented combo guard that looks like he has put on some size since the last time I saw him. Was scoring any way he wanted to and his shot fake-drive move was so hard to stop. When you watch Gould in person you really see how natural the game comes to him. He was splitting the defense and got to the rim every time as well. Gould put on a show here and continued to prove that he can play at that D1 level.   </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1049169" first="Markus" last="Burton"] – 6’0 PG – Penn – Team Indiana 2023: Burton is a lead guard with a good amount of skill. Handles the ball very well and is good about finding ways to create his own shot. Has a great pull-up and turnaround jumper that looks to be consistent. Had a few steals on defense that led to fastbreak buckets. Overall, very balanced player.   </p>