NYBA & Paul Biancardi Camp Backcourt Standouts

Once again, NYBA has provided players in the Southeast region an opportunity to learn and be coached by one of the most knowledgeable basketball minds in the game today, none other than Paul Biancardi. Players came out giving their all and putting their game on display. The middle school division had some excellent guard play, and here are a few of the backcourt standouts.  

Keegan Keeton (5’2/Combo Guard/2028)

School: Carbon Hill Jr. High

Instagram: keetonkeegan

Twitter: N/A

It has been a while since I have put ink on Keegan but let me just say regarding shooting, he continues to be a sniper from beyond the arc. He is currently playing football, and you can tell that he is developing an edge about himself and playing a lot more aggressively, especially on the defensive end of the floor. His hands are a lot more active and quicker and aided in stealing the rock from several ball-handlers throughout the day. He was one of the best shooters from beyond the arc in both divisions at camp. He still has to continue to work on his handles and middle game, but the development is seen, which is a positive for Keegan as he continues his journey in the game.   

He was one of the best shooters from beyond the arc in both divisions at camp.

Terry J. Drake

Tre Pittman (5’7/Combo Guard/2028)

School: Pelham Park Middle

Instagram: Tp3.tre_day

Twitter: N/A

Like Keegan above, it has been a while since I have put ink on Tre. Like Keegan, improvement can be seen in Tre’s game. He continues to be a shifty little guard that can create off the bounce for himself and his teammates. He is a very good passer and playmaker who moves the ball well and plays within the flow of the offense when he is operating at the lead guard spot. When he steps to the off-guard spot, he’s wired to score the ball and has the tools to make it happen. He has nice handles and a good dribble-drive game and doesn’t waste his dribbles. It was good seeing him at camp and seeing him freely operate because the past couple of times seeing him, he looked a little hesitant, but he was definitely himself at camp, and it is vital that he stays in that mode.  

He continues to be a shifty little guard that can create off the bounce for himself and his teammates.

Terry J. Drake

Ethan Ragland (5’2/Combo Guard/2027)

School: Gladeville Middle

Instagram: ethan_rag2027

Twitter: N/A

Ethan is a small yet dynamic player that was causing damage when the ball was in his hands. He is a quick and speedy player off the bounce and handles the rock with a lot of confidence. He is shifty and was knifing his way thru the defense, breaking down the interior, forcing help, and dropping dimes to his teammates. He’s scary in the open court, and he can really cause defenses to implode because one person is not able to contain him off the bounce. He pushed the pace every time he got the rock and thrived in uptempo play. He shot the ball well from beyond the arc, which makes him a valuable PG that can orchestrate and knock down the open shot when it becomes available. His size will be a question as he enters high school next year, but we shall see if he will gain a couple inches before that time. 

He is a quick and speedy player off the bounce and handles the rock with a lot of confidence.

Terry J. Drake

Noah Kaufman (N/A|Combo Guard/2027)

School: N/A

Instagram: N/A

Twitter: N/A

Noah did not complete our player profile, so we have very limited information to provide, but what we can tell you about him is that he is a gamer. He made a case for being, if not the best, one of the best in the middle school division. From the eye test, he is a big-time guard and has a high ceiling. He is the epitome of a combo guard, fully able to play either an on-ball or off-ball role. When on-ball, he’s quick to advance the ball up the floor in transition, he’s good with passing with either hand, and he keeps all his teammates happy as he distributes the ball around. He was one of the best playmakers and scorers at camp when he was in the off-ball role. At times, he simply was playing two to three steps ahead of the other nine guys on the floor. He could get whatever he wanted whenever he wanted, and his development is one that I am excited about and excited to keep tabs on.

He is the epitome of a combo guard, fully able to play either an on-ball or off-ball role.

Terry J. Drake

Jacob Nixon (5’9/PG/2027)

School: Brentwood Academy

Instagram: jacobnixon_13

Twitter: N/A

The one thing that caught my eye and separated Jacob from every other guard at camp was his footwork. He possibly had the best footwork in both divisions. When he got into the paint, his ability to operate from his pivot and ultimate score the rock was very impressive. Kudos to his coaches and trainers as they have helped Jacob add something to his arsenal that will always be a difference maker for him. He is a nice size guard for his age, was crafty with the ball, and has a nice ability to change speed and change direction. When he was in the open court, his hesi move and ability to change directions was a masterpiece and kept defenders on skates. He is a heady player with incredible court awareness and is a name to remember.  

When he got into the paint, his ability to operate from his pivot and ultimate score the rock was very impressive.

Terry J. Drake

Chezaveon Bridges (N/A|F/C|2027)

School: N/A

Instagram: N/A

Twitter: N/A

Chezaveon did not complete our player profile, so we have very limited information to provide. However, we can provide that he is a post player that finishes well around the rim and was dominant due to his length. I did not see his offensive game stretch beyond the paint, but that is not to say that he cannot expand out. His defensive game is ahead of his offensive game, but he has a foundation to build upon if he stays in the lab. His length was a factor as he altered and blocked shots and rebounded at a high rate. He has to get stronger as he sets his eyes on playing at the high school level next year. It will be interesting to see where Chezaveon is a year from now.

His length was a factor as he altered and blocked shots and rebounded at a high rate.

Terry J. Drake