Ticket To Greatness Combine Immediate Takeaways
In this article:
The Ticket to Greatness Combine brought an innovative style to Alabama during the last live period. Many showed up to take advantage of a stage that was provided, and players came from across the state. Here are my immediate takeaways…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Ticket to Greatness Combine brought an innovative style to Alabama during the last live period. Many showed up to take advantage of a stage that was provided, and players came from across the state. Here are my immediate takeaways from day one…
Bryce Dawson Bryce Dawson 6'5" | SF Central | 2025 State AL (6’4/Wing/’25/Central-Phenix)
Instagram: Bk1.offixial
Twitter: @Bk1_offixial
Bryce was a highlight in camp on and off the floor. One of the things that was his biggest highlight had nothing to do with his scoring presence from behind the arc, the bodies he caught at the rim, and the defensive versatility he displayed. The biggest moment of the day that I will share with coaches was Bryce talking to other campers, coaching them up, and sharing tips to help them improve their game. He was vocal throughout the day and was a magnet that drew players to him. He was one of the best 3 and D players at camp, and he made his presence felt from the moment he stepped into the gym. He is a natural scorer with an intriguing combination of size and shot-making ability from both inside and outside the arc, and he seems to have his confidence back at a high level.
Joe Wimberly Joe Wimberly 6'0" | PG Pelham | 2024 State AL (6’0/PG/’24/Pelham HS)
Instagram: joewimberly_
Twitter: @joewimberly_
Joe has been labeled the best on-ball defender in the state and continues to show that the label is true. He made his presence felt with his tenacity and limited space giving on-ball defensive pressure. He continues to show his offensive development as he has proven his ability to be a floor general. He is now developing into a reliable scorer from the PG spot, showing the ability to hit the trey ball and score from the mid-range and at the high post at a high level. He’s a crafty little guard who plays under great control and has a brilliant floor game. His game has matured, and he is ready for a senior year that could garner the attention needed to pave his path to the next level.
Ray Ray McCants (6’4/Wing/’25/SFA)
Instagram: rayray.glizxzy
Twitter: @Raymccants_
Ray Ray returned to his home state, and the first thing I noticed was that it looked as though he had grown an inch. The next thing I noticed was that he has not lost it from deep. He continues to shoot lights out from beyond the arc, and he looks a lot more comfortable handling the ball and getting into his shot off the bounce. He was one of the hardest-working guys during all three facets of the camp. During the measurement testing, he moved extremely well, which set the tone for the rest of his day. It was great being able to put eyes on this emerging talent, and the question surrounding him is how will his game develop now that he is on the Prep stage. Let’s be honest, many will be watching to see if he will succeed or fail, and I am one that believes he has a good chance to come into his own and accomplish the former.
Brayden Rivers Brayden Rivers 6'7" | SF Huntsville | 2025 State AL (6’6/W/2025/Huntsville HS)
Instagram: braydenrivers
Twitter: @B_Rivers_2025
I do not think that no one’s stock is rising in the state of Alabama like Brayden. He has been playing with a lot of confidence the past two months, and if his level of play remains consistent and is something that Huntsville can rely on night in and night out, Huntsville will be a tough out when the postseason rolls around. Brayden is improving at a rapid pace, and his entire game is developing as he personally is garnering more and more attention from the next level. He is showing a quicker burst off the bounce, body control in the paint and at the rim, and explosiveness off the floor. He is showing real 3-level scoring and really produced in the scoring column at camp.
Austin Coner Austin Coner 6'1" | CG Pinson Valley | 2025 State AL (6’0/PG/Pinson Valley HS)
Instagram: acwoo2
Twitter: @woo2shiesty3
One of the first things I noticed about Austin is that he has added a couple inches, and in conversation with others, when looking at his dad, Austin might shoot up to 6’5. Now, if that happens, the conversation surrounding Woo will change drastically when it comes to his ceiling. The last time I saw Woo, he was coming off his hand injury in the regionals. He now looks 100%, and his game looks more mature. One thing that I love about his game is his pace. He never allows the defender to speed him up, as he is always in control of every facet of the offense when the ball is in his hands. He has a high IQ and understands the game in a way that has college coaches keeping their eyes on him. He is an elite playmaker with exceptional ball-handling skills with both hands with the ability to create space and create off the bounce. Look for Woo to be a key piece to Pinson Valley looking to get to Birmingham next season.
Joshua Williams Joshua Williams 6'2" | SG Helena | 2024 State AL (6’3/SG/’24/Helena HS)
Instagram: Joshua.williams1456
Twitter: @Dolph_williams
Josh was one if not the best shooter from behind the arc, but it was not his shooting prowess that turned heads. His physical play was impressive as he made defenders feel his presence every time he attacked the rim off the bounce. The state knows his ability to score from deep, but he is starting to show more confidence in putting the ball on the floor. He does not have the quickest first step, but his strong frame allows him to steamroll defenders on his slashes to the rim. When it comes to Josh, everything going forward is about how his game transfers to the next level. He is still looking for that first official offer, and you can tell in his play that he is trying to put it all out there for college coaches to see what he can bring to their program.