Summer Hustlers
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The club/grassroots season is in the books. This time of year, we look back at spring/summer hoops and also speculate about the coming high school season. In this piece, PHD is looking back at the grassroots season. We are talking…
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Continue ReadingThe club/grassroots season is in the books. This time of year, we look back at spring/summer hoops and also speculate about the coming high school season. In this piece, PHD is looking back at the grassroots season. We are talking HUSTLE!
When “hustling” in hoops, it generally refers to the act of putting in a persistent, gritty, tough, and energetic effort to achieve a positive outcome. Ideally, this happens in a determined and resourceful manner. Hustle is commonly associated with playing hard, being proactive, and taking the initiative to make things happen, particularly in contexts where opportunities might not come easily. Not everyone is a “hustle player” but every team needs them, and coaches love hustlers!
HUSTLERS
Andy Koffa Andy Koffa 5'7" | PG Moorhead | 2025 MN
Andy Koffa Andy Koffa 5'7" | PG Moorhead | 2025 MN
He is a defensive dog! Koffa is undersized on the hardwood but he makes up for it with his effort, NRG, and hard work. Andy hounds the ball on defense, his ball pressure is impressive. He is also a ball hawk when playing off the ball. You have to love players that give it all on the defensive side of the floor.
He is a the epitome of a full-contact player. Larson’s motor never slows down and he plays the game with a passion. He runs the court hard, is always fighting for rebounds, and he keeps possessions alive with his offensive boards. Bennett brings it on defense every game. He draws a ton of contact and he gets to the line often.
Highlights
Braylon is a sparkplug and his feet are lightning quick. He plays tenacious on-ball defense and he pressures the full 94-feet all game long. Braylon led his ND Attack team is charges. Baldwin would do whatever his coached asked and he was always first to step up to a new challenge.
Brian Zarazua Jr.
Brian Zarazua Jr.
He was a major factor in the Bears Tail defense with his long arms, length, and quick hands. Brian deflected, stole passes, picked-pockets, and created many turnovers. He rebounds well for a PG, and he will do whatever it takes to create a shot for a teammate.
He covers a ton of ground and flies all over the court. Quam gets out in transition and runs the court hard. He is always putting pressure on the defense. Carson never gets stagnant on offense, he is always moving and looking to create something positive for his team.
Nobody worked harder than Flowers! It is a tall task to out-hustle Colby, and that did not happen this spring/summer. He is relentless, Colby plays hard 24/7. Flowers does the dirty work around the basket with strong defense, physical rebounding, and he is great at creating space. Colby plays the game of basketball with heart and hustle!
Highlights
He is a strong and gifted athlete. Smith played up an age group and he was still a standout. Colton gets after and hustles for every rebound. Colton does not shy from contact. He jumps/gets off the floor quickly and aggressively when going after 2nd chance opportunities. Coach Neuendorf says that Smith is at the top of his list when it comes to production on 2nd chances. Colton is an intriguing prospect, a hard worker, and a hustler!
DeAngelo Jones
DeAngelo Jones
He used his athleticism and quickness to always be around the ball on on defense. He was always giving extra effort for rebounds and you would see him flying through the air for the ball. Jones created problems on defense by getting into the passing lanes.
He is always the first guy on the floor for loose balls. Shobe attacks the offensive boards when most players are standing and watching. Jake is relentless on the defensive end with on-ball pressure and he always hustles to get back on defense. He works his tail off on the offensive end, uses screens like an artist, and he cuts aggressively/efficiently.
Highlights
This baller played so hard, he had to come out of games because he was getting after it with such fire that he was physically exhausted and needed a break. The SD Elite team fed off his effort and energy. Kuai can jump out of the gym. This led to him being a productive rebounder and he got after loose balls. He is active without the ball, I like how he cuts and spaces with a purpose. Mayen plays hard on both ends.
He has a nose for the ball and it does not matter if someone is in his way. Luke will do whatever it takes to get possession. Krempges rebounds hard and he comes up with the rock a majority of time on 50/50 balls. He will dive on the floor in a blink of an eye. Luke does a ton of of the little things and this helped lead his team to many victories.
He is a versatile defender that can guard positions 1 through 5. Kragness rebounds well on both ends of the court. Matt is not afraid to get on the floor. There is no such thing as a 50/50 ball when Kragness is in the game because he always comes up with the rock.
He is a physical, strong, and athletic baller. Zavion is always finding a body on the boards and contact from opposing players has little to no effect on him. Harildstad works hard to show-and-recover in pick-n-roll situations. He is aggressive on the O-glass and this led to extra possessions for his ECI squad.