ATown Showdown Day 2: Day of the Duo

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The final day belonged to the teams with two game-changing guys. Their pairs below balanced each other out to overwhelm their opponents. We’re looking at dynamic wing combination action,</p> <p><strong>Jimar Franklin &amp; Andre Akbar | NEB Elite 2023</strong></p> <p>Franklin long brought energy abs athleticism to the party. He plays hard on both ends, racking up deflection and turnovers while using his length and burst to score around the rim. The 2023 prospect uses his length to bother offensive players and finishes over the top of opponents.</p> <p>Akbar is a confident shotmaker. He knocked down five threes showcasing his ability to score as spot up shooter and pull-up shooter. Crafty shot creation and an unshakable nerve help him create in 1 on 1 situations.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1450226" first="Alexander" last="Springs"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1301742" first="Josiah" last="Cotto"] | FL Kings 2024</strong></p> <p>Springs dominated 15U play with his athleticism just to go up an age group and still have an advantage. While he’s not looking like a marvel in every matchup, he is close to a double digit rebounder who finishes through contact with regularity. He’s willing to sacrifice his body, gets to the free throw line, and plays on and off the ball.</p> <p>Cotto is a playmaker that wants to see everyone eat. It feels like the 2025 prospect knows how talented his team is and uses his passing to put them in the right position to show it. His quickness allows him to force turnovers in passing lanes and push the pace of the game.</p> <p><strong>Bradley Pearson &amp; Trevone Palmer | Auburn Raptors 2024</strong></p> <p>Pearson and Palmer were the ideal outside inside combination. At just 6’3 Palmer is an athletic forward that has no problem finishing around the rim and rebounding at a high level. Pearson has three-level scoring tendencies with his ability to hit shots from distance and hit pull-up jumpers inside and outside the arc. The two work well together as Pearson continues to develop as a playmaker and Palmer uses his athleticism to make timely cuts and motor lead to second chance plays.</p> <p><strong>Karl Burroughs &amp; Alan King | 901 Ball Stars 2024</strong></p> <p>Burroughs &amp; King provide a lot of the same production, but in different ways. When playing on the ball, Burroughs is a playmaker that can distribute when the pace of the game is high. Off the ball, he uses his quickness to score on cuts, splash home floaters, and run the break in transition. King is a few inches taller and more athletic. He’s still developing guard skills but uses his athleticism to attack the basket and draw fouls. His use of fundamental moves and passing on the move helped him collect a couple of assists per game.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1418520" first="Mike" last="Bowen"] &amp; Demeir Hogans Harris | Pride Roc 2024</strong></p> <p>Bowen shot well this weekend. A 4 of 7 shooting performance from three highlighted an 18-point game. His shot doesn’t waiver in the face of closeouts or when he’s shooting off movement. He’s adept at grabbing long rebounds.</p> <p>Harris brings great energy and athleticism to the court. He’s an off-ball guard that can finish plays, run the floor, and grab offensive boards for putbacks. The 2024 prospect can get into the paint for drive and kick opportunities.</p> <p><strong>Darius Reynolds &amp; Ashton Brown | Georgia Fire Premier</strong></p> <p>Reynolds passes the eye test with 6’5 size and a muscular frame. He runs the floor, finishes well around the rim, and is a willing rim protector. The forward flashed post moves and athleticism with several above the rim finishes.</p> <p>Brown is an athletic off guard that scored without the ball in his hands. The 6’3 guard scores in transition, off cuts in the half court, and finishes through contact. He rebounds well and has flashes of playmaking when the ball is in his hands, especially when he’s going downhill.</p>