Early AAU Season Guard Stockrisers

We've now been through a few key weekends of the early spring AAU season. The circuits (UAA, EYBL, 3SSB, others) have all played their first sessions at their respective locations across the country, and tons of New England teams have played in various other local Zero Gravity tournaments (most notably the NERR Northeast Hoop Festival).   Below, I'll highlight 8 guards who have significantly improved their stock so far this season.    Edmonds is off to a fantastic start for BCRI this spring. In a system full of shooting, passing, and ball movement, the 6-foot-1 guard really thrives with his ability to touch the paint and make plays for himself and others. The lefty has a lightning-quick first-step, and he's a super heady passer who knows how to manipulate the defense with his eyes. The Phillips Andover junior also spaces the floor quite well with extremely deep shooting range and a quick release. Defensively, Edmonds is a 94-foot defender who slides his feet very well laterally and wants to compete for the entire game. He's an awesome D3 prospect.     Gibson has been a key cog for a 16u Team Sims UA Rise squad that's going to make waves this season. They've already had quality wins over Expressions, Team Northeast, and a number of others, and the strong PG play from Gibson is a big reason why. The 6-foot-3 sophomore has the body of a college running back, so he completely discards players on his way to the rim and is a talented finisher at the hoop with his athleticism and toughness. His shot is hit or miss from the outside, but he's a consistent paint toucher who makes good decisions for his teammates when he's engaged and selfless. Gibson will start getting guarded a bit differently than he has in the past, so I'll be curious to see how he responds to more defenders being thrown at him.     Pemberton's early season has been highlighted by excellent performances at both the Pitt Jamfest (where he was the tournament's MVP) and 3SSB session 1. The 6-foot guard's shot looks as pretty as ever, and even though he's undersized for his position, he's still able to rise up over the defense and consistently knock down shots in the mid range. Even with taller and longer defenders on him, he has the quickness to get to his spots and the athleticism to make their contest irrelevant. Pemberton has the keys to Mass Rivals' offense, and he has shown a keen ability to score, as well as a knack for getting his teammates involved once the defense overplays him—and he's done so all while being efficient. Providence is his latest offer, and more will come.     This is a massively important AAU season for Hunter-Coleman, and the early signs are that he's taking advantage of the opportunity he has been given. The junior guard was fairly passive on offense for his high-powered Newman squad this past season, but he has been a lot more aggressive on that end for BABC, and it has been fun to watch. He looks more comfortable in his three-point shot than I've seen him, and he has shown off some really nice finishing touch and athleticism at the cup on a number of occasions—he's a relentless driver and takes contact well. And, as usual, the 94-foot defense is there for Hunter-Coleman, who makes life difficult for all opposing ball-handlers.     Adamson is developing into a true point guard for his Middlesex Magic squad, and it's awesome to watch. The 5-foot-10 guard has always had incredible quickness and strength on drives to the rim, but on a Magic squad with tons of shooting and scoring, his ability to facilitate has shined through. He had 19 assists and 3 (!) turnovers during the first UAA session, and he showed the ability to play under control in the paint and make smart passes to shooters and cutters all weekend, even though he can't see over the defense. The defensive intensity is always there for Adamson, too, who should start to get some scholarship looks despite his lack of size.     I've been ridiculously impressed with Leonardo so far this season. The 6-foot guard has shot the leather off the basketball and has done so with tons of range and in lots of off-the-dribble and movement situations, showcasing an advanced scoring and shooting arsenal. What's surprising, though, is that he doesn't give up much on the defensive end, despite his lack of size and overwhelming strength—Leonardo slides his feet extremely well and is super active and tough on the ball, so he makes it work despite most players thinking he's mismatch. He should get some high level D3 looks, and he could even get some scholarship looks if he grows any more.     Price has been on a tear for BCRI to start the season, and it has been really fun to watch him cook. The 6-foot-3 guard has a beautiful shot that he can hit on the move and off the dribble, and he gets tons of elevation on his looks, so he's quite difficult to contest (especially for shorter guards or wings). Additionally, the Wheeler School junior can glide to the rim for finishes and has excellent touch with both hands. He's just an athletic, skilled basketball player who is finally coming into his own and showcasing what he can do on the offensive side of the ball. Bright future ahead for Price, who found a perfect fit with BCRI and should have a big prep year next season.     Reardon has been phenomenal for NE Storm this spring, showcasing the ability to handle the ball and be the floor general for his squad even though he stands at 6-foot-5 and is the size of a D1 wing. The junior has good strength and keeps a nice line to the rim on drives, and smaller guards generally can't knock him off his spot, so there's evidence that he utilizes his physical advantages well. The St. Paul's combo-guard can also play with or without the ball because of his shooting ability, and he can guard tons of different players on the court because of his combination of physicality and coordination—he's versatile on both ends. Bright future ahead for Reardon, who's getting some excellent experience running the point for NE Storm.

We've now been through a few key weekends of the early spring AAU season. The circuits (UAA, EYBL, 3SSB, others) have all played their first sessions at their respective locations across the country, and tons of New England teams have played in various other local Zero Gravity tournaments (most notably the NERR Northeast Hoop Festival).