HBL 2025 Summer League: Difference Makers 2029

These players were vital to their team's success over the weekend!!    Thomas is the ultimate team player! He does all the intangibles on the basketball court. Whether it's rebounding, assisting, scoring or defending, Thomas showed a knack for making plays. If the team needed a crucial rebound or defensive play, he made it happen. Most of his baskets came off hustle plays like scoring put-backs around the rim. His aggressive style of defense forced multiple turnovers from the opposition. In some instances, Thomas showed off his passing ability. He made a number of plays by assisting teammates as they cut to the basket. These passes led to easy scores. On defense, Thomas is an excellent shot-blocker. In the match-up against IBA Prep 2029 Blue he denied four players from scoring. As I said, this young man is a great team player who excels at doing all the intangibles.     A tough guard who beats opponents off the dribble, attacks the paint and knocks down perimeter shots. There was a sequence in the game where ArReayon caught the ball at the top of the key. He immediately blew past his opponent, got into the paint and finished strong at the basket. This led to a foul being called with an opportunity to complete a three-point play from the free-throw line. ArReayon is an aggressive scorer who stayed in "attack mode" throughout the game. On defense, he played great on the perimeter. He guarded quick players and used his athleticism to block a couple of shots and force turnovers with on-ball pressure. Great young player who will only get better as time goes on.     Davon has above average ball-handling ability. He is capable of leading fast-breaks and making good decisions with the basketball. Davon played aggressive throughout the game. He excels at breaking down the defense and attacking the basket. Davon ran the lead guard position at a high level. He has knowledge of running the team offense and getting his teammates involved. Davon was also vocal on the court. This showed his position as a team leader. Defensively, he was great at pressuring opposing guards into mistakes. He forced a number of steals that led to easy transition scores for his teammates. If he develops a consistent jump-shot, watch out!     This is my second write up for Levi. He continues to be a good rebounder and defender. He excels at battling for rebounds on both ends of the court. Many of his baskets came off hustle plays in the paint. On defense, he blocked a couple of shots and effectively guarded on the perimeter. The first time I watched him play, Levi was more aggressive than he was this time around. In the first game he attacked the paint and knocked down perimeter shots. I really didn't recognized the same player over the weekend. He had little energy and did not seem interested in playing. This was disappointing because the talent is there! Levi needs to bring it out on a consistent basis. I really hope he does because this young man is full of potential. I told him he needs to build up his confidence and play with energy at all times. Keep Working Levi!!     I loved this young man's toughness! He's a great ball handler, leader and assists man. Amir made an instant impact as soon as he stepped on the court. He entered the game assisting and defending. Amir excels at making his teammates better with efficient passes. Most of his assists were on the money. Whenever he attacked the paint, he looked to draw in defenders and dish off passes to others around the basket. Amir was great at scoring floaters in the lane. Defensively, he was tough! Amir stalked opposing guards by using quick hands and excellent timing. He forced four steals and made ball handling difficult for the opposition. In my opinion, this young man has a bright future ahead of him. Especially on the defensive side of the court.     Henry is the designated shooter for IBA Prep 2029 Blue. He was a legitimate threat from behind the arc. In the match-up against Indy Ballers 8th he knocked down three. Henry is knowledgeable of finding ways to free himself for clean looks at the basket. He was able to take advantage of teammate screens and move around within the offense. Whenever he had an opportunity to score from mid-range, Henry capitalized on it. In particular, the short jump-shot in the painted area of the floor. He made this shot on numerous occasions throughout the game. Henry is a great teammate who plays hard. He gave maximum effort on the defensive end of the court. With his shooting ability, Henry will always have a spot on a team.

These players were vital to their team's success over the weekend!!