Friday Under Armour Guard Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The UAA finals brought out some talented teams to the greater Chicago area and in this article I'll break down the standouts I saw on Friday from the guard position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2349878"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687ba3162cd26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A quick twitch wing guard, Wells made a lot of plays in transition using his change of direction and flexibility as a driver. Loving the left to right crossover into a drive, Wells could get downhill without needing an initial advantage over his defender. Combine that with a spot-up and pull-up 3-pointer in the morning game I caught and Wells was getting busy in a win to open up the UA Rise bracket play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2455399"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687ba3162cd7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='2078448' first='Illinois' last='Wolves'] always play a fun style of play with their passing and ball movement, I enjoyed watching their 16 U group get the most out of their talent and dominate their opposition. I was really impressed by Montgomery who was one of the smallest players on the court but also one of the most impactful. Able to get where he wanted to off the dribble, Montgomery had a couple assists where he forced help defense and quickly found his teammate with a chance to score. Really enjoyed how Montgomery got everybody on his team involved on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2218436"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687ba3162cdc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A Wigg Elite came out firing with a huge run to open the game that was fueled by Zhu. A guard with fast and strong hands, Zhu had a couple steals where he ripped the ball from offensive players and also was tough on the glass. Zhu scored mostly in the paint, with a tip in layup, a tough lefty finish and a breakaway dunk being notable buckets I saw. If Zhu can consistently knock down perimeter shots, I'd be a big fan of his game. Quality utility guard who makes a two way impact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2224532"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687ba3162ce10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A monster second half run turned what was an early deficit for Wisconsin Playground Club into a dominant victory and Pitrof was incredibly impactful in the win. The lefty guard made tough shots running off screens and spaced the floor for his slashing guards and forwards to have space to operate in the paint. Pitrof also had an impressive dunk on the fast break and turned defense into offense with a steal turning into an off-hand layup finish. Impressed that </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1660060"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687ba3162ce56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most dynamic guard athletes in the country, it's clear why Lopez has high major potential at both football and basketball with his unique blend of quickness, strength, slashing and explosiveness. Lopez did a nice job finishing with his left hand at the rim and has the strength to finish through contact in the paint. Able to push the pace in transition, Lopez is tough to stop once he gets a head of steam going downhill. Florida state fans should be very excited for the potential impact Lopez can provide during both the fall and winter for the Seminoles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->