UAA Finals: NJ/PA Players to Watch
The UAA Finals land during the July Live Period, in Indianapolis, IN. This will be especially important for 16U & 17U players as they showcase their abilities and compete in front of college coaches from around the country. Below are…
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Continue ReadingThe UAA Finals land during the July Live Period, in Indianapolis, IN. This will be especially important for 16U & 17U players as they showcase their abilities and compete in front of college coaches from around the country. Below are some 2023s and 2024s to keep an eye on.
Horace Simmons Horace Simmons 6'6" | SF LaSalle CHS | 2022 State PA | 6’6 W ’23 Philly Pride 17U
Simmons was one of the hottest 2023s last spring/summer, picking up offers from a number of CAA and A10 schools. Unfortunately, the shooter from La Salle College High missed the June High School Live Period due to a minor injury. So college coaches and talent evaluators are probably itching to finally see the 3 & D wing in-person in this context before the high school season.
Horace Simmons Horace Simmons 6'6" | SF LaSalle CHS | 2022 State PA | 6’6 W ‘23 Philly Pride 17U
Simmons was one of the hottest 2023s last spring/summer, picking up offers from a number of CAA and A10 schools. Unfortunately, the shooter from La Salle College High missed the June High School Live Period due to a minor injury. So college coaches and talent evaluators are probably itching to finally see the 3 & D wing in-person in this context before the high school season.
Argel Pettit Argel Pettit 5'10" | PG Devon Prep | 2022 State PA IV | 6’1 G ‘23 We-R1 17U
This 17U team for We-R1 has a lot of overall talent and size in the front court. What “IV” brings to the table makes it work offensively. Defenses can’t just completely go big to contain Florida commit Thomas Haugh or try to trap Elmarko Jackson. Pettit’s movement and spot up shooting will be vital if We-R1 is going to win it all. His skills should also be attractive to a number of college programs.
Sultan Adewale Sultan Adewale 6'8" | SF Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State #205 Nation PA | 6’8 F ‘23 Team Rio 17U
After not seeing his family since the pandemic and a good outing in the first June Live Period, Sultan passed on Live 2 to visit his folks in the UK. Now he’s back for a full showing during the July Live Period. Playing beside another big with Rio has turned his increased physicality inside into an asset. And his versatility on offense could make them a dark horse in Indianapolis.
Ty Burton Ty Burton 5'10" | PG Moravian Prep | 2024 State NC | 5’10 G ‘24 Philly Pride 16U
Coach Brandon’s 16U team has as balanced of a grassroots roster you’ll see, with 10 guys who can all start. But when they need a bucket, Ty is always prepared. The pride of Lampeter-Strasburg can create shots for himself in the halfcourt (and others), pulling up in the mid-range or stretching it to 3. And when he’s beside another of their guards, he’s ready and waiting to knock down a three off the catch.
Jaden Kelly Jaden Kelly 6'4" | SG Roselle Catholic | 2024 State NJ | 6’3 G 2024 Team Rio 16U
After some big performances in the June live period, Jaden earned an offer from Drexel. His potential to excel as a two-guard at the next level is based on his movement off the ball – cutting to the basket and running off of screens for threes. Those skills don’t always show up in grassroots settings. So wow well he translates that skillset and/or finds other ways to contribute offensively will be pivotal for him.
Jaden Colzie Jaden Colzie 6'0" | PG Plymouth Whitemarsh | 2024 State PA | 6’0 G ‘24 We-R1 16U
Colzie is a lights-out shooter with awesome range. He’s a kid who makes you pay for leaving him open. With We-R1, he plays alongside some other talented lead guards and his shooting opens up lanes for them. I’m interested in seeing how he resets and/or exploits passing windows when defenders close out too hard. I fully expect him to raise his level of play.