UCO Team Camp: 2027s to Know

Checking in on some familiar faces from the now sophomores, while also finding new names to monitor.    As a dual sport star (baseball), he was only with Heritage Hall for one day of the event. But just like his frame and height, his impact was large. He's already a physical presence (which at times he needs to embrace that more), who did good work as a roll man in pick and roll situations. And even hit in the mid-range. The Chargers have an exciting young core, which will likely come with growing pains given the youthful guards. But the impact that Williams can be will be crucial as Heritage Hall aims to make their first State Tournament run since 2022.     Good looking athlete, first caught the eye with the ground he covered to close out a block on a jump shooter. Has growing perimeter skills based on the jumpers he knocked down in one viewing. An injury derailed his freshman year, but King should play a key role this upcoming year on a Pony team that is looking to make back to back Class 3A State Tournament appearances.     Good fluid movement, feel and pace first stand out when watching the Shawnee youngster. Was able to get downhill in spurts, and has some scoring touch too. Natural strength maturation should help better finish through contact. Jumper was off in the chunks of games watched, but the production that Litherland ended his freshman campaign indicate he's already on track to be a good scorer at the varsity level. 5A on the west side has been shaken up. Will be interesting to see if the 2027 guard and his Shawnee teammates are one of the teams that can take a step forward this winter and be in contention for a State Tournament spot     Another key piece of the Heritage Hall youth movement, Gillispie's shot wasn't falling this week as it has in some previous camp settings. But he did show good vision and overall unselfish decision making ability. Has some promise with eye misdirection when it comes to making actual no look reads to open up teammates. Long term, going to need to see shots fall as gravity from deep is needed for smaller guards to succeed. And like many younger players, being verbal and communication are areas of improvement. Smaller lead guards need to full of energy and loud, even clapping is a good starting point.     There's some early traits that indicate that Shine could be a "where did he come from prospect?" in a year or two. Right now he's a tweener, and still has the gangly movements of youth. But the physical profile indicate he's still growing and could up being a player who's making plays above the rim in six months to a year. Along with the athletic profile, the lefty did look comfortable hitting a 20 footer in one contest. Although the release will need to be sped up.

Checking in on some familiar faces from the now sophomores, while also finding new names to monitor.