Texas Freshman Showcase: Stock Risers
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There was simply too much talent on display at the Freshman Showcase on Saturday to limit the standouts to one post. Below are another handful of players that separated themselves from the pack with their skill and abilities. Rodrieon Dillard…
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Continue ReadingThere was simply too much talent on display at the Freshman Showcase on Saturday to limit the standouts to one post. Below are another handful of players that separated themselves from the pack with their skill and abilities.
Rodrieon Dillard
Rodrieon Dillard
It didn’t take long for Dillard to get into a groove on Saturday. First thing I noticed about him was his defense – stance is low to the ground, arms out, speedy and can stick with his man. He was on top of any defensive switches and gave his opponents fits when they tried to get past him. He has a nice, aggressive game on the offensive side of the ball and knows how to finish through contact. He’s got size on many other players his age and he uses it to his advantage on the glass – racking up tons of second-chance points for his team.
Jack Pohlmeier
Jack Pohlmeier
Pohlmeier is a straight-up sharpshooter. He’s excellent at moving without the ball whether that be to find his spot behind the arc or cutting to the basket for an easy lay-in. He has a solid vertical and threw down the only dunk I saw on the day. The opposing team had to be on top of it with defensive switches and occasional double-teams to make sure he didn’t make them pay from three. When his shot isn’t open, he has great court vision to make laser-sharp passes to his teammates for a quick dime. Very effective defender as well – stays in front of his man, hustles back for blocks and rebounds, and possesses an impressive court awareness.
Lucas is pure lightning on the court. One of the faster players I saw at the showcase, he can steal the ball and be down the court for an easy deuce in seconds flat. He’s aggressive and he hustles on defense, which I love to see. Not only that, but he clearly has plenty of fun while doing it. He was part of the most entertaining 1-on-1 matchup I saw all day when he took on Lijah Brown from Boswell for an extended period during their game. They absolutely went at each other on both ends of the floor and were all smiles while doing so. Lucas is a fierce two-way combo guard and a lethal competitor with tons of potential.
Braden Brendel Braden Brendel 6'3" | SF Highland Park | 2027 TX
Braden Brendel Braden Brendel 6'3" | SF Highland Park | 2027 TX
Brendel was excellent on the fast break – oftentimes driving the length of the court and finishing through contact or dishing it to the open man. He’s lengthy and utilizes that well on defense, making his opponents adjust their shots and miss more often than not. Solid from the free throw line and always hustling – never takes a play off. Your ballhandling better be sufficient when playing against him, because he’ll steal it the first opportunity you give him. He’s always in the mix when the ball is up for grabs and racks up the rebounds on both sides of the floor.
Vijaykumar was a solid post-presence all day long. He got more aggressive and more confident throughout the showcase, having his better games later into the event. He knew how to carve through the defense in the paint with a great spin move and he carries himself like a big man on both sides of the floor. His ballhandling allows him to be versatile on the offensive side of the floor and he’s an absolute beast on the glass on both ends. He’s a great defender as well, using his length to make his opponents truly work for every single scoring opportunity.