McDonald’s Texas Invitational: Stock Rising Guards

The McDonald's Texas Invitational once again delivered one of the most competitive early-season stages in the country, bringing together some Houston, Texas's top programs and elite prospects matchups. With packed gyms, high-level coaching, and breakout performances, the Invitational served as a proving ground for players looking to solidify their status or boost their stock.    High-level ball-handler who carried the facilitating load with ease. Richardson's herky-jerky, shifty footwork and dynamic handle kept defenders guessing, constantly playing them with change of pace. Chase controlled space like few guards his age, maintaining separation with drag dribbles, bounce-outs, and tempo manipulation that opened passing angles or driving gaps. He's a remarkable dime-dropper, elevating teammates with his ability to throw guys open, delivering passes where only his teammates could retrieve them. [player_tooltip player_id='2251928' first='Chase' last='Richardson']'s decision-making was instantaneous, he hit teammates the moment he saw an opening, even when off-balance, contorted, or delivering from awkward angles.     [player_tooltip player_id='2112007' first='Isaak' last='Hayes'] showcased high-level court vision with an impressive ability to deliver the ball on time and on target from across the floor. Whether he was making skips, cross-court lasers, or threading tight windows, he read defenses while operating as a natural facilitator with real passing feel.     [player_tooltip player_id='2172667' first='Keshav' last='Vijaykumar'] showcased real upside as a movement shooter, drifting, lifting, and relocating into clean three-point looks. His game revolved around pacing, timing, and continuous motion. His release stayed identical whether he was spotting up, flying off a screen, or stepping into a shot out of a DHO, showing impressive shooting mechanics on the move.     A true paint-touch guard who lives off dribble penetration. He consistently got two feet in the paint, collapsing defenses and forcing rotations with unpredictable finishing and facilitating. Once Price got into the teeth of the defense, he became a quick decision-maker, spraying it out, dropping it off, or extending for creative finishes.     [player_tooltip player_id='2384982' first='Micahi' last='Jackson'] ran the show exactly how a true floor general should. He dictated tempo, fed the hot hand, set up his bigs, and got shooters involved with baseline kickouts. He lived in the paint, constantly generating drop-off dimes and showing a sharp ability to thread the needle in traffic. His command of the offense elevated everyone around him.     Blistering speed and quickness in the open court, his transition threat level should be highlighted in every scouting report attached to his name. Anytime [player_tooltip player_id='2556225' first='Sam' last='Wright'] touched the ball in space, he instantly put pressure on the defense with his ability to flip the floor and create advantages before opponents could get set.     Dontre Grandberry played with poise, pace, and sharp change of direction, allowing him to split through traffic and slice gaps before getting all the way to the rack. His ability to manipulate defenders with sudden footwork and controlled tempo made him consistently dangerous downhill.

The McDonald's Texas Invitational once again delivered one of the most competitive early-season stages in the country, bringing together some Houston, Texas's top programs and elite prospects matchups. With packed gyms, high-level coaching, and breakout performances, the Invitational served as a proving ground for players looking to solidify their status or boost their stock.