AAU Team Preview: DC Assault 17s

<p>With the grassroots season nearly underway in circuit play for the various programs, we'll spend some time taking a look at each program's roster and giving a feel for what each prospect can bring.</p>   <p>I start with the DC Assault 17s, who make their return under program director Curtis Malone and coached by former Georgetown point guard Chris Wright.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Point Guards</strong></h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2353606' first='Amani' last='Asare']- Southpaw floor general coming off a productive season with a Highland team that maintained a difficult, national schedule between the Elite Prep League and the MPSC. They took home the MPSC title and it was largely due to Asare's ability to control a game from start-to-finish. He has a tight handle, a strong frame to absorb or initiate contact at both ends and a killer mentality that makes him the guy in crunch time to lead this Assault team to any success that comes their way this season.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2327613' first='Averi' last='Knight']- A newly reclassed 2028 prospect, Knight was the bell cow for his Jackson Reed group this high school season and handled much of the scoring responsibilities while playing on the ball, but with this group, it wouldn't surprise me if they featured Asare and Knight on the floor for large spurts during games. While they'll lack size in the backcourt playing together, both bring a competitive, 'gamer' sort of edge that'll make for hellacious defenders. Knight can supply full court pressure with active hands and rebounds well for his position. He's a blur in the open floor and can showcase his crafty finishing ability in transition. Offensively, he's a guy you can give the ball to and expect him to create his own scoring looks with regularity.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Combo Guards</h2>   <p>Isiah Lockhart- He'll bring much needed floor-spacing alongside some of the shifty, slashing guards that this roster boasts. Coming off a high school season where he shot 45 percent from beyond the arc, Lockhart also brings some size as an off-ball guard at 6-foot-3 to pair with a quick trigger and range that extends a few feet beyond the arc. His instincts and IQ emerge with his movement based off actions around him. Timely lifts or setting his defender up to come off pindowns or elevators usually result in three's or Lockhart attacking for floaters while keeping his eyes up for others spotting up around the perimeter.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2470569' first='Jemal' last='Smith']- Another Highland backcourt prospect, Smith brings balance as a combo guard that can score when needed or initiate offense if others like Asare or Knight have it going offensively. He's a valuable defender who can use his plus wingspan while standing 6-foot-3 to disrupt in passing lanes, haul in rebounds out of his area and guard up a position when needed.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2252281' first='Moe' last='Lonergan']- Similar to Lockhart, Lonergan brings a long-range shooting presence and showed this winter with Spalding that he can hit them in bunches once he sees one fall. He can impact the game beyond the box score with his competitive motor and his willingness to give up his body to draw charges after timely rotations from the weakside. He'll likely be one of those guys expected to act as a connector. </p>   <p>Sean Nix- A North Carolina native who had a loud high school season from a statistical standpoint averaging an alarming 32 points per contest. The 6-foot-4 guard showed massive improvements throughout the season as he handed out buckets in bulk and had to adjust to various defensive schemes to contain him. Understands how to use the gravity he demanded to create opportunities for those around him. Without a doubt, Nix could be a potential breakout guy this summer and one that really moves the needle for this group once cohesion is established.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wings/Bigs</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2893757' first='Anthony' last='Garris']- 6-foot-7 hybrid forward who fits the mold as more of a late-blooming prospect whose skillset is starting to grow into his frame. Prided himself finding a role for his new Potomac School team as a finisher around the rim while providing versatility on the defensive end and using his length on the glass. As the season progressed, showed fluidity in pick-and-pops from three with good fluidity and confidence as his perimeter skillset has begun to emerge. He'll provide more valuable length and budding skill as a wing and four-man who can take advantage of slow-footed frontcourt matchups.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2623269' first='Marcus' last='Dunbar'] Jr.- An undersized wing/forward who stands around 6-foot-4, but provides a bigger presence thanks to his frame, physicality and overall motor. He spent the winter being the primary offensive option for McKinley Tech and as a result, saw significant growth in his offensive repertoire. He's a mismatch problem who can take bigger forwards out on the perimeter and beat them off the bounce or if the opposing team sticks a guard on him, can make them pay in the post with a strong frame operating with his back to the basket.</p>   <p>Brayden Ragland- One of the more highly regarded freshman in the region, Ragland made a statement with Highland this season. His body makeup and his overall game gives me Grant Williams vibes as a guy who can use every bit of his 6'6"-6'7" frame with the best of them while using explosive athleticism playing off two in the dunker's spot. He can flash out to three and knock them down with regularity and make quick, precise reads on his post touches. Look for both he and Drayton to cause opposing frontcourt duos plenty of issues throughout the summer. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2454911' first='Jahmai' last='Drayton']- The 6-foot-11 forward will be one of the premier names on the P32 Circuit. Drayton will have the opportunity to dominate at both ends with his massive wingspan and improved timing as a shot swatter. Offensively if he keeps things simple, he'll post consistent scoring outings with supreme efficiency. Expect his host of guards to find him in lob situations quite often given their ability to touch the paint. He's shown the mindset needed to support these claims in early April events. As circuit play gets started this weekend in Richmond, Drayton will have the chance to make a loud statement for what could be a big summer.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2412775' first='Kaylin' last='Dunbar']- Dunbar spent his high school season at Mt. Zion playing on the Grind Session and brings further size to this Assault frontline rotation at 6-foot-10. Taking up space in the paint to disrupt shots around the bucket, hauling in rebounds at a high rate and rim-running should be the three things at the top of his priority list this summer.</p>

With the grassroots season nearly underway in circuit play for the various programs, we'll spend some time taking a look at each program's roster and giving a feel for what each prospect can bring.