Under The Radar Backcourt Duos
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There are several backcourt pairings returning throughout the state this year that have college potential that don’t necessarily get the attention of the elite teams but are very talented nevertheless. Today we’ll look at a trio-of-duos to watch this coming…
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Continue ReadingThere are several backcourt pairings returning throughout the state this year that have college potential that don’t necessarily get the attention of the elite teams but are very talented nevertheless. Today we’ll look at a trio-of-duos to watch this coming winter.
Devin Artis Devin Artis 5'10" | PG Pocono Mt. West | 2024 State PA | 6’0” | G | Newark West Side 2024
A crafty lead guard who took on the facilitator role for West Side last year. He’s capable of breaking down defenders off the dribble, drawing attention in the paint and then using his passing skills to get teammates open looks. He should be one of the top players in Essex County as far as lead guards go the next two years. He had 17 vs Orange and 14 vs Millburn.
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Brandon Rodriguez Brandon Rodriguez 6'0" | CG West Side | 2023 State NJ | 5’11” | G| Newark West Side
A shifty scorer who is creative with the basketball in his hands and can capitalize around the rim. A solid shooter from beyond the arc. He also hits the boards hard on both ends. He showed his scoring abilities as a junior, going for 29 vs Verona and 28 vs Millburn. He had 19 in the sectional final loss at Glen Ridge. Regional colleges should be taking a good look.
Nick Valentino Nick Valentino 6'0" | PG Red Bank Regional | 2023 State NJ | 6’2” | G| Red Bank Regional
Valentino exploded on the scene as a junior, scoring nearly 500 pts. He’s a strong bodied guard who can use his 200lb frame to explode at the basket and finish through contact. A good shooter who has excellent form and a nice, high release point on his jumper. He’s got a high basketball IQ and could be a candidate for First Team All Shore as a senior. His top games as a junior were vs Keyport(26), Manasquan(22) and SJV(23,21).
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Collin Teter Collin Teter 6'3" | SG Red Bank Reg | 2023 State NJ | 6’3” | G| Red Bank Regional
Teter is a player who can score in a variety of ways—He’s comfortable around the perimeter but can also get in the post and fight for rebounds and second change points. He had noteworthy games vs Mon Don and SJV last winter, going for nearly 20 in both. He has a high GPA and corresponding basketball IQ, which should have academic D3s very interested.
Essam Assaf Essam Assaf 6'1" | CG Elmwood Park | 2023 State NJ | 6’0” | G | Elmwood Park
A guard with a good basketball IQ, Assaf will go beyond 1,000 points early this season. He’s a guard who’s best traits show when he can put the ball on the floor in transition, but he’s also a good shooter from deep. He hit for 20+ nine times and should be sought after by D3 programs.
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David Forzani | 5’9” | G | Elmwood Park
Assaf’s backcourt partner. A facilitator who drives at the rim and is tough through traffic. He exploded for 31 vs Lodi and 28 vs Westwood as his top games last winter. He should be of interest to D3 programs like his teammate, giving Elmwood Park one of the top backcourts in the NJIC.