AAU Roster Spotlight: Utah Gold EYCL 17U

Major Upside   6'8 [player_tooltip player_id='2604919' first='Raidon' last='Barney'], South Sevier   The small school athlete has a big game. His rise over the past few years has been more than just his height. He has really made a significant addition to his skill set. Barney can play inside and out. Barney checks a lot of the boxes you look for in a sleeper D1 prospect. He has a shot that will only get better, he crashes the boards and can be a key contributor on the glass, and he can turn into a player who can defend 3 positions at the college level.   Players With Wiggle   6'0 [player_tooltip player_id='1724426' first='Swift' last='Hall'], Springville   Hall might be one of the most under-the-radar guards in the state when it comes to what he can do and the level he can play at. He is an open-floor nightmare to defend. He gets low and can be among the best downhill guards in the state, but his ability to create space with his wiggle is impressive. He finds angles and gaps to attack and get free to create for others or himself. Hall will be a riser this spring.   6'0 [player_tooltip player_id='3281425' first='Dylan' last='Hatton'], Mountain Ridge   Hatton is a player who possesses a relentless motor. He has an incredible work ethic, showcasing his energy on both ends of the court. Hatton can easily get by defenders with his simple yet effective moves. His ability to finish around the basket, coupled with his relentless offensive pressure, makes him a valuable asset. He is poised for a strong season, excelling in ball-handling, facilitating the offense, and consistently posing a threat even when he's not directly involved in possessions.   Additional Rostered Players   Justus Mangum, Century, ID   One of the most electric guards you might not have heard of, Mangum is a player who can blow by defenders and use his quickness and athleticism to finish above the rim. His athleticism makes him a game-changer on this [program_tooltip program_id='2091934' first='Utah' last='Gold'] squad.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR3myWgjP1i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure>   Colten Hoenigman, Syracuse   This guard possesses a hard-nosed, tough demeanor, demonstrating an innate ability to find his scoring spots and efficiently put the ball in the basket. His physical advantages, combined with his skill, allow him to dictate the flow of the game. He maintains a calm composure, allowing the game to unfold naturally around him.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUwkLKCkWp1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1724364' first='Malik' last='Sika'], Westlake   Sika is undoubtedly among the top 5 dual-sport athletes excelling in football and basketball. He's a lockdown defender, capable of guarding positions 1 through 4 with impressive skill. While he possesses a scoring ability, his true value lies in his exceptional ball-moving skills and his knack for creating off-the-bounce paint touches and finishes, which differentiate him from other players.   Ethan Wooley, Logan   Wooley brings length and floor stretching ability. That versatility goes a long way, especially if the team decides to go big. Wooley has a lot of upside.   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTCgEBnjeed/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTCgEBnjeed/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==</a>   [player_tooltip player_id='2400413' first='Easton' last='Pugmire'], Mountain Crest   Pugmire is an athlete to watch. He possesses a powerful drive to the basket and is an elite defender. While he is effective guarding his man, he truly excels as a help-side defender.   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLQKj13Jkze/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==">https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLQKj13Jkze/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==</a>   Cooper Cleveland, Timpview   Cooper Cleveland could be the Swiss Army Knife the team needs, someone who can contribute in various ways. He's a versatile player capable of making an impact in multiple areas, offering valuable contributions on both ends of the court.

Major Upside