Southwest Slam: 2028 Guards
Southwest Slam organized by Hoopers Only is an exciting youth basketball tournament that captivates the basketball community in Phoenix, Arizona. The event takes place Oct 13th -15. Hosted at the state-of-the-art PHHacility, this event offers young athletes a platform to…
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Continue ReadingSouthwest Slam organized by Hoopers Only is an exciting youth basketball tournament that captivates the basketball community in Phoenix, Arizona. The event takes place Oct 13th -15. Hosted at the state-of-the-art PHHacility, this event offers young athletes a platform to showcase their skills and passion for the game. With a reputation for its competitive spirit and sportsmanship, the Southwest Slam brings together talented youth teams from across the Southwest. There were several really talented guards at the event. Here’s a look at the top 2028 guards.
Braylon Tillman
Braylon Tillman
Tillman was the best passer I saw at the event. He’s a natural, and plays like one of those guys that gets more enjoyment out of dishing to open teammates vs scoring for himself. I’m still suprised that he’s only about 5’5 – 5’6 as his long arms make him seem taller. He was good throwing dimes in both stationary situations and off the bounce.
Aziah Ortega
Aziah Ortega
Ortega was a joy to watch. The guard is much shiftier than he looks. He was able to wiggle by the first defender before getting downhill and scoring time and time again. He also showed a nice outside stroke, banging home more than the occasional three pointer when left open.
Issac Teasley
Issac Teasley
I always like watching guys that compete and that is exactly what Teasley does. The 5’5 guard played like he’s 6’5 throwing his body around. He plays with good instincts, especially on the defensive end where he was able to jump passing lanes for steals. He also was one of the more unslefish players hitting teammates with accurate dimes.
RJ Rose
RJ Rose
Rose has a chance to be a really good player. I didn’t get a chance to get a height on him, but he is a long lean guard. There were times where he was loose with the basketball, however when he wasn’t he showed the ability to get to the rim at ease. The wing scorer used a nice hesitation move to keep opponents off balance.
Tavion Butler
Tavion Butler
Butler is as they say, quick as a hiccup. The jitterbug PG was able to get by opponents off the bounce, using both a good first step and flat out speed. He made some good defensive plays, and turned heads with his interior finishing game which used a variety of floaters and runner.
Shawn Thompson
Shawn Thompson
Five star Shawn may not be a five star yet, but he’s on his way. The PG plays with a good feel for the game, using a strong handle to create plays off the bounce. He was one of the top Floor Generals I saw, controlling the game with great pace.
Christian Normandin
Christian Normandin
Normandin really benifited from playing with the Tillman brothers. He did a terrific job of being a floor spacer, knocking down countless threes throughout the weekend. I didn’t get an exact height, however all I knew was that #12 kept seeming to make shots. Normandin showed an advance stroke, and the ability to get his shot off quickly in catch and shoot action.
Marcus Nipape
Marcus Nipape
I’ll say this, the coaches really believe in Nipape, his AZ Select people told me he was one to watch and he did not disapoint. If he was a runningback they would say he put his foot in the ground and went. The guard was a consistent downhill driver, that was unstopable attacking the basket.
Pierce Harrington Pierce Harrington CG AZ
Pierce Harrington Pierce Harrington CG AZ
Harrington has put himself on the radar for my All Showtime team. His performance in the Championship game was one to remember. It would be an understatement to say he brought it, as the guard took his game to another level with the trophy on the line. He scored the ball in transition, but it was his defense that took over the game. Despite being a generous 5’7, he was the best shot blocker I saw, swatting all kind of shots both on the perimeter and especially on the interior. He’s the type of player I want by my side in any high stakes contest.