Team Focus: I4 Basketball 17U

Checking in on an Oklahoma AAU team filled with collegiate prospects. I4 Basketball is off to a strong start in regional AAU play, before taking on the UA Rise National Circuit next month. Here's a look at their team from Tuesday's night practice at OCA.   Are you an OKC area team and want a similar breakdown? Reach out to SamDuren@gmail.com with a practice schedule    After a breakout junior campaign, the heady 918 point guard has fit in naturally with his 405 based teammates. Does a good job of balancing finding teammates to run the show while also getting his as a scorer. Was vocal and energetic throughout practice, which fits well with his chip on a shoulder playing style. Giving him the intangibles to not only survive but thrive in a game of giants. As Nash has mature, he's done a great job of merging flashy handles and passing, with the composure of a true floor general.     Mason continues to be one of the more explosive athletes in Oklahoma's Class of 2027. Strong and gets off the floor quickly for powerful drives. Often ending in big time slams when he gets a runway. Is agile enough to avoid contact around the run, or take bumps and still finish strongly. Is one of the hardest playing prospects in Oklahoma. When he finds his rhythm from three, good luck stopping Mason.     Barber was one of the most improved players in Oklahoma during his junior season. He's looking to carry that momentum forward this spring and summer. AAU play should be an interesting mix between production and development for the potential wing. With Crossings this past winter, he was great at playing his role. Hit spot up threes, one-two dribbles into mid-range, then run his tail off in transition, crashing the glass, or cutting off the ball. He has the potential to do more as a handler, so it will be fascinating to see him balance his development with his already successful traits     While Brown has a naturally big frame, he appears to be trimming up. Looked more mobile and agile. He's a load around the rim, with powerful moves. With improving ability to face up and shoot, he could potentially be one of the biggest mismatches in Oklahoma. Which would also translate to UA Rise play, making him a popular name among college coaches. Brown's natural gifts give him big time potential on offense. Given his ability to take contact and be a force around the rim on offense, hope to see him continue to work on his ability to anchor a defense.     A new addition to I4, Buckley is a small town bucket getter. In previous viewings, he has shown the ability to get hot quicker from deep. While also snaking to the rim with a compact and sturdy build. He was just getting his feet wet this week with his new team, but is expected to provide a scoring punch. While also helping out with playmaking and ballhandling duties.     Walker provides additional depth and is one of the diamond in the rough prospects for Oklahoma's 2027 class. Has potential as a rim runner and rim protector, as he has plus wingspan and gets off the floor well for his size. Continuing to improve his lateral movement will help be a valuable defensive piece throughout the spring and summer.     Eckel is working his way back from a knee injury, and is the type of player to elevate a team's floor. He's a sniper from the corners, and often makes the little plays on defense and offense that make life easier for his teammates. With a strong build, he can steal some minutes as an undersize with rebonds and using leverage against taller foes.

Checking in on an Oklahoma AAU team filled with collegiate prospects. I4 Basketball is off to a strong start in regional AAU play, before taking on the UA Rise National Circuit next month. Here's a look at their team from Tuesday's night practice at OCA.