North Jersey Guards To Watch This Summer

The AAU scene is in full swing and the showcases come fast and furious. Today we look at several guards north of the Raritan River who hoops fans should be getting familiar with if they aren't already. If you miss them during the AAU season, find them during the Summer Leagues around North Jersey.     [player_tooltip player_id='1406993' first='Anthony' last='Akande'] | 6'4" | G | Newark Arts   Akande has seen his stock go up considerably over the course of the last year. A confident ballhandler who can get to the rim off the bounce with a nice first step. He's also capable of taking a step back and showcasing his shooting ability. Akande can play through traffic and finish with either hand at the rim. He's receiving scholarship interest and could be an interesting prospect for new NJIT coach Grant Billmeier to monitor--Considering Arts and NJIT are just a half mile apart, expect the former Saint Pats star to be in the gym this winter on MLK Boulevard. Akande is on the AAU circuit with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force'].   [player_tooltip player_id='1213555' first='Nas' last='Robinson'] | 5'8" | G | Linden   The Tigers are always loaded in the backcourt and while they're often undersized--players like Desmond Wade and Daryl Lampley had stellar college runs. Robinson is the latest in a line of lead guards on Saint Georges Ave. He's got an electric first step and can get defenders off balance. He's a solid shooter from the outside and has worked on a floater while attacking the rim to account for his lack of size. He's got the ability to facilitate the offense and projects as one of the top returning guards in Union County this season. A big summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force'] will open the door for him. Robinson led the Tigers at 15ppg last year, including 24 against state champion Union Catholic and 23 vs rivals Elizabeth.   [player_tooltip player_id='1213571' first='Elijah' last='Butler'] | 6'5" | G | Linden   Bringing Robinson back to run the offense is a big piece, but the return of Butler gives them a top back court in North Jersey. A crafty left handed 2-guard, Butler can get at the bucket and play through contact to finish around the rim. He's a tall and lean guard, a confident shooter with solid defensive skills. His rebounding continues to improve and Linden will need him to be strong on the glass. Another [program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force'] player, Butler's top game was in the North II, Group IV final, as he tossed in 18 in a nailbiting sectional championship victory over Newark East Side. Factor in 6'6" sophomore Jekhi Burnam, along with 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2107654' first='Hashim' last='Nadir'] and the Tigers are one piece away from being at the top of the table in Group IV.   [player_tooltip player_id='1407084' first='Amir' last='Abdullah'] | 5'10" | Newark East Side   Abdullah had a big junior season in the backcourt for the Raiders. A hot handed lefty who can let it rip from the perimeter, Abdullah hit 44 three-pointers last winter. He's a rugged defender with active hands. Abdullah plays his AAU ball for the legendary Sandy Pyonin and the Roadrunners. Abdullah's top games last winter were against Saint John Vianney(21), Westfield(20) and Seton Hall Prep(19). With the graduation of [player_tooltip player_id='1150278' first='Sutan' last='Fitzpatrick'], Abdullah will be doing heavy lifting alongside our next player next winter...   [player_tooltip player_id='1773118' first='Alesi' last='Mingo'] | 6'1" | G | Newark East Side   Mingo didn't score the basketball much last year--That wasn't his job. He was able to be a piece in the offense, moving the ball on the perimeter and crashing the offensive glass. He made his biggest impression on us with his defensive play throughout the season. He's a physical on ball defender who works exceptionally hard on that end. Mingo is a college coaches dream--A kid who will be a 3 year varsity player at a power program but isn't the offensive go-to-guy...At the D-3 level, Mingo projects as the perfect "glue guy"--A hard worker defensively who knows not to force it on offense.

The AAU scene is in full swing and the showcases come fast and furious. Today we look at several guards north of the Raritan River who hoops fans should be getting familiar with if they aren't already. If you miss them during the AAU season, find them during the Summer Leagues around North Jersey.