'25 GB Blue Devils: Prospects to Know From NJ's New AAU Program

A pioneer and pivotal piece of the Rutgers basketball program's history, former point guard and two time Third Team-All Big Ten, Geo Baker has recently put together a new up and coming AAU program in the State of New Jersey, the GB Blue Devils. Assembling a 15U and 16U squad for their inaugural season, the GB Blue Devils will compete on the HGAL Circuit, the Hoop Group Academic League Circuit— Hoop Group's new high academic prospect aimed at formulating a circuit intended to connect college coaches seeking high academic players. With tournaments set to get in the full swing of things over the next couple weeks, let's take a look at some prospects everyone should know set to play with the GB Blue Devils this spring and summer.    Coming off a strong freshman season that saw him continuously make winning plays and consistently knock down open shots from three point range, [player_tooltip player_id='2397968' first='Connor' last='Junker'] will look to do much of the same going into the AAU season for this year's GB Blue Devils' 16U squad. Despite being undersized, Junker is tough competitor that is fully capable of running an offense, facilitating and getting his teammates involved while also hitting big shots from the perimeter, with range, particularly off the catch.     An absolute sniper from three point range, [player_tooltip player_id='2683648' first='Jayce' last='Rodriguez'] will look to add elite perimeter shooting to Geo Baker's 16U team. A confident shooter with a smooth and compact release, Rodriguez is a lethal shooter than get going from three point range. Look for Rodriguez to capitalize off the big shooting performances he had as just a freshman for Colonia this past season, not only showing the range he can shoot it with but also show flashes of an improving ability to put the ball on the floor and create offense for himself.     An ultra athletic, slashing wing with good length, that does a good job of getting to and using his athleticism to finish at the rim, [player_tooltip player_id='2634744' first='Johan' last='Stephenson'] will look to add a unique combination of size, athleticism, length, and two way versatility to this year's 16U GB Blue Devils lineup. An aggressive attacker of the basket, Stephenson is fully capable of finishing above the rim, both on halfcourt dribble drives and in the open floor in transition. Look for Stephenson to also use his length to be a versatile defender, capable of guarding 1 through 5.     A smooth, left handed PG, [player_tooltip player_id='2786681' first='Cam' last='White'] will look to add instant offense to Geo Baker's 16U squad. White has a knack for using smooth hesitation dribbles and different dribble combo moves to get downhill and showcase his nice touch around the basket. White also has a nice pull up game that he can get to when defenses take away his ability to get to the basket. Look for White to be a steady and reliable source of offense for the GB Blue Devils on the HGAL circuit.     Capable of scoring it at multiple levels, [player_tooltip player_id='2788989' first='Christian' last='Rodriguez'] is known for putting up big scoring performances. As just a freshman, Rodriguez exploded for multiple 20+ point performances throughout the course of the HS season. With HGAL play soon approaching, look for Rodriguez to capitalize off the large numbers he put up and showcase his ability to get to the basket and finish around defenders at the rim alongside his continuous improving perimeter scoring ability.     An intriguing addition to Geo Baker's 16U squad, [player_tooltip player_id='2568645' first='Austin' last='Kolakowski'] will look to provide a lethal perimeter shooting ability to the GB Blue Devils' backcourt. Coming off a strong sophomore season that saw him bury threes, from deep range too, night in and night out, look for Kolakowski to expand his offensive skillset as a playmaker and become a more well rounded guard going into HGAL play.     A multi faceted guard with solid positional size, [player_tooltip player_id='2203813' first='Neel' last='Sappidi'] will look to add two way versatility to Geo Baker's 16U backcourt. Sappidi is a guard that can do a lot of different things on the court and contribute in multiple statistical categories— perimeter shooting off the catch, rebound well for his position, demonstrate good feel for the game and play the right way, as well as contain drives on defense. Look for Sappidi to be a pivotal, versatile piece for GB Blue Devils 16's on the HGAL circuit.

A pioneer and pivotal piece of the Rutgers basketball program's history, former point guard and two time Third Team-All Big Ten, Geo Baker has recently put together a new up and coming AAU program in the State of New Jersey, the GB Blue Devils. Assembling a 15U and 16U squad for their inaugural season, the GB Blue Devils will compete on the HGAL Circuit, the Hoop Group Academic League Circuit— Hoop Group's new high academic prospect aimed at formulating a circuit intended to connect college coaches seeking high academic players. With tournaments set to get in the full swing of things over the next couple weeks, let's take a look at some prospects everyone should know set to play with the GB Blue Devils this spring and summer.