North Carolina EYBL Notebook: 17u Standouts

Nike EYBL got their season kicked off in Atlanta at the end of April and we've already touched on the 15u and 16u standouts, but let's take a look at the 17u group. There's a lot of talent represented from North Carolina at the EYBL so without further delay, let's get to the standouts!    Vickery is a key piece on this [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 17u EYBL team as a versatile backcourt option with above the rim ability. He helped guide this group to a 2-1 record by averaging 13.7 Points, 2.3 Rebounds, 1.0 Assists, and 1.0 Steals per game on 50/42/63 shooting splits for the session. Vickery's size and ability to create offense in both the half-court and transition really helps this team go in all facets of the game. Vickery had one of the highlights of the session with a poster dunk that had the internet talking. He can really shoot the ball from distance off the catch with efficiency, which will be a valuable skillset as he gets ready for college basketball. Vickery is continuing to establish himself as a major national recruit with this group.     Another valuable backcourt piece in the [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 17u EYBL Backcourt, Kendrick has dynamic end to end speed and an incredible feel for the game as he helped guide this team to a 2-1 record for the session. Kendrick averaged 21.0 Points, 2.0 Rebounds, 6.3 Assists, and 2.3 Steals per game on 38/33/95 shooting splits. Kendrick showed improvement on his perimeter shooting as he connected at a respectable percentage at a high volume over the course of the three games this past weekend. Kendrick's ability to manufacture offense for himself and others in transition with his speed is a special one that he possesses. He's a truly ambidextrous player down to the jump shot and that allows him to finish with either hand on either side of the rim. Look for Kendrick to continue asserting himself as a national level PG this spring/summer.     On a [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] 17u EYBL group with a ton of NC transplants grabbing the headlines, Moore is the face of the roster for guys still in the State of North Carolina. [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] went 1-2 on the weekend but Moore provided legit production averaging 12.7 Points, 5.7 Rebounds, 2.7 Assists, 0.7 Steals, and 0.7 Blocks per game on 37/27/100 shooting splits for the session. Moore showed that he can be really impactful in a variety of ways, even when the shot isn't falling the way it normally does. In their lone win on the weekend, Moore provided a 17 Point and 10 Rebound double double, helping his team put up 90 points vs Vegas Elite. Moore should continue to find his own ways to contribute with this group and is proving to be a really high level wing rebounder vs high level competition.     Watlington did a great job for [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 17u EYBL this past weekend as they went 2-1 in Atlanta. For the session, he averaged 11.3 Points, 5.3 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, and 1.0 Steals per game on 44/36/91 shooting splits. Watlington's ability and willingness to be a secondary playmaker is shining with this group as he's operating with efficiency from every level and making good decisions with the basketball. Watlington shot a decent volume from three and if he can maintain this percentage from distance, it will certainly bode well for his stock moving forward. Watlington is a no brainer division one prospect and is showing real growth in his 17u summer with what the early returns are showing.     Connor is a super gifted and physical forward providing this [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] 17u EYBL group with a productive and versatile option in their front-court. For session one, Connor averaged 9.7 Points, 8.3 Rebounds, 1.0 Assists, 1.3 Steals, and 1.0 Blocks per game while shooting 64% from the floor. Connor attacks mismatches in the front-court and finishes around the rim with efficiency, he's mobile enough to guard perimeter players and strong/athletic enough to hold his own when bigs have a size advantage on him. Connor really struggled from the free throw line, going 1/8 in three games but that is something he can hopefully fix moving forward so he can be his true impactful and aggressive self. Look for Connor to try and improve that touch to take his status to the next level, even right now there's no doubt he's a supremely impactful player that produces consistently.

Nike EYBL got their season kicked off in Atlanta at the end of April and we've already touched on the 15u and 16u standouts, but let's take a look at the 17u group. There's a lot of talent represented from North Carolina at the EYBL so without further delay, let's get to the standouts!