5 Pittsburgh Area Underclassmen to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've recently been discussing Pittsburgh underclassmen with coaches throughout the area. Here are some names that kept coming up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2473603"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6691723410fec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2473603' first='Peja' last='Strobl'] has had a huge summer which has attracted numerous Division I programs. He might be the best shooter in the Pittsburgh area. At 6'3", Strobl already possesses good size for a point guard, and I could easily see him getting to 6'6 or 6'7. His court vision, particularly in transition, allows him to create opportunities for teammates. He is unselfish and a team-first guy. His high basketball IQ is evident in his off-ball movement and overall court awareness, and his leadership role with Upper St. Clair and The Scoring Factory underscores his intangibles. Strobl's performances in high-profile events have been noteworthy, and he has recently received an invitation to the prestigious NBA Academy Games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1406938"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6691723411044"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1406938' first='Lamont' last='Perkins'] stands out on both ends of the court. He is a lock-down defender with quick hands and an excellent ability to read passing lanes. Offensively, Perkins demonstrates a well-rounded game. His smooth shooting stroke makes him a constant threat from the perimeter. His physical strength allows him to finish well through contact, while his ball-handling skills and quality mid-range game add layers to his offensive arsenal. Perkins' court vision and passing ability solidifies his offensive impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1454308"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6691723411086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Danny Slizik's defensive game is anchored by his exceptionally quick hands and ability to read passing lanes. And in my opinion, he is one of the best defenders in the Pittsburgh area. Offensively, Slizik is a sharpshooter, but he's also improved his game in other ways. When defenses overplay him, he has no issue taking the ball to the rim. Look for him to have a break-out season for Chartiers Valley this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2412621"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66917234110c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2412621' first='Naron' last='Jackson'] is very possibly the best point guard in the Pittsburgh City League. He boasts a well-rounded game with excellent quickness. Jackson's midrange game is particularly noteworthy, and at the rim, he showcases his versatility and strength. His play is smooth and effortless and he runs the floor with a natural feel for the game that can't be taught. His playmaking ability and willingness to distribute the ball make him a true point guard. Jackson's potential has not gone unnoticed, with interest already coming from college programs such as Pepperdine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Anthony Abrahams","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Allderdice","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6691723411226"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anthony Abrahams is long and athletic with good shooting range and a reliable stroke from deep. When he steps inside, his face-up game is solid, along with his mid-range game. He's also an excellent passer with a high basketball IQ. Defensively, Abrahams has shown significant improvement. He has a ton of potential for further growth in his game. He features a tough and scrappy play style, with plenty of intangible qualities that make him the type of player that coaches covet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->