UCO Team Camp Day 1 Standouts
In this article:
Once again June is closing out with the ridiculously deep UCO Team Camp. With a healthy mix of 405 and small town programs converging on Edmond, UCO’s event is always one of the top evaluation events of the summer for…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOnce again June is closing out with the ridiculously deep UCO Team Camp. With a healthy mix of 405 and small town programs converging on Edmond, UCO’s event is always one of the top evaluation events of the summer for Oklahoma prospects. Here’s a quick look at some names that impressed on day 1.
Benton has matured from a long range specialist with the ability to hit in the mid-range, to a consistent scoring threat off the bounce. He’s not going to “wow” with a quick first step, but he has a mix of a quality handle, wingspan and good strength that allows him to navigate his way inside. He consistently found ways to the paint and midrange, allowing him to get quality looks against a stingy Putnam City West squad. It was especially impressive how relentless he was on Monday night in his third game of the day. As he also started the day with a similarly impressive off the dribble scoring display against Norman North.
Highlights
In Putnam City West’s Monday victory, Constant closed the game strongly with winning plays. Grabbing rebounds and pushing it, an impressive steal and score off an inbounds play, and improved driving in the halfcourt were key parts of that performance. Over the last year, the competitive guard has turned from a quality shooter, to a more complete all around weapon.
The quick and aggressive sophomore had no back down against an older Putnam City West squad. From tenacious defense to impressive driving off the bounce, Wilson left his mark on the contest. Along with his ability to get downhill, Wilson showed signs of maturing into a high level passer. His one handed cross court passing were especially good signs of the wing having the upside to mature into an impressive playmaker. There’s a chance that by the time Holland Hall is chasing another State Tournament berth in 8 months, that Wilson is one of the top players in the state regardless of grade.
Highlights
With improving athleticism and confidence, Buckingham has been putting up impressive scoring numbers in every viewing this spring. Monday was no different as he made his living in the mid-range with quality pull ups and even getting to the basket. He has a textbook looking jumper, and now is getting great separation when stopping and hitting from 10-15 feet. The new Cyclone is one of the more improved players in the state this spring and looks ready for a huge senior season at Casady.
The back to back 6A champions remain one of the deepest teams in the state and Weaver is a great example of that depth. The tall junior got a chance at extended run on Monday, and proceeded to be exceptionally productive around the basket. His size allows him to carve out space for rebounds on both ends of the court. That same size when paired with his soft touch at the basket on the offensive end, had him feasting on second chance opportunities. While basketball has gotten faster and smaller, there is still some room for throwback bigs, and if Weaver keeps progressing he could become a change of pace post player to modern “small ball”.