AAU Team Preview: DC Premier 17s

<p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marcus-dunbar/"></a></p>   <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/marcus-dunbar/"></a>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 move on to the [program_tooltip program_id='2078456' first='DC' last='Premier'] 17s, who begin their UA Circuit play this evening under head coach Sholape Oriola.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Point Guards</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2353583' first='Damon' last='Nelson']- A smooth operating floor general who boasts good size and ability to change speeds to gain advantages both in space or in traffic. Nelson showed steady signs of improvement at St. Andrew's this season and will be a guy who catches eyes thanks to his fluid playmaking ability combined with a consistent jumper off the bounce. Manipulates the defense with his eyes to create passing windows and uses his instincts on the defensive end to contain his matchup.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2454543' first='Chase' last='Hogg']- A stock-riser in the last rankings update thanks to his strong end of the season for Gonzaga, Hogg supplied some of the seasoned experience needed in the backcourt for head coach Keith Urgo. Anytime you have a coach's son running your team, you usually feel pretty good about the results and that's what Hogg brings to the fold as he understands controlling pace, picking his spots to score and how to set up others within the flow of the offense. Effective mover off the ball and a guy who prides himself on digging his heels in and embracing his matchup defensively.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Combo Guards</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2347761' first='Wisdom' last='Mintz']- Mintz enters this spring after a high school season for The St. James' prep team where he put up big scoring performances. He's a confident, three-level scoring guard who thrives in isolations where he can tap into his quick-twitch ability and blow by his defender. His attempts around the rim can include contact, as he possesses the mindset and body control to finish through it. He's a crafty playmaker who will look to further prove himself as a valuable offensive piece not only getting buckets, but showing college coaches and evaluators that he can consistently make plays for others as well.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2629848' first='Kyle' last='Logan']- Logan is another name that has caught consistent momentum after a productive junior season at Riverdale Baptist. He brings enough size to slide him at the 2-3 on this team and the shot making off the catch to demand aggressive closeouts, where he showed this season a great ability to attack the top side foot of the defender and quickly get to his midrange spots within 1-to-2 dribbles. Threat in the open floor where he can tap into athletic finishes with a clear takeoff pad, and uses his plus length to present as a disruptive defender both on the perimeter or challenging shots at the rim. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wings/Bigs</h2>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1963388' first='Bryton' last='Barrett']- One of the more intriguing prospects from a long-term perspective, Barrett is still undecided whether he'll remain in the 2026 class or look for a post-grad prep home where he can further develop his skills and body before heading off to college. The 6-foot-8 senior had loud flashes during his time at Archbishop Carroll playing a loaded schedule both in and out of conference. He'll be a focal point within their offense as he can score it from multiple levels, poses as a grab-and-go threat as well as one of the better perimeter defenders you'll find at his size. I expect his name to be on the radar of several colleges heading into this spring/summer and even more if he decides to pursue the post-grad route where he can better prepare himself for the older brand of college basketball that we see today.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2639998' first='Brandon' last='Brooks']- Coming off a stellar season as the engine for a CH Flowers team who suffered their only loss of the year in the Class 4A Final Four game. Brooks is a walking matchup nightmare at 6'6"-6"7" with a burley frame and more fluidity than the eye test would suggest. Can hit tough shots in face-ups or operating in the mid-post off the bounce where he can get nice balance and accuracy on his fadeaways. Pick-and-pop threat who will gel well with guys like Nelson and Hogg as well as a guy who can bury his man under the rim on hard seals and dives for paint touches. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2548905' first='Angelo' last='Cunningham']- Another forward that presents significant and intriguing upside, Cunningham will add length to the frontcourt rotation along with being a mobile forward who can rim run and finish with either hand. More of a 4 than any other position at this point, he has the versatility and will likely need to log minutes at the 3 and 5 for this Premier squad. He spent his high school season at Gillion Academy, but will look to get his name circulating more on the UAA Circuit this spring/summer.</p>   <p>Cam Prosper- This wing/big rotation stays on theme with Prosper, a 6-foot-7 toolsy wing prospect who can be a pass, dribble, or shoot threat while possessing ability to defend in space against shifty guards or wings. Throughout his high school career, he's spent time on teams as the featured option on offense as well as more of a role player who can thrive in doing the little things while maintaining efficiency when looks come his way. He's another name on this list who will be a threat to haul in rebounds and spark transition opportunities himself.</p>   <p>Jaron Rucker- Rucker was a key addition to a Bishop O'Connell team that secured some marquee victories throughout the season. It was his ability to contribute to nearly a handful of box score categories that made him such a valuable role player for the Knights and that theme will remain the same for this Premier team. The 6-foot-6 wing is a capable shot maker from deep off the catch and brings tremendous timing and purpose as an off-ball cutter. His motor runs high, which is evident in his efforts on offensive glass to earn his group extra possessions or second-chance opportunities for himself. A dynamic defender with plus length, Rucker can be another Swiss army knife in terms of matchups on the UA Circuit.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3037282' first='Matiok' last='Deng']- Deng had his moments throughout this season for Archbishop Carroll logging minutes alongside Barrett where he used his positional versatility, vertical pop around the rim and his wingspan to leave his imprint on the rebounding efforts. Still looking to prove himself in a more consistent role heading into his senior year, we'll be monitoring the development of Deng throughout the summer.</p>