UAA Session I — Notable Young Regional Names Worth Monitoring

The crop of young talent at UAA's first session was undeniable, with a number of regional players standing out in Kansas City. I'll highlight seven guys who were able to set themselves apart and play big roles for their respective teams. There's no doubt they're in line for big summers ahead.    You just aren't going to find many players with Moore's combination of size and mobility. He was a load to deal with all weekend, using his physicality and footwork around the basket to create space and finish through multiple bodies regularly. He also showed a developing perimeter game, stepping out and efficiently knocking down multiple three-pointers over the course of the weekend. Add in what he brings on the glass, along with his ability to guard multiple positions defensively, and you're looking at a rising young player. His play didn't go unnoticed either, as he picked up his first Division I offer from Missouri State. It looks like that's just the first of many — coming soon, real soon.     While it may not have been Poniewaz's best weekend, it still highlighted the many ways he can impact a game and how he responds when he isn't at his best offensively. His size and strength on the perimeter consistently showed up, allowing him to initiate contact, put defenders in difficult positions, and get to the free-throw line — where he was flawless all weekend. He found ways to remain productive and contribute as a scorer even when his shot wasn't falling. Beyond scoring, he was instrumental in getting his teammates involved and creating opportunities for others. Defensively, he played with a high motor, generating turnovers and helping his team secure extra possessions.     Another rising name around the state of Illinois, Payne really came on strong as the weekend progressed, consistently utilizing his size and dynamic play to his advantage. One of the more effective forwards in attendance, he showed a strong ability to create and exploit angles around the basket, finding positions where he could do the most damage inside. His sense of awareness of how defenders were shading and defending him in the post allowed him to adjust and finish effectively. Kyler played through contact well, and at times, even flashed deep range, giving him a legitimate inside-out scoring presence. His efficiency on the offensive end, combined with his ability to control the glass, should continue to define his play throughout the summer.     A do-it-all type of guard, Ross really filled up the box score over the weekend. A lefty who changes pace well and plays with an unorthodox style, Walker showcased a bit of everything offensively — getting to the rim, operating in the mid-range, and knocking down shots from beyond the arc. He created space with subtle bumps and changes of speed, making it difficult for defenders to stay in front or mirror his movements. His impact extended beyond scoring, as his value also showed up in his rebounding and passing. He consistently created and capitalized on advantages, not only for himself but for his teammates as well. Smart and crafty, he's a difficult player to read and even tougher to contain with the ball in his hands.     No question Jackson was one of the top overall athletes in attendance. On both ends of the floor, he made his presence felt with his athleticism and explosiveness. A strong, well-built player, Halbert was a volume scorer and an impactful rebounder throughout the weekend. He continued to improve as it progressed, with Sunday standing out as his best overall performance. His ability to generate scoring opportunities in the open floor and get downhill was impressive, and he also showed he could get hot, finding a rhythm from the perimeter. Altogether, he put together a layered offensive game that appears to be coming into its own as he continues to grow and develop.     With a knack for finding the ball and playing with a strong, aggressive edge, Roberts showed just how effective he can be around the basket, consistently locating openings and converting scoring opportunities. Tade got to his spots with purpose and was able to finish over defenders or around them, using both touch and power when needed. His sky-high shooting percentage, combined with a workmanlike approach on the glass, made him hard to miss on the floor. He continues to emerge as a rising two-way player with all the makings of a next-level prospect.     Thielen, one of the best shooters of the weekend, continually hunted his shot and made the most of his opportunities. He connected on a high number of deep threes and showed a strong willingness to keep the floor spaced, understanding that any opening required him to be aggressive and ready to pull the trigger. Carter also had stretches where he heated up quickly and flashed the ability to score downhill, adding another dynamic layer to his offensive game. Extremely capable with the ball in his hands, he presents a difficult matchup by being able to operate effectively both on and off the ball, making him tough for teams to locate and contain.

The crop of young talent at UAA's first session was undeniable, with a number of regional players standing out in Kansas City. I'll highlight seven guys who were able to set themselves apart and play big roles for their respective teams. There's no doubt they're in line for big summers ahead.