Team Preview: 16U Utah Prospects
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The 16U Prospects bring back a core of players that have played on the 3SSB Circuit before but they look to break in a few new pieces to compete with these top notch programs. With and elite point guard on…
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Continue ReadingThe 16U Prospects bring back a core of players that have played on the 3SSB Circuit before but they look to break in a few new pieces to compete with these top notch programs. With and elite point guard on the roster and some players that are shot makers around him this team could surprise a lot of people overlooking them. They made some noise already as they won the 17U Silver Division at the Vegas Elite invitational. They lost early to Vegas Elite EYBL but were able to avenge that loss in the Championship game winning by a large margin to take home the Championship going 4-1.
Players to Watch
JJ is a fierce PG that plays with a lot of pace. He is able to get to his spots and not let the defense dictate what he is going to do. He is tough to pressure full-court because he protects the ball with strength, change of speed and elite dribbling. The kid is a shot maker with the ball in his hands as he works pick n’ rolls and he is also a bucket when he is off the ball catching and shooting. JJ was creating in their first outing averaging 20 PPG and about 8 to 10 APG. With a big time offer from two PAC-12 schools (Stanford, Washington State) he is a player that will pick up more offers this Spring and Summer.
The 4A State Champion returns to the prospects bringing leadership and a lot of experience. Titan is a player that can defend with his footwork and his strength. He is very valuable on the other end because the kid can shoot. He rattled off 7 three-pointers with ease and is capable of doing that every night. He can make shots when open obviously but he can step into shots and hit contested three’s as well. Titan is a two sport athlete that is also getting looks as a D1 linebacker. Montana State is all over him on the football field. Good size on the basketball court with a decent handle that can improve.
Roster
#0 Jax Allen Jax Allen 6'4" | CG Orem | 2025 State #391 Nation UT || Cedar Valley High School ||
Jax is a combo guard that is being used as a PG, SG and Wing right now. He is a player that is developing physically and has a high ceiling. He can spread the floor with his shooting and his defense has really improved quickly since joining the Prospects. When his handle gets better he is going to transition nicely to the next level. He still has time and has the skills to play at a high level. Currently has an older brother playing with Southern Utah University.
#1 JJ Mandaquit JJ Mandaquit 6'2" | PG Utah Prep | 2025 State #45 Nation UT || RSL Academy ||
#2 Augustine Ekwe Augustine Ekwe 6'10" | C Wasatch Academy | 2025 State UT || Wasatch Academy ||
The 6’10 big is raw but has potential. He will average around 4 blocks and 8 to 10 rebounds a game. He is strong and an athlete that can virtually go up and pull everything down. Ekwe is a rim protector that will matchup well against other bigs. He has mobility that will help him defend out in the perimeter.
#3 Titan Larsen Titan Larsen 6'3" | CG Hillcrest | 2025 State ID || Hillcrest High School. ID ||
#5 John Southwick John Southwick 6'3" | SG Utah Prep | 2025 State #234 Nation UT || Dixie High School ||
John is playing his true position now as a SG or off the ball guard and he is a big time shooter that shoots at a high percentage. He is quick in the open floor on straight-line attacks and he can also hurt you in the mid-range. Defense is something he stands out on. Look for him to do a little bit of everything to help his team play at a high level.
#6 Chamberlain Burgess Chamberlain Burgess 6'9" | PF Lone Peak | 2025 State #214 Nation UT || Lone Peak High School ||
Chamberlain is coming along. He is rebounding on both ends o the floor. He plays with energy and a chip on his shoulders. Nice 15 foot jumper and his outside shooting has improved as well. He kept it simple in their first tournament and he was shining doing the little things. Had a few above the rim moments. Give this kid time he is going to play at a high level.
#11 Elijah Eschmeyer || Peak to Peak, CO ||
Raw wing that is getting his feet wet playing at a high level. He has size at 6’7 at the wing. He is going to be a kid that will need to learn how to defend, rebound and hit open three’s. His dad played in the NBA and is 6’10 so there is more room to grow in many ways for Elijah.
#23 Ike Staley Ike Staley 6'6" | SG Lone Peak | 2025 State UT || Lone Peak High School ||
Ike is a big time athlete that could be playing for a D1 scholarship in football at the QB position. Ike is a solid wing that can shoot, defend and play above the rim. He almost shut the gym down with a baseline drive dunk. Watch out for this kid because he brings a lot to the table on bith ends of the floor.
Overview
Well constructed team that will find ways to compete and stay in games against all sorts of talent. If they can shoot the ball well they will be able to make noise against top programs.