Dekalb Live: Sunday's Top Playmakers

Dekalb Live finished out its' third and final day on Sunday. Some teams had already finished out their weekend in Dekalb on Saturday while others still had a couple games left. Prep Hoops Illinois got to see some more competition from players with plenty of skill level over all 6 courts. I had the chance to witness over a half a dozen games from the early morning to the mid-afternoon hour when the final time slot of games finished up. Let's go ahead and breakdown some of the polished playmakers who we got to see live in action.    Half the piece of the back court puzzle. Comes off ball screens with quickness and determination. Gets downhill off the outlet or on the break just as fast. Made some challenging takes coast to coast over lengthier size. Ran in transition for a fast break lob from his other guard. Can certainly catch and shoot in rhythm as well from 3 land. Does not need much space to create off the dribble. Overall, plays with a bigger presence than his size says and affects the game in multiple ways. Will continue to be tough over next couple of years.       This 4 man has an expanded skill set at his size. I would argue he was one of the top players I saw over the 3 days worth of games this weekend. Does a lot of things correctly but in big ways. Defensively got his hands on the ball multiple times for tips or squaring up on the shot for a couple blocks. Possesses high IQ on both ends. Rim runs accordingly throughout the game. Had multiple put backs off of misses in transition. Liked his demeanor in multiple phases. Stays with the play all the way through no matter the circumstance. Will be a joy to watch over next two two years with a solid basketball career forthcoming after.     Went off for 81 over the weekend in 4 games. Gamer mentality. Shows a lot of confidence with the ball. Primary handler at times but can certainly fill a 2 man role if need be at the next level as well. Good size length with agility. Knocked down multiple 3's in the last game of the weekend. One was beyond NBA range and looked smooth doing so. Showed some bounce with a pick off pass while finishing with a 2 handed slam off 2 feet to expand the lead. Stock will continue to rise over next couple of years.     Possesses a good knack and feel for the game. Got really crafty and nifty with the ball in game 4 of the weekend. A couple no look passes threading the needle of zone defense and found gaps to make poised reads while penetrating. Looks to get the ball ahead of the defense on the outlet or after D boarding. Knocked down multiple 3's showing shooting abilities. Made a tough finish in transition for an And1. Finished tied with team high 20. Works well off of teammates skill level and makes others around him better. Solid combo guard who will continue to turn heads over next two years.     Caught him in team's last game of the weekend. Plays with a toughness attitude and full of effort. Possesses good tenacity as a point guard to initiate offense from the git go. Reads his options well and makes smart decisions sharing it to make others better. Even as the main handler he can still certainly shoot it and score from 3 levels. Defensively digs at the ball on drives, has the right positioning 1 pass away or if the balls on opposite side of the floor, and is hard nosed guarding it solo. Consistently kept the defense on their toes against another talented back court duo.     Caught last game of team's weekend. His impact defensively is what caught my eye. Created turnovers in the back court causing havoc and speeding the game up. Anticipated the ball well using agility and springiness. Solid decision maker with quick reaction timing. Offensively was scoring on 3 levels. Multiple lay ins off takeaways, a 2 dribble from wing into baseline 8 foot jumper, and spotted up from 3 a couple of times. Overall possessed good positive energy to positively affect the game.

Dekalb Live finished out its' third and final day on Sunday. Some teams had already finished out their weekend in Dekalb on Saturday while others still had a couple games left. Prep Hoops Illinois got to see some more competition from players with plenty of skill level over all 6 courts. I had the chance to witness over a half a dozen games from the early morning to the mid-afternoon hour when the final time slot of games finished up. Let's go ahead and breakdown some of the polished playmakers who we got to see live in action.