Texas Guards to Know: Proven Names and One Sleeper

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season is getting closer, and now we get to see what actually carries over from the summer. Rankings and attention are one thing. Winning basketball is another. I'm looking for players who make good decisions, compete, and bring something that translates when the games matter. These are a few who have caught my eye.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2112007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a873958d113d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hayes is a proven point guard. He scores at all three levels and creates for others. He plays with pace without getting sped up. His energy shows on both ends. Defensively, he competes and creates extra possessions. Hayes understands when to score and when to facilitate. He enters the season as a guard college coaches need to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2251036"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8f4614e971f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones has the burst to get downhill and put immediate pressure on a defense. He probes, changes pace, and keeps working until something opens up. When the game gets physical, Jones does not disappear. He competes defensively, communicates, and has become more comfortable leading the guys around him. I have watched him grow from a talented scorer into a point guard you can trust to run your team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2817352"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8f4614e97ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marshaun is a quick guard who brings pressure on both ends. He uses his speed to stay connected defensively and attack openings on offense. Bard plays with determination and does not back down from difficult assignments. He provides timely scoring without forcing himself into the action. His toughness and example give East Central another form of leadership.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2531151"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8f4614e9815"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Messiah is a quick point guard who plays with energy and purpose. He uses his speed to create pressure, push the pace, and keep defenders uncomfortable. Lynch is scrappy, smart, and willing to battle against bigger guards. He carries a heavy load but still finds ways to create offense for himself and others. His size may be the first thing some people notice. His toughness, leadership, and ability to run a team are what matter more</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2556992"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8f4614e9874"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lynol Gillespie Jr. is a long guard who plays at his own pace and rarely gets sped up. He plays creating with sound decisions; Does not force the action when it is not there. Give him space and he can knock down the three. Close hard and he attacks the opening, gets into the paint, and finds teammates when help comes. Gillespie brings scoring, defensive effort, and a feel for the game that allows him to impact both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->