First Impressions
During April college coaches are frequently enjoying their first in-person looks at dozens of fresh recruits. With @PrepHoopsTN we are able to see more players during the high school season and yet we still new-to-us guys in April every year.…
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Continue ReadingDuring April college coaches are frequently enjoying their first in-person looks at dozens of fresh recruits. With @PrepHoopsTN we are able to see more players during the high school season and yet we still new-to-us guys in April every year. The following fit in this column.
Bubba Faulkner – Fastbreak 17u – Karns – 2024
The younger brother of J.J. Faulkner, graduating senior star for Karns High, Bubba is an interesting athlete. He looks more physically strong at first sight than J.J. Bubba’s lower body positioning on defense is exceptional. Gets low, stays there. Reacts immediately to pertinent movement from the ball-handler. On offense, at least agaifnst Crimson Kings-Black, Bubba appeared to be a very one-dimensional player. He used his quickness, coupled with his strength to get into the lane, and a couple of times finish. Considering the competition featured, to be kind, zero college bound defenders, Bubba should be attacking and finishing at will. Not to compare him to J.J., but the elder Faulkner demanded defenses figure him out or pay throughout his senior season. And most did not figure it out. Bubba lacks the elite handle of J.J. but again, his power is better. Now is a perfect time to become more vocal, a leader with words and actions. College programs, any program, likes a guard demonstrating leadership, visible leadership.
Hudson McKnight Hudson McKnight 6'0" | PG Brentwood | 2026 State TN – Shockers 15u – Brentwood – 2026
Hudson does not scream can’t-miss talent on first sight, but after a few minutes it is clear that he is just much more composed and measured than other freshmen guards. Obviously he wants to win, but McKnight looks like he thrives with structure. There are mature plays in his bag. He clearly loves to pass and thinks like a dual-threat creator. Hudson does not take forced shots and his most exciting physical attribute is height for the position (PG). Hudson needs to add good weight, but that is much easier to do than to instill patience and establish offensive awareness.
Bryce Dupre – Fastbreak 17u – Rhea County – 2024
On the final Friday of April, Fastbreak 17u competed against Crimson Kings-Black. Bryce Dupre was a player that garnered some attention. Bryce looked like a catch-and-shoot guy. Pretty shooting motion. Consistent shooter. High release point. His offense was largely resigned to outside shooting, but Dupre did provide Fastbreak 17u with a needed “stretcher”. In the open floor he became a little more vulnerable. Not a breakdown dribbler. Dupre will need to become even better as a catch-and-shoot guy to be an NAIA prospect, but it is imaginable.