The Best of Summer 2023 X-Factors
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Throughout the summer there have been moments and players that showcase talents on the basketball court that simply are uncommon. These flashes of brilliance and unique displays of skill are the types of plays that have scouts and coaches visualizing…
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Continue ReadingThroughout the summer there have been moments and players that showcase talents on the basketball court that simply are uncommon. These flashes of brilliance and unique displays of skill are the types of plays that have scouts and coaches visualizing the future. Each of these players has had those moments, showing what could be in store with hard work and good fortune. Here are five guys who have shown they have that X-factor skill and unique promise going forward.
Marquardt’s X-factor is how he puts together size, strength, and touch to dominate from the paint to the three-point line. There are certainly bigs with his size that can step out every once in a while to hit the trey ball but there are very few who can operate with the same effectiveness as Marquardt inside and out. While many stretch forwards lack the strength to be a factor inside, Marquardt actually thrives on his strength and is a strong defender at the rim. His size and skill make him a threat all over the court and on both sides of the ball. That is why he’s one of the best of the summer.
Highlights
This X-factor brings a body ready for the next level and some truly eye-popping moments on drives to the hoop. Rainwater is a big guard with a strong foundation and possesses some of the best burst I saw this summer. It mostly came in the half court where Rainwater would start a couple feet back of the arc, pick a lane and shoot between defenders. His long, strong legs allowed him to reach the basket in two to three steps where he would burst up toward the rim. He has the kind of strength and spring where most kids just decide to get out of the way. Most aren’t quick enough to get in front of him, and the others just don’t want to feel the brunt of his attack. For a guy who can play point guard, this type of size and burst to the rim is highly uncommon and a big reason he should be a highly sought-after recruit.
You know Marrs is a special type of player from the moment you see him. He has incredible mobility for a player of his stature, and he has the ball skills to make the most of it. He runs the court, can put it on the floor and get to the hoop, and has great bounce to be a big factor on the boards. He is really an interesting player who displays one of the higher ceilings in his class. He can be rolled out at the next level and immediately pose mismatches. If he continues to get stronger and work on his shot, he should be an impact player wherever his next stop is.
Highlights
Landram had an outstanding high school season last year that really put him on the map. Playing with FOH over the summer, he had to defer much more than at Gig Harbor, but if you watched enough of his games, you saw what made Landram so special last season. FOH is one of the more talented programs in the state and Landram found his role as an athletic slasher who can knock down the long ball too. His length and sneaky athleticism allow him to splash a corner three on one trip, and find himself on the end of an alley-oop on the next. He’s another player that could get a little stronger but the framework and skills are there for Landram to be an X-factor at the next level.
Tyukalo brings a different skill set than the other players previously mentioned. Last season, he showed an ability to take over as a scorer and hit threes from way, way back. This summer, while he’s still able to put the ball in the hoop, he’s shown more of an ability to be a playmaker. But what makes him an X-factor, is the fact he can do all of this while standing 6’6 with a long wingspan. Tyukalo has the new age, point guard skillset, shooting threes and dishing dimes, but he does so with uncommon height at the position. He can play off-guard too, depending on matchups but wherever you put him, he’s going to be an X-factor and has proven it over the course of the summer.