Gamechangers to Know: AAU Edition
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There are certain players out there that can single-handedly change the outlook of a game when they check in for their teams. They change the team’s mood and their impact is contagious and spreads to their teammates. Below are a…
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Continue ReadingThere are certain players out there that can single-handedly change the outlook of a game when they check in for their teams. They change the team’s mood and their impact is contagious and spreads to their teammates. Below are a handful of those players that will be making significant noise this summer.
Antoine Shannon Antoine Shannon 6'3" | SG Allen | 2025 State TX
Antoine Shannon Antoine Shannon 6'3" | SG Allen | 2025 State TX
Antoine is a gritty two-way player that can independently change the outcome of a game for his team. There really isn’t anything that he’s not solid at – his game is extremely well-rounded. He’s creative offensively and incredibly fun to watch due to his supreme ballhandling and his ability to work himself out of tough defensive situations. He’s always calm under pressure and performs well on the fly, making multiple adjustments during the game. His basketball IQ is through the roof for his age. He’s a lockdown defender as well, regularly racking up steals, wrestling for boards, and anticipating his opponent’s next move. What impressed me most about Shannon was his beautiful jumper and his ability to stop on a dime and elevate and get off his shot from anywhere on the floor. He moves extremely well without the ball as well and is a flat-out difference maker for any team he’s on.
Jesiah Williams
Jesiah Williams
Jesiah is scary talented. His superpowers seem to be his length and his speed, which he uses to create steals, block your shot to the bleachers, and run the fast break to finish with a dunk on his defender’s head. He already has a wingspan of nearly 7 feet and he weaves in and out of traffic in the lane like he’s running a drill – he makes it look incredibly easy. He has a deadly spin move that he consistently uses to get to the rim for high-percentage shots. He’s often one of the taller players on the court at his age, but he moves so gracefully and plays like an all-star caliber PG offensively. He uses his height effectively on defense – opponents struggle to get up clear, decent shots against his impressive reach and vertical ability. I expect Williams to make a ton of noise in the coming years and I can’t wait to see it.
Trevion Ogburn
Trevion Ogburn
Trevion makes his defenders absolutely miserable from the three-point line. He moves incredibly well without the ball and seems to always know how to be in the right place at the right time. He impressively uses the pressure that’s created from his shooting ability to get open looks for his streaking teammates and to build rhythm and create contact in the lane for an easy two points from the charity stripe. Ogburn is the type of player who Coach draws up the play for at the end of the game. He’s composed under pressure and he seems like he craves those moments. Make or miss – he doesn’t hang his head and he’s always thinking about his next opportunity and how to get better. That’s what a team wants in every player and Trevion delivers big-time.
Christian Kelley
Christian Kelley
Christian seems to live and breathe basketball and he’s always locked into the game from the tip. He’s incredibly dangerous because he’s always making heads up plays and can be effective for his team in multiple areas. He’s not afraid of contact at all and he can go either way on his defender to get to the hoop for an open look. Pair that with his silky, smooth jumper and you’re looking at one heck of offensive threat. But what I love about Kelley is he doesn’t stop there – he’ll take charges, he’ll dive for rebounds, he’ll pass up a good shot for a teammate’s great shot – he does what usually has to be taught incredibly well. For coaches – he’s an awesome find – a guy that has all the talent and continues to play hungry and the right way.
Kellan Cantrell Kellan Cantrell 6'3" | SG Highland Park | 2027 TX
Kellan Cantrell Kellan Cantrell 6'3" | SG Highland Park | 2027 TX
Kellan plays with a chip on his shoulder and I love it. He’s got a really pretty rotation on his jumper – don’t let that fool you though – he is absolutely NOT just a shooter. He can glide right by his defenders with his speed and impressive ballhandling and he can dunk on their heads with a nice vertical ability. Cantrell reminds me a lot of Austin Reaves – gritty, endless energy, inserts himself into every play, can create his own offense, uses his body to make his layups and finger rolls unblockable, and is never afraid of the moment. He uses his quickness on the defensive end effectively – swiping steals from unsuspecting opponents and leading the charge the other direction. He’s vocal on the floor for his team and he has a ton of confidence – and for good reason. Kellan knows how he can make a significant impact for his team every game and he executes that in multiple areas beautifully.