Fall Grassroots Preview: Young Guns To Watch

He’s just fun to watch. A throwback player with a touch of modern versatility. He is often the biggest player on the floor, grabbing rebounds, and scoring around the bucket. He has also shown that he can be effective on the perimeter, and in transition. The uniqueness of his game is his pass first mentality, which allows him to get other players involved from multiple areas on the floor.

One of the youngest players, has one of the best handles. The jitterbug PG is quick and can throw some shiftiness in there whenever he needs to. Plays like a baby Trae Young, wiggling away from defenders before launching deep threes. He’s more accurate than a player at his age should be.

Collins possess a tremendous mix of speed and skill. He’s one of the fastest players on the floor, blowing by defenders and attacking the rim. His speed also helps out on the defensive end, as he guards on ball, and can anticipate and jump passing lanes. He’s already got high school three point range, and is good enough to recognize open teammates in drive and dish situations.

Morales will catch some attention simply for his hustle and effort. He is one of the best young, big, rim runners, getting a ton of his points off just following the ball. He has a decent touch around the rim and has even showed the ability to hit open mid range jumpers.

Emery is a pure PG, that understands the game at an advanced level. He defends his position, showing the ability to get on ball steals, and he is a willing passer, that will hit ahead to open teammates.

Let it be known Hackett has a signature skill. The young big man is one of the best glass cleaners I’ve seen in this grade. He uses a combination of activity, stong hands and instincts to successfully pursue the pumpkin. His offensive game is still developing, however he can get you second chance attempts in volume.

Ekanen looks like a force to be reckoned with. The long prospect from Canada is active and very bouncy. He gets off the ground well with his 1st and 2nd jump, allowing him to rebound alone. He’s an unpolished athlete, that seems to jump as high as he needs to. His activity combined with his fearlessness, allows him to score the ball around the rim.

I would be remissed if AHL wasn’t on this list. The big man, with the slick game is one of the most entertaining players I saw. He’s a bundle of energy, that you’re not quite sure how it happens, but he always manages to make something happen. He’ll score with his back to the basket and can make some sweet dimes, to teammates. The versatile forward held his own, traveling out of the state of New Mexico with his Eagles Academy squad.