The Return of the Shockers 16u

A cohesive bunch of middle Tennessee hoopers continue to collect wins throughout the southeast. The Shockers splashed onto the scene a year ago dominating the Bluff City Blues (2023). It is a perfect time to revisit the program and see how the familiar faces are developing. Saturday afternoon 16u Head Coach Austin Gee expounded on the players and shared one aspect each player needs to improve long-term.   <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/04/introducing-shockers-2026-aau/">Introducing [program_tooltip program_id='2361111' first='Shockers' last='2026'] AAU</a>   #0 [player_tooltip player_id='1947169' first='Oliver' last='Bender']   He is a 6'4" forward. He excels in the mid-range using his athleticism to create opportunities around the rim. Defensively, there is work to be done but he gives a good effort. Big time rebounder. 3-star WR with a few offers. He is going to keep playing basketball through his high school career.   #2 [player_tooltip player_id='1923548' first='Jackson' last='McCutcheon']   Elite shooter. Best shooter I have ever seen in person and I have seen a lot of basketball. If he gets an open look, then it is going in. Another player that needs to focus on getting stronger and getting better on the defensive end. His ball-handling has improved a lot since I met him a couple of years ago. Defense and strength are what he needs to work on. He is 5'10".   Can he be a point guard, if asked? Like I said his ball-handling is vastly improved, but if he works on it I think he can be become a decent point guard. Definitely more of a shooter.   #3 [player_tooltip player_id='1901670' first='Jake' last='Harney'] Point guard supreme. He is like an extension of me, the coach, on the court as far as managing the game. Giving opportunities to others. A big part of our offense is creating for others. He is a pass-first point guard in my opinion. In practice, he chooses to be a little more aggressive in practice and it is really good. In the games he chooses to be more of a general. He was a starter, I think on-and-off starter for sure. 5'10" He played baseball this year, jv, I think. Basketball is his main sport.   #4 [player_tooltip player_id='1911257' first='Hudson' last='McKnight']   He is a combo guard. 1 and 2. His defense, to me, stands out. He is always getting deflections. He is always in the passing lanes. Offensively, he loves to drive and create. He is probably #2 or #3 best shooter on the team. Last session he was doing things with mid-range floaters and jumpers. It was really promising for his next season.   He has grown a lot. I think I would list him at 6'1" or 6'2".   With his size and his length, and his knowledge of the game, super intelligent and wants to get the others involved. He is definitely one that could make some noise. Crafty on defense.   #10 Hart Weatherford (MBA)   He is 6'3", small forward. Definitely second-best shooter on the team. Lefty. His shot is pretty pure. He has a pure shot. Things to work on are: physicality, defense. Knowing that he is bigger than most of the kids, and using that, is going to be key. When he chooses to attack the rack he is pretty strong at the rim with that left hand.   #11 [player_tooltip player_id='2249601' first='Lawson' last='Gillespie'] 6'3" G/F   He went to BGA. Rangy, athletic. Most athletic on the team. Good shot. He shoots 3-pointers at a pretty solid rate. Probably 35-40%. Ultra athletic. He needs work using his athletic gifts. Defensively, if they have somebody 6'3" and athletic, then I am put him on them. He is not a lock-down defender, but he is super athletic.   #13 [player_tooltip player_id='1946924' first='Chris' last='Johnson'] PF   I can't say enough about this guy. 6'5"/6'6" . Elite rim protector. Most games he has had multiple dunks, at least lately. He is getting more aggressive. Dunking instead of jump hooks. Great touch on his jump hook, anywhere inside 8-10'. Rebounding...he is probably our top rebounder on the team.   #21 [player_tooltip player_id='2847447' first='David' last='Taft'] 6'5" F MBA   Probably one of the most physically gifted players on our team. Shows moments of dominance and brilliance, but he needs work with consistency and being strong with the ball. Turns the ball over some. Probably 230 pounds. He doesn't play football, but he, Chris, Hudson are the best bets.   #5 Blake Surratt   6'0" guard. Out of Ensworth. Super physical. I love when he plays with use because he brings that physicality to the game. Great defense. I think he started for Ensworth last year. He is a baseball guy. He might be getting looks for baseball.

A cohesive bunch of middle Tennessee hoopers continue to collect wins throughout the southeast. The Shockers splashed onto the scene a year ago dominating the Bluff City Blues (2023). It is a perfect time to revisit the program and see how the familiar faces are developing. Saturday afternoon 16u Head Coach Austin Gee expounded on the players and shared one aspect each player needs to improve long-term.