Hoophall Classic – Local Standouts (Part 3)
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The 2023 Hoophall Classic is one of the best events in the country, bringing in national talent that features some of the highest ranked players in the entire country. But while the spotlight is usually on the big names and…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 Hoophall Classic is one of the best events in the country, bringing in national talent that features some of the highest ranked players in the entire country. But while the spotlight is usually on the big names and national teams, there are many local teams who really come to play. With New England well represented, there were a lot of really great players who made a name for themselves from the Northeast. Here’s the first group of guys who really got it done:
Quintin Floyd is a guy who understands adversity. Even with terrible shooting splits and what felt like a lid on the basket, Floyd was able to contribute greatly for his team at the Hoophall and drop a triple-double on the highest stage. Floyd’s greatest trait is his incredible IQ. He can control the offense in transition and in the half court with his incredible passing abilities and deceptively strong passes. On the break, Floyd was able to hit his targets with accuracy and jumpstart the break off of one of his 14 rebounds. He was able to rebound incredibly well for his position, and his IQ on the boards is mostly the reason why. He can score around the rim, get steals with his on-ball defense, and is overall a guy who is going to add value to every team he will be a part of. He’s a collegiate, scholarship level guy who can do it all.
Tajae Jones
Tajae Jones
Jones was the local team talk of the weekend, scoring 33 points and 15 rebounds to take All Tournament 2nd Team honors, the only player from a local team to win the honor. Jones has developed into a 3 level scorer, as a long and effective post player who can extend his range and finish going downhill. He has developed his frame to be able to withstand contact, making him an and-1 threat with the ability to consistently knock down free throws. He killed a solid Gulliver Prep team on the boards, soaring for offensive rebounds and getting second chance points. Defensively, he was able to hold down the paint and block shots efficiently. I still have doubts about Jones’ transition to the next level still, but he has definitely cemented the fact that he is a guy who will be a scholarship player and could very well be an effective Division 1 guy if he continues to develop into a more versatile forward.
Conner is a great combination of high level IQ and physique. At 6-0 and incredibly strong, Conner is developed enough to finish around the basket on larger defenders and take contact. He’s a shifty point guard with great court vision and the ability to create offensive opportunities for his teammates by hitting the gaps or driving to the lane and drawing in the defense to make the next pass. Conner can shoot (not super efficient) and is still working towards developing full 3-level scoring abilities. Conner is a tough on-ball defender who can wall up against strong players but also keep up with quick guards. He can do a lot of things on the court and is only getting better as he becomes elite as a floor general and physical specimen. Conner is worth a look from low major and mid major Division 1 teams in need of a point guard who can contribute immediately.