Buckeye Classic: Shane’s Top 16U Players
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This past weekend I was in Columbus Ohio covering the Bleacher Republic Buckeye Classic. Saw a lot of good players and a lot of players I’ve never seen play before. This article will cover the Top 16U players I saw…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend I was in Columbus Ohio covering the Bleacher Republic Buckeye Classic. Saw a lot of good players and a lot of players I’ve never seen play before. This article will cover the Top 16U players I saw at the Buckeye Classic.
Walker is a clear high-level talent and player. He passes the eye test very quickly. Super big kid, listed as 6’8 with a super thick lower body and a strong build in the upper body. Then he starts playing and he is mind-blowing. He is a super-skilled forward that can play inside and out. Inside he is a bully against smaller players. Dunks almost everything. Great moves and footwork in a small space of the floor. Then from the outside against a bigger player, it is a mismatch because the kid can shoot it and he can take you off the dribble with his quickness. When he is locked in and playing with energy Walker is an unstoppable player.
Big fan of Vanderwarker. The kid has got it all. For his position his size is great. Super long wingspan with great athleticism to match. Quick first step, great ability to defend multiple positions, and is strong enough to use his body very well at both ends of the floor. I also love his skillset. A great handle on the ball and the ability to pull up off the dribble. Has a very smooth shot that is unblockable because of his height and length. He wasn’t forcing anything for Midwest but was picking his spots to attack very well. He finishes really well around the rim. They are not any flaws in his game.
Highlights
Greenberg showed some really good things this weekend. He had great control over the game on both ends. Brought the ball up for Midwest Gold and ran the offense very well. He was in attack mode but never shot a bad shot. Came off the pick and rolls very aggressively and created shots not only for himself but others. He has a good IQ for the game and makes some really good decisions with the ball in his hands. Finished well inside and shot the ball from deep with confidence. He was also very active on the defensive end. Nobody could get by him. Super long arms and moves super light on his feet.
Harper is a sleeper. He really impressed me with his play in the game I saw this weekend. He had a presence on the court as a guard. A super athletic kid who was getting many steals and fast-break dunks. He has a good build. He also displayed great IQ and passing ability. He was picking apart the defense when he was putting pressure on the rim with either scoring or dump-off passes. He always saw the entire court. I did not see him take a jumper but he was responsible for either scoring or assisting on almost all of his team’s points in the second half.
Wood is a big kid that dominates the way you want him to. He isn’t afraid of throwing his body around for rebounds or position in the paint. Moves really well too. Played a lot of the game, ran the court, and played hard. Some really good footwork and touch around the rim. He hit a lot of over-the-shoulder shots with either hand. Made quick, strong, and decisive moves. He is a college-level player that I think can develop very nicely at the next level.