Bruce’s Notebook: AZ Warm Up Friday standouts
New week same location. I pulled up in Arizona this weekend to check out the AZ Warm-Up. The event, which is operated by West Coast Elite, featured tons of programs from around the southwest. It also featured several talented future…
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Continue ReadingNew week same location. I pulled up in Arizona this weekend to check out the AZ Warm-Up. The event, which is operated by West Coast Elite, featured tons of programs from around the southwest. It also featured several talented future prospects. With tournament play getting underway, on Sunday, I wanted to take some time to check out pool play. Here’s a look at some of the top players, during Pool play.
Turner Armstrong
Turner Armstrong
Labeled as one of the better shooters at the event, however I was impressed with his overall game. Armstrong has a slick handle, which fits perfectly with his high IQ, crafty game. He made some nice passes, including a nifty hook pass that helped a teammate get an easy layup.
Titus Mcnair
Titus Mcnair
McNair might not have come in with the reputation of a shooter, however he left with one. He came into the game strapping, hitting two early three pointers. His overall offensive game was effective as well, as McNair showed a smooth handle, including a nice between the legs COD dribble. Overall he and Armstrong were one of the best backcourts I saw during pool play.
Ace Mckinley
Ace Mckinley
Mckinley was one of the tallest players in the game I watched, however his offensive IQ and passing is what stood out. He made quick decesions from the high post, shredding the opposing teams 2-3 zone. He showed some advanced finishing ability in transition, using some nice 1-2 steps to avoid defenders.
Booker Schirck
Booker Schirck
I watched Shirck play twice. I liked him the first time, fell in love with his game the second. The lefty is one of the most efficient players, I saw on the day. The lefty looked like a pro, using two dribbles or less to get to his spot and burry more mid range jumpers than I can count. While most of the attention goes to the three point shooters, Shirck reminded everyone that mid range players can dominate as well.
Enzo Drake
Enzo Drake
Drake was one of the shiftyess PG’s in his class. He showed a good handle, but more importantly, he showed the ability to handle the basketball at full speed. As his IG handle states, Zo was truly too nice.
Eric Melendez
Eric Melendez
Melendez’s game has grown imensley in the last year, both figuratively and literally. He’s hit a growth spurt which has put him at almost 6’0 feet. Despite the growth, he hasn’t lost his skills. He displayed terrific ball skills, and a quick first step. He had a knee buckling in and out move that nearly dropped his defender to the floor. He definetly is a player capable of carrying his team to a tournament title in the event.
JD Dubose
JD Dubose
I didn’t get a height on Dubose because he had to head out to another game. I feel sorry for his next opponent because the lefty is a serious bucket getter. He was unstoppable in the game I got to watch him play, as he used his quikness to get into the paint at ease. The paint touch getting driver, was also one of the better finishers I saw during the event, completing floaters and layups with both hands.
Maruta Jawowa
Maruta Jawowa
Expect Jawowa to be featured in some upcoming sleeper alerts. He’s a long rangy forward that currently plays the four, but don’t be suprised to see him playing on a wing near you. He displayed explosion, showing some thunderous dunks in warmups, and he used his length and hops to protect the rim for his team in the game. He runs the floor well and plays with strong energy and effort, making him one of the best players I saw during pool play.