Crossroads Recap — Breakout Names Making Their Move

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More names from the Crossroads Elite Invitational, these guys had their moments — showing they can compete and hold their own against some of the nation's best. Each player provided something different, and I'll take a look at each one, examining why they were able to find success and what it could mean for them as they move forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Jasmir Robbins | 6'0" Guard | Ithaca (NY)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A prototypical New York guard — Robbins is tough, plays with a chip on his shoulder and is fearless on both ends. He really impressed on Sunday with how competitive he was defensively, switching onto bigger bodies and holding his own while really turning up the pressure on opposing guards. Offensively, his quickness off the bounce allowed him to get downhill consistently and finish much bigger than his 6'0" frame — initiating and playing through contact while also hanging in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jasmir created and played through space coming off ball screens and used his body as a weapon when in attack mode. Averaging over 20 points per game and seven rebounds from the guard spot last year at Ithaca, you should see an even bigger year from the stat-sheet-stuffer Robbins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>DeLoni Pughsley | 5'9" Guard | Montgomery Bell Academy (TN)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The stretch Pughsley put together on Sunday was the best of any player in attendance — and he did it in the biggest games of the weekend, leading his squad to the championship. Deloni caught fire from long range, running off three after three and doing it in different ways. He was able to get to his shot off the bounce, find space off the ball and showed unlimited range in the process. Although his shooting was unmatched, you saw glimpses of a complete game from the small and compact guard — he handled pressure well and often initiated the offense, showing good vision and anticipation. His ability to play out of ball screens and get two defenders on the ball opened up countless chances for teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Pughsley continues to fill out and add size, he's definitely a name poised for a big year in Tennessee this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>PJ Parker | 6'9" Forward | McClatchy (CA)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parker continued to attract eyeballs, especially on Saturday with his impact as a two-way frontcourt player. While the young big is still raw and far from a finished product, you saw a player with tremendous length and soft touch around the rim. PJ created space around the basket and showed solid footwork as he played through traffic and was able to free himself. He had touch with either hand and was able to play through different angles with his finishing. Perhaps Parker's biggest strength was his ability to hit the glass hard while never bringing the ball down offensively, keeping it high and finishing up and over the top in the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No doubt you could see Parker as one of the better long-term big prospects down the road as he continues to add muscle and strength — his instincts and feel look to come naturally, which also allow him to have success as a mobile and active defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Bryce Means | 6'7" Forward | Helias (MO)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another name that really shined on Sunday — Means played alongside Pughsley and provided another shooting exhibition while playing out of ball screens. Bryce was able to pop and free himself into space time and time again, knocking down multiple big threes. He has a smooth and effortless release paired with good size and length to shoot over the top of defenders. His feel and IQ on the floor were there, as he continued to find himself in the right position consistently and let his ability to score the ball take over from there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player with a high ceiling, you can see him having success as a mobile big or even a wing player down the road — the state of Missouri should be on notice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Zayden Garcia | 6'5" Wing | The Villages (FL)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes the smoothest players can get overlooked as they play with an effortless feel and movement. Garcia floated with the ball and played with great pace, while his size on the perimeter was tough for opponents to match up with. He has the skill set of a true combo guard but is also effective playing off the wing. A legitimate 6'5" and continuing to build the frame and strength to go with it, I came away really impressed with his movement with the ball in his hands, as he can shoot it, drive it and even play with his back to the basket against smaller defenders. His pull-up was quick and effective, and he was able to get to spots on the floor where he looked comfortable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, he was active and engaged, especially when knifing through passing lanes and generating transition opportunities, where he was able to sky well above the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Felix Okam | 6'9" Forward | Grand Prairie (TX)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best long-term prospect in my opinion, Okam's length was overwhelming, both as a rebounder and a defensive presence. You could easily see him add a few more inches before it's all said and done as well. He moves fluidly and can handle the ball when needed, although he understands he's at his best operating around the basket and creating second-chance opportunities. Felix's ability to take his time and play with a more deliberate approach at times also allows him to really read defenders and find the best avenues to attack them. His hands are soft, and he does a great job extending the ball away from defensive players when he finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While he also continues to work on his perimeter shooting, he did hit a couple and showed he's more than comfortable playing in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->