Unsigned Gamechangers From the Spring Kickoff

Photo: PrepHoops

Clayton Conover

April 12, 2022 @ 05:00 PM

Long was a really intriguing 6’6+ forward with some very unique skills for a guy at his size. When Long attacked the rim, he was powerful, rarely being contested due to his clearly overbearing strength. While he was most consistent as a roller, he demonstrated the ability to not only space out the floor but hit contested fadeaways. Long is someone who has clear untapped potential based on his shot-making touch, the next step for him is improving his ballhandling in traffic.

Rob Jenkins - Arizona Strike

Jenkins was an underrated athlete who brought a mix of physicality and uncanny hops for a guard of his stature. Standing at roughly 6’2, Jenkins has a football frame that allows him to guard anybody 1-3 with encouraging results. Unlike so many youth athletes, Jenkins can take a shoulder to the chest and immediately retain position. The guard also proved he had some skill as a shooter off the catch, while doubling down as an offensive rebounder by following missed shots.

Owen Wright Owen Wright 6'6" Pomona | 2022 CO - Colorado Hornets

Wright stands at roughly 6’5, proving to be a very dependable complementary wing on the offensive end. He showcased his offensive versatility as a driver, spot up shooter, and even pull-up shooter on occasion. Tending to use the right hand, Wright was capable out muscling smaller matchups where he either took them to the paint or used to shoulder to create space on a jumper. Another impressive aspect of Wright was his willingness to chase down opponents for at-rim contests on the fast break.

Ary Dizayee Ary Dizayee 6'1" Lakewood | 2022 CO - Hoops Academy

The 6’ lefty combo guard from Lakewood had some dependable shooting performances both off the catch and off the dribble through Saturday. Dizayee has been really effective getting to his left hand, allowing him to get downhill, finishing short floaters or high arcing layups. By far his biggest strength is his shooting consistency from the wings, rarely missing from those spots.

Kijuan Thompson Kijuan Thompson 5'9" | PG George Washington | 2022 State CO - 5280 Athletics

Thompson proved to be aggressive getting to the rack versus anybody, seeking contact time and time again. The wiry right handed guard understands how to play to his strengths, which are aggressively pressing opponents and matching the energy by getting inside on the other end. Thompson did great beating opponents to the rack, where he got opponents on his hip and drew fouls at will. Thompson was definitely one of the higher IQ guards when it came to creating contact, largely thanks to his seemingly endless energy on both ends. Seeing him with a big man or a high level roller would have been an intriguing test for Thompson playmaking ability.

Junius Jackson - Colorado Miners

Jackson proved he could be dependable as a spot up shooter and as a driver on closeouts. He has a simple style of play, however his quickness allows him to remain very dependable on drives. He does a great job getting downhill, typically beating his guy and getting the defender on his hip. When the guard is tuned in, he is scary to go up against on defense, although bigger bodied guards can give him trouble.