2027 Wings & Bigs that impressed at EYBL Memphis Session 1
In this article:
With the first session of Nike EYBL completed in Memphis this past weekend, it’s time to take a look at who showed their skills and made impressions and who may be looking to continue getting that spotlight through the remaining…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the first session of Nike EYBL completed in Memphis this past weekend, it’s time to take a look at who showed their skills and made impressions and who may be looking to continue getting that spotlight through the remaining sessions. Today we take a look at the pivot and wings for Florida Rebels 15U squad and who made an immediate impact for their team.
Watts, a 6’6” wing from Florida Rebels 15U team showed his growing game this weekend in Memphis at the first stop on the EYBL circuit. His activity off the ball led to Watts finding open looks around the basket on slices to the rim or back cuts from the wing. His developing ball handling also saw him lead the break a few times and dribble into the paint for a floater or quick mid range pull-up. Watts’ shot is compact with a high release point and he already plays angles on the glass well on his shot attempts. His ability to relocate while the ball works around the top of the key or slash to the basket for an open look shows Watts’ growing understanding and feel for the game also. Knowing when to pick and choose his areas this weekend was key for him and continuing to exude that confidence.
Next up we have Jeremy Jenkins Jeremy Jenkins 6’7″ | PF Riviera Prep | 2027 State FL , a 6’9” forward/wing who does most of his damage in the paint or midrange, but has a growing three-point shot making ability. Jenkins has the ball handling skills to rebound and lead a break by himself and find those open spaces. If teams are zoning up he can attack and find an area to rise up and shoot from or get all the way to the basket. He uses his rangy frame to blow past defenders with a long stride on his first step and cover lots of space in a short amount of time. Jenkins length also helps him as a defender as he is able to disrupt passing lanes that lead to steals. Jenkins also has a knack for rebounding and putting himself in position to sky for the glass. He reads the shot trajectory very well for a young player and tracks it to the spot, trying to beat his defender there to secure the glass.
Clocking in at 6’7” and 185 lbs, we have Maddox Harden Maddox Harden 6’7″ | SF Oak Ridge | 2027 State FL . Though Harden wasn’t filling every category on the stat sheet this weekend, he did show lots of promise in a budding all around game. When he got the ball in the post, was able to freeze his defender by using a flurry of pump fakes to find a clear view of the basket and lay it in. His shooting mechanics are fluid as well and more repetition will lead to more makes for him and building that confidence in his game. Harden already has that inherent feel for the game and is the consummate glue guy on this Rebels squad. He is never sped up and keeps control of his dribble while playing with his head up always on the lookout for teammates.
Last up we have 6’6″, 185 lb Carson Crawford Carson Crawford 6’6″ | SF Fleming Island | 2027 State FL . Another Swiss Army knife type of player who slashes to the paint and can finish with either hand. The highlights of his weekend came off being in constant motion and making reads. Crawford has a budding basketball IQ and it was on display. He is the type of teammate that understands his role on this team and will not cause any friction. On the bench, he cheered on his teammates and showed his support for them when he was not in the game and when he got his chance, Crawford stepped in and made plays. Building confidence in his shooting stroke will be next up to allow Crawford to continue to grow his game.
Stay tuned as we’re covering some more great Florida grassroots standouts throughout the rest of the week from Memphis. You’ll want to prepare yourself as well if you are thinking of heading to Atlanta for the next session. so you can circle these teams games.