UAA Circuit/KC: 2022-23 Standouts

April 22-24 I attended the Under Armour Circuit event located at the HyVee arena in Kansas City/MO. I mainly watched the 16U and 17U divisions and saw some local and West Coast teams along the three days.   Here were some of the 2022-2023 Standouts: 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="826999" first="Andrew" last="King"] Bella Vista Prep (AZ Select 17 UAA) King had a very good weekend. He is steady each game with his dead-eye shooting and he continue to show his lead guard skills more and more. He can be that secondary ball handler and decision maker. He has deep 3pt range with a quick trigger. He can pull-up and has a nice floater game plus always defends. [player_tooltip player_id="994506" first="Rickey" last="Bradley"] Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select 17 UAA) A tough minded PG keeps impressing anywhere he goes. He just makes plays for others and loves touching the paint and scoring through contact or throwing a dime. He made a few perimeter jumpers keeping defenses honest and can burst into the lane. His on-ball D and rebounding for a guard are impressive.   2023 Jacob McFarland C 6’11 Rancho Verde/CA (WCE NorCal UAA) A long and lean true 5-man. He blocks anything near him and moves fluidly around the court. He has a quick second jump to rebound and block shots as he is moving in space. He covers a lot of ground on defense with his size and length. He closes out to shooters and moves his hips well. Offensively he is a rim runner with hook shots and put backs. Devin Curtis PF/C 6’10 Heritage Christian/CA (WCE NorCal UAA) A basically brand new kid since he hasn’t payed much basketball, as he was battling some injuries. He has good size and moves well from end to end. He challenges shots inside and he can step out and hit the catch-3 when given space. He rebounds and outlets the ball well. Rodney Brown SG 6’5 Rancho Christian/CA (WCE SoCal UAA) A highly skilled guard with length. He has good size and he can score from all three levels. He can pull-up off the dribble and step back from his defender. He uses his length on the defensive end getting deflections and steals. Brown picked up an offer from Tennessee Tuesday night. [player_tooltip player_id="923112" first="Miles" last="Heide"] Mount Si/WA (Elite Sports Academy/WA) (Pictured) A burly framed center with wider shoulders. He is a plus athlete who will play above the rim. The lefty can score it around the basket with advanced post footwork. He closes out well to shooters and is a strong two-handed rebounder. He is smart player who sets strong picks and his skill, bounce and glass work makes him an intriguing prospect. He has improved a lot in the last year. [player_tooltip player_id="989242" first="Osiris" last="Grady"] Coronado/NV (AZ Select UAA) A high level rim runner, shot blocker and finisher. He can make a few elbow jumpers but is mostly ripping thru and scoring around the basket with his athleticism. He makes many plays with good hands and a quick second jump. [player_tooltip player_id="831122" first="Vincent" last="Delano"] Phhoenix Prep/AZ (AZ Select UAA) A catch and shoot 3pt shooter. He is fast with the ball in his hands and can burst by his opponent. He throws it down on the break and is playing a lot more PG then usual but is still a more of natural combo guard. He makes good reads and is quick on the ball defensively. He has improved his defense and passing in the last year to go along with his deadly shooting. [player_tooltip player_id="931157" first="Malek" last="Gomma"] Elite Prep/WA (Elite Sports Academy/WA) My second viewing of him and he brings it every time with a huge motor. He rebounds out of his area consistently. He is very efficient around basket with a strong build. He is light on his toes, good length and is a smart player. He times balls to block shots, he is a good passer and has great energy. [player_tooltip player_id="856640" first="Darnell" last="Fizer"] Coronado/NV (AZ Select 17 UAA) An all-around guard does a little bit of everything. He makes open 3’s, handles the ball well, makes good reads to teammates and take it hard to the rim with his sturdy frame. He will actually sit down and defend and he truly plays the game the right way plus takes charges. He is one of those players that the more you watch him, the more you appreciate all the little things he does well. Zach Davidson PF 6’7 Mater Dei/CA (WCE SoCal UAA) A highly skilled face-up four-man. He uses his body inside to shield defenders from blocking his shot. He doesn’t get much lift off the ground but is extremely efficient with his shooting, post footwork and high IQ. He just knows how to play and gets the most out of his body. [player_tooltip player_id="994004" first="Mathiang" last="Maker"] Dream City Christian/AZ (AZ Select 17 UAA) A long athletic forward who defends multiple positions. He can score in transition and push the ball up the floor. He is not a knockdown shooter but hits shots from the 3pt line and mid-range. His ability to defend in space and inside makes him attractive. He blocks shots out of area.