July Scouting Notebook: Upside Forwards and Athletes

A catch all for player evaluations from recent tournaments.    Speckman has made good strides throughout the spring and summer while playing a competitive national schedule. To close out his summer with Team Griffin, the dunks were more regular and powerful. That's a key step for the tall center with a plus wingspan, he must start dunking everything around the rim. At the next level, he's more likely to draw a foul or finish if he turns some of his finger-roll moves into slams. Continuing to add physical strength to better finish will be key, which he does look to be starting to fill out. Meaning as he matures he should turn into a force to be reckoned with at next level. Defensive instincts are good overall, with solid rim deterrence but needs to continue to work on his anticipation against quicker athletes. The Colorado center has knocked on the door of a breakout all summer, and his junior year should be a turning point for him.     Strong, huge wingspan and knowing his role allowed Baliraine to dominant a game at his age group. The youngster attacked every rebound like it belonged to him. While also challenging every shot that was close to him around the rim. Add in running the floor and the impact Baliraine made on the game would've been obvious to a blind man. Offensive skill level looks promising as well. Good potential as a roll man in ball screens. Also can post up on the block, with solid touch from 4-6 feet and around the rim.     Bully ball type wing, dangerous off the bounce. Was active on the offensive glass, strong frame allowed him to muscle his way to rebounds and then finish through contact. Capable shooting off the dribble or spot up. Developing driving game, hit a nice euro step at one point with a nice lefty finish. Another promising sign as a driver, doesn't just look to score. Drove with patience and head up, to set up teammates if he saw them. Body is that of a wing right now, but there's potential to turn into more of a 2 or even a combo. Hopefully Thomas maintains bully ball identity while adding skills.     A long armed wing, with a light on his feet moving style that make it easy to project him to turn into a high level producer. Played up at the Circuit's event in Bryan, Texas a few weeks ago and made a clear impact against older competition. Flew around for blocks at the rim, and even closing out on perimeter shooters. On offense, when giving a lane he is fluid as a driver who already is finishing above the rim. Texas is always deep with upside athletes and Augman is a sign that the well isn't running empty anytime soon.     Myles plays basketball like he's on a trampoline. Big time dunking ability, without needing much of a runway to explode and play above the rim. Very active on the offensive glass and good energy all over the court. Currently a tweener as he has the size and athleticism of a wing but does the dirty work and fights around the rim like a forward. Athleticism and high motor playing always open doors for next level opportunities.

A catch all for player evaluations from recent tournaments.