Colorado Pre-Season Showcase: Two-Way Playmakers

A few backcourt prospects who impacted the game on both ends, taking on significant offensive and defensive roles to propel their teams into a successful event.    Mike is primed for a big role with Palmer, given the improvements to his jumper alongside the prior two-way value along the perimeter. A particularly valuable help side and point of attack defender, his ability to create steals for transition opportunities is about as effective as anyone in this 2025 class. What changes for him this season will be the offensive opportunities, set to be a crucial shotmaker for this group. Appearing to gain more strength over the past few months, he has had no trouble battling with bigger opponents.      Graham is still one of the most explosive guards in the state, a routine threat to throw down one-handed dunks. Bringing a wide reach and the obvious verticality, his defensive abilities are on par with anyone else in the state. He remains a talented shotmaker from the mid-range and behind the arc, unfazed versus the immediate contest. His three level scoring abilities will be necessary to a deep playoff run with Smoky Hill.     Basquez brought a notable point of attack defense, as one of the better perimeter defenders in the state when locked in. As well as an excellent defensive option in transition, he was the recipient of multiple chase down blocks, never giving up on the play. His wide reach and mobility allow him to disrupt numerous plays, getting a hand into the opponents more often than not. Still a skilled finisher around the rim, his ability to contort the ball through tight windows with the length makes him a troublesome opponent stop once in the paint. His quick first step paired with the long strides get him immediate access into the lane, an often recipient of drawn fouls.      Murray has found constant success while attacking downhill, becoming more comfortable as a facilitator from those circumstances. Effective leveraging his height advantage to see above the defense, his ability getting into the paint with East will be pivotal to their halfcourt production. Defensively, he competed both one on one or from the help side, alert at all times to contest attempts.      Williams continues to bring steady production, particularly while attacking the rim. Bringin soft touch and quickness getting up for second chance opportunities, opposing guards had trouble keeping him out of the paint. Far from just a downhill scorer, the guard found success with his pull-up shot attempts, particularly within the mid-range. He remains one of the better perimeter defenders in the 2027 class, holding his own against much older backcourt opponents.      Dotson will be a crucial complementary shotmaker for George Washington, bringing highly efficient scoring from all three levels. Bringing notably soft touch from off the dribble attempts, such as pull-ups or floaters, there is little the opposing defense can do once he gains a sliver of space. Still knockdown off the catch, he appears set as one of the premier floor spacers in his class, and possibly the state.

A few backcourt prospects who impacted the game on both ends, taking on significant offensive and defensive roles to propel their teams into a successful event.