EBA Summer League Preview: 2024s to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tomorrow evening on the campus of Loyola Blakefield, the Elite Basketball Academy Summer League tips off for yet another month of June. The league has gained momentum each year and this one looks to be no different. For this article, we'll preview some names to watch in the 2024 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1127307' first='Andrew' last='Dixon'] | Mt. Carmel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dixon looks to return to the floor with his high school squad after an impressive junior campaign where he took over the primary playmaking duties left behind from Deon Perry. The 6'0 lead guard is as shifty as they come with great vision as a passer and continues to improve his arsenal as a downhill scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1948345' first='Paul' last='Gross'] | Dulaney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gross made his presence felt last season next to a trio of seniors and he did so with his brute strength on drives to the rim. At 6'3, Gross is very capable of creating and finishing through contact. His frame makes for a versatile defensive piece at the high school level and head coach Matt Lochte will be looking for him make progressions with his jumper as summer passes by.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jeremiah Douglas | St. Paul's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Douglas has proven himself as an impact guard for St. Paul's since his freshman days. The 6'2 guard will play his share of on and off the ball, but he'll likely need to have more of scorer's mentality if his team plans to make a run for the league title. Douglas is effective in getting to his spots off the bounce and pulling up from the mid-range. He can mix it in with three's off the catch or can attack close outs where he looks to seek contact for fouls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Darion Paris | Aberdeen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paris is a prospect who ended his junior season in a strong manner. He has good size and length around 6'4-6'5 combined with a three-point shot that can get going in a hurry. The defense must account for him at all times, but especially in the corners where he likes to relocate as others drive and kick. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1579098' first='Josiah' last='Legree'] | Loyola</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legree put forth a stellar junior season that helped lead Parkville to the Class 4A state title. Following his head coach from Parkville to Loyola, it'll be interesting to see how quickly he can gel with his new teammates. Legree's explosive scoring package, impressive feel for the game and the chip on his shoulder that he approaches each game with should put the Dons in a good position to capture the league crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1366895' first='J'Lin' last='Brown'] | Loyola</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another senior for the Dons who will have a tremendous impact is Brown. A 6'4 hybrid forward, Brown's guard skills have improved steadily over the years. Playing in an up-tempo style of play should highlight his strengths particularly in transition where he can be an athlete. Expect Loyola's stable of guards to create consistent open shots for Brown around the arc. Defensively, he'll be asked to guard multiple positions throughout the course of games. Brown has the length and know-how to be effective in such a role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1127308' first='Ashton' last='Kendall'] | McDonogh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kendall is another combo guard who can put the ball in the basket at a high rate. He's best in transition where he can push the pace himself and stop on a dime from inside the arc for mid-rangers. Kendall has improved with his ability to become a knock down shooter coming off pin downs, but also has the feel to use his dribble and create based off how the defense is guarding him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CJ Jackson | Boys' Latin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson is a guy who would be categorized as one who plays bigger than his listed height at 6'4. He can do a little bit of everything whether it's sparking the fastbreak after hauling in the defensive glass, get downhill on catches on the perimeter or act as a swingman where he finds open teammates for good looks. His size and length equate to an effective defender when locked in. Jackson is another prospect who will carry added responsibility as a senior and it'll be fun to get a glimpse of how that translates into production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->