HGAL Standouts Heading Into May Live Period Part II

In its inaugural season, the Hoop Group Academic League circuit has shined light on and brought more exposure to a handful of high academic prospects this spring. The state of New Jersey has had some interesting prospects stand out over the first month of this circuit's play. In the second half of this article, let's dive into some New Jersey prospects that have stood out and that everyone should have their eyes on heading into the May live period.    A confident and strong ball handler that has been an effective floor general for this 16U GB Blue Devils group, [player_tooltip player_id='2397968' first='Connor' last='Junker'] is off to a strong spring. Junker has brought an interesting combination of playmaking and shot making ability to the GB Blue Devils offense— setting the table and getting his teammates involved while also showcasing his ability to be a versatile shooter from the perimeter. Fresh off receiving offers from both Iona and Fairfield, look for Junker to continue build upon his strong performances so far this spring heading into the May live period.     A fundamentally sound basketball player, [player_tooltip player_id='2421357' first='Matt' last='Caplan'] has done a really good job of playing within himself over this first month or so of tournaments this spring. Caplan has been aggressive downhill attacker in getting to the basket while also showcasing his ability to be a lethal shooter from three point range. As we approach the May live period, look for Caplan to continue his strong play as a guy that excels off the ball as a three point shooter and a guy that can also attack closeouts and get to the basket.     A strong ball handler for the [program_tooltip program_id='2309578' first='Jersey' last='Shore Predators']' 17U HGAL squad, [player_tooltip player_id='2342604' first='Dean' last='Yellen Jr'] has put up a collection of strong scoring performances so far this spring, displaying his ability to score it at multiple levels. Yellen Jr. has thrived at getting downhill and finishing in traffic around the basket while also knocking down open shots from the perimeter, with range too. Yellen Jr. has also showcased a smooth mid range pull up jumper this spring, particularly in PnR action. As we approach the May live period, look for Yellen Jr. to continue his strong play as a lead guard for this 17U HGAL group.     [player_tooltip player_id='2786681' first='Cam' last='White'] has excelled as a strong source of offense for Geo Baker's 16U squad— primarily as a versatile perimeter shot maker. White has also showcased his smooth mid range pull up jumper. White has also thrived at getting to the basket in transition, finishing through contact. White has had a handful of strong scoring performances that have seen him create offense for himself and will look to continue much of that heading into the May live period for the GB Blue Devils.     The driving force behind the [program_tooltip program_id='2078573' first='NJ' last='Beasts'] HGAL 17U group, [player_tooltip player_id='2628194' first='Robert' last='Lopez'] has been dangerous from three point range so far this spring. Lopez has consistently made defenses pay for lazy closeouts while also continuing to hunt his shot in transition. Defensively, despite being undersized, Lopez plays with a relentless motor and has made plays being disruptive at the POA and being active in the passing lanes. Look for Lopez to continue to put up big shooting numbers this upcoming May live period.     [player_tooltip player_id='2342636' first='Chidi' last='Chukwurah'] has used his strong and physical frame to be physically imposing on the interior for the [program_tooltip program_id='2309578' first='Jersey' last='Shore Predators'] 17U HGAL group. Consistently establishing a strong paint presence, Chukwurah has showcased his ability to score in the low post, crash the offensive and defensive glass and come down with rebounds, operate out the short roll, and even step out to the three point line and shoot the three ball. Chukwurah has fluid footwork and nice touch around the basket and that has been on full display with both his back to the basket game and face up game. As we approach the May live period, look for Chukwurah to continue to assert himself in the paint for this [program_tooltip program_id='2309578' first='Jersey' last='Shore Predators'] group.     Possessing good feel for the game in combination with a tremendous motor, [player_tooltip player_id='2919940' first='Jared' last='Jennings'] has been a bright spot for the GB Blue Devils so far this spring. Whether it be creating offense for his teammates and getting others involved or attacking off the bounce, [player_tooltip player_id='2919940' first='Jared' last='Jennings'] often times finds himself making the right and keeping the defense honest. As Jennings continues to refine his skillset, look for him to continue to provide steady guard play for the GB Blue Devils as we approach the May live period.

In its inaugural season, the Hoop Group Academic League circuit has shined light on and brought more exposure to a handful of high academic prospects this spring. The state of New Jersey has had some interesting prospects stand out over the first month of this circuit's play. In the second half of this article, let's dive into some New Jersey prospects that have stood out and that everyone should have their eyes on heading into the May live period.