Live Period Preview: Hoop Group (Part 2)

With the first NCAA Live period coming up this weekend, players will have their first chance to play in front of division one college coaches, as well as coaches that aren't local to their area who will be traveling to major tournament sites.   With that being said, we're going to spend the week previewing some of the VA and DMV prospects at these events that we believe college coaches should take the time to evaluate, and could see their stock rise.   Here's a look at part two some of the prospects from the HGSL League, who will be playing in the Hoop Group Spring Live at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, PA.   Bol Thet | 6'7” WF | [program_tooltip program_id='2458561' first='Global' last='Squad'] 17U   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImagelLwmkl.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImagelLwmkl.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2448637" /></a></figure>   Thet is one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire HGSL, as the 6'7” wing from Springdale Prep has a game that translates to the highest of levels with his blend of size, athleticism and skillset. At 6'7” he's a natural wing who is fluid and has a great frame already that would allow him to play at the college ranks, he shoots it well from deep off the catch and can get to the midrange off the bounce, and he's an explosive leaper that makes him able to finish above the rim and rebound well for his position too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2620491' first='Diego' last='Joy'] | 6'0” PG | [program_tooltip program_id='2458561' first='Global' last='Squad'] 17U   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/tempImage8nT7mR.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/tempImage8nT7mR.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2424653" /></a></figure>   Joy has been one of the more underrated guards in the DMV for years now, and he was the straw that stirred the drink for the Jackson Reed Tigers who were again the best public school in DC. The 6'0” floor general is the type of player who is an extension of the coach with his ability to handle pressure and get his team into sets, he's excellent in ball screens where he can turn the corner and make a variety of passes, he can score it off the catch and the bounce efficiently and he has a toughness that makes him a great leader too.   Dezmond Ainsworth | 6'4" CG | Higher Level 17U   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImage8g1eR9.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImage8g1eR9.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2448638" /></a></figure>   Ainsworth played on the Higher Level HGSL 17U team last year and was one of their most productive players, playing both on and off the ball and showing his versatility as a 6'4” guard who can play and guard multiple positions. He's a big and physical guard who can get downhill and use his size to finish in traffic, he is a good rebounder who can push the pace without an outlet, he can create and score it in isolation in different ways and he's a good playmaker who makes his teammates better too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2148857' first='Cole' last='Forbrich'] | 5'10” PG | Higher Level 17U   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-05-at-2.16.50-PM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-05-at-2.16.50-PM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2149273" /></a></figure>   Forbrich may not exactly look the part, but it doesn't take long to realize that while he may be on the smaller side he can absolutely fill it up and make you look stupid in the process. The Evergreen Christian guard has a mix of fundamentals and flair to his game as he is a very good shooter off the catch and off the bounce, he's a high IQ and unselfish player, he has a shifty handle and the ability to create space and he also has an edge about him in the way he refuses to back down.   [player_tooltip player_id='2459367' first='Shivas' last='Taylor'] | 6'3” WG | Higher Level 17U   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/tempImageF58doU.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/tempImageF58doU.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2636815" /></a></figure>   Taylor was another player who played on this HL HGSL 17U group last year where he was a key contributor off the bench, then he followed it up with a huge junior season for Highland who won the VISAA D1 state championship and he was their best shooter throughout the season. When it comes to the ability to hit the long ball off the catch you won't find many better than Taylor as he has a quick release, deep range and a silky smooth stroke, and he showed improvement in his athleticism and handle throughout the year too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2847084' first='Blake' last='Fitzgerald'] | 6'7” F | Higher Level 17U   Fitzgerald is coming off a breakout junior season with a talented Flint Hill team, and the way he's improved over the years he's someone coaches should definitely take a look at as a late bloomer with big upside. The 6'7” forward has a lot of versatility to his game as he can stretch the floor and handle in transition, he rebounds well in traffic and out of his area, he is a good athlete who can play above the rim and he can play and guard multiple positions too.

With the first NCAA Live period coming up this weekend, players will have their first chance to play in front of division one college coaches, as well as coaches that aren't local to their area who will be traveling to major tournament sites.