Emerging Central Texas Talent Impresses at the GASO Round Rock

This past weekend at the GASO stop in Round Rock, I set out with a clear purpose to identify emerging talent from the Central Texas region who may not yet be on recruiting boards, but absolutely should be. What I found was a strong group of prospects who possess the physical tools, basketball IQ, and competitive edge to make an impact at the next level. These young men aren't headline names yet, but they are quietly building résumés that demand attention. Here are five players who stood out:    Bard is a compact, high-energy lead guard who demonstrates advanced physicality and maturity for his age. He plays with intent, his handle is efficient, his first step is explosive, and he consistently finishes through contact using a variety of touch shots, including floaters and pull-ups. What separates Bard is his command. He dictates pace, initiates offense, and leads with his voice and play. Defensively, he's engaged and disruptive at the point of attack. His ability to impact both ends was consistent throughout the weekend.     Davis is the kind of guard who grows on you as the game progresses. He isn't flashy, but he's efficient, composed, and makes sound basketball decisions. He shoots the ball well from three, both off the catch and the dribble, and has a strong understanding of time, score, and flow. Davis manages games with maturity and rarely forces the action. He's a steady two-way guard who enhances those around him with his communication and unselfishness.     Jerrells is a dynamic athlete with excellent body control and a strong frame. He made an immediate impression with his defensive anticipation and open-court athleticism, showcasing two highlight-reel dunks within minutes of stepping on the floor. What's more impressive, however, is his versatility. He runs the floor, rebounds at a high rate, and consistently contests shots. His midrange game is reliable, and while his perimeter shooting still needs polish, the foundation is there. Jerrells is tracking as a high-upside two-way wing.     Smith brings a consistent motor and competitive mindset that stood out throughout the event. Offensively, he scores in a variety of ways in transition, off the bounce, and as a spot-up shooter. He's a physical driver who can absorb contact and finish, and his shot mechanics suggest continued growth as a perimeter threat. Defensively, Smith was highly vocal, fundamentally sound, and active on loose balls. He brings a winning mentality to every possession.     Tapkin is an elite-level shooter. He connected on 4–5 three-pointers per game, many of which were contested, and demonstrated the ability to move without the ball and create his looks in limited space. What's most notable is the effort he invests in getting open, constant movement, proper use of screens, and quick release mechanics. While known as a shooter, Tapkin also showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim. Defensively, he's always in a sound position and competes with effort and anticipation.

This past weekend at the GASO stop in Round Rock, I set out with a clear purpose to identify emerging talent from the Central Texas region who may not yet be on recruiting boards, but absolutely should be. What I found was a strong group of prospects who possess the physical tools, basketball IQ, and competitive edge to make an impact at the next level. These young men aren't headline names yet, but they are quietly building résumés that demand attention. Here are five players who stood out: