Desert Reign Summer League: Tuesday Night Notebook
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The Desert Reign Summer League took place Tuesday, June 20th. The league provides the perfect opportunity to evaluate a ton of players. Here’s a look at my notes from league play. Jamoury Porteous Thomas NV #147 PG #29 HEIGHT 5'7"…
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Continue ReadingThe Desert Reign Summer League took place Tuesday, June 20th. The league provides the perfect opportunity to evaluate a ton of players. Here’s a look at my notes from league play.
JPT is the greatest player in the history of the Desert Reign Summer League! Hyperbole perhaps, but the power Point Guard has been outstanding in every game I saw. He was a dawg on the defensive end using quick hands to create steals. He turned his defense into offense, finishing in transition and showed some shooting ability, snapping the net from behind the three point line. His play highlights the depth of the 2 time defending 4A state champs.
It is criminal that Butler won’t get to display his talent in front of college coaches this weekend. The guard scored the ball effortlessly in his league debut, blowing by defenders, finishing at the rim and knocking down shots from deep. He’s a scholarship athlete of some level, and with Section 7, being held an hour flight away, it would have been great to discover what level that is.
Highlights
Burdiss may have earned a spot on my Pre-season all lockdown team. The rangy wing has been everywhere during the league. He defends every position, getting steals in seemingly every possible way. He showed that he can pickpocket on ball and used good instincts to jump passing lanes. With his length and activity, he has a legitimate chance of leading the state in steals this season.
Every year I look for a high energy glue guy to make a difference, this year Neal is a front runner. He’s a banger big that plays with relentless energy, using strong mitts to snag boards. For a player his size, he has good feet, which allowed him to use a suprisingly quick first jump to compete and win in traffic rebounds. Look for him to be a fan favorite for the Desert Shields this season.
It’s only been two weeks since I’ve seen Coleman, but he looks like he’s grown, both vertically and horizontaly. He’s added muscle to his frame, and is showing All -Conference type potential. In addition to the physical, his game has completley changed. He’s gone from an off the ball, catch and shoot specialist, into a slick PG with the ability to overpower, draw and dish.
I’m impressed with Gilbert’s short term improvement and work ethic. He was diligent on the glass, scoing off putbacks and catch and finishes. What looked new was his faceup game, which included a few jab steps on the perimeter, allowing him to finish at the basket.