Guards on the Rise at NMJC Elite Camp

The depth of guard play at the NMJC Elite Camp was one of the strongest takeaways from the event. Beyond the headliners, a second wave of guards stepped up with standout moments, showing vision, shooting, toughness, and the ability to make plays in pressure situations. These four guards proved they belong in the conversation as names to follow going forward:      Vega's game revolved around his excellent court vision and ability to facilitate. Throughout camp, he showed a natural feel for running an offense, reading defenses, and delivering passes that led directly to high-quality looks. He was patient with the ball in his hands, rarely forcing the action, and consistently put his teammates in positions to succeed. Even when pressured, Vega held his ground, playing strong with the ball and refusing to be bumped off his spots. What makes Vega intriguing is his combination of strength and IQ. He doesn't just see the floor well — he also knows how to create opportunities for himself when defenses overcommit. His ability to balance scoring with distributing makes him a dual threat in the backcourt.     Shetter proved to be one of the most effective off-ball guards at camp. He showcased a quick release on his jumper, making him a dangerous catch-and-shoot option whenever he found daylight. Just as impressive was his ability to move without the ball — he constantly cut, relocated, and worked into open spots to free himself for clean looks. When defenders closed out hard, Shetter punished them with a smooth dribble pull-up that gave him another scoring dimension. His offensive versatility was matched by his high basketball IQ. Shetter didn't force plays, instead picking his spots and showing he can complement other ball-dominant guards. That adaptability makes him a valuable backcourt piece, as he can space the floor, knock down shots at a high clip, and play within the flow of the game.     Herrera brought a strong scoring presence to the floor, particularly with his ability to attack downhill and get to his spots quickly. He wasted no dribbles, moving with purpose every time he had the ball in his hands. Once he created space, Herrera showed confidence pulling up from deep range, hitting jumpers that stretched the defense. Around the rim, he displayed soft touch and control, finishing through traffic with balance. What stood out most about Herrera's performance was his efficiency. He didn't need to dominate the ball to be effective — instead, he thrived by making quick decisions and capitalizing on open windows. His ability to score at multiple levels, combined with his size and strength, gives him the potential to be a versatile wing guard who can plug into different lineups. Herrera's performance at NMJC confirmed he's a name to track moving forward.     Archuleta impressed with his ability to break down defenses by getting into the middle of the floor. Once there, he showed poise in making the right read, whether it was pulling up for a jumper or finding an open teammate. His decision-making was sharp, and he consistently took care of the ball, limiting turnovers and maximizing possessions. He used his pull-up jumper as a weapon whenever defenders sagged off, showing confidence in scoring within rhythm. Archuleta's unselfishness stood out just as much as his scoring ability. He knew when to set up teammates and when to look for his own shot, striking a balance that kept defenses guessing. His steady play and composure under pressure make him a reliable guard option who can run a team and bring stability to the backcourt.

The depth of guard play at the NMJC Elite Camp was one of the strongest takeaways from the event. Beyond the headliners, a second wave of guards stepped up with standout moments, showing vision, shooting, toughness, and the ability to make plays in pressure situations. These four guards proved they belong in the conversation as names to follow going forward: