PH Illinois Freshman Showcase: Emerging Guards Worth Monitoring

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the previous article we took a look at some watch list guards that are impacting early in their young careers. In this piece, we will breakdown a handful of more guard prospects that also put their names on the map and are worth watching as incoming freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3722808"],"_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-6a9b302b2014e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Currently fits naturally in a shooting guard role. Murphy showed reliable floor spacing value by knocking down spot up 3s through the day or attacking closeouts. He demonstrated a bit of crafty to his interior scoring using a baseline floater and a spin move before finishing softly off the glass. In the primary phase, Murphy fills the sidelines adequately and brings a consistent hustle level of play which allows him to contribute beyond just scoring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2822046"],"_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-6a9b302b201b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaunda provided efficient perimeter scoring in the team's 2^nd game of the day. I talled him for 3 3's off the catch while not needing a high volume of attempts. On the defensive side he had an interior block and guarded solidly beyond the perimeter line as well. At this stage will mostly impact in the shooting guard role as a 2 man.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3715216"],"_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-6a9b302b20200"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A shifty and quick guard that plays with the ball on a string. Cooper changes speeds and direction on dime to get defenders off balance before going into attack mode. One of the most fearless guards that was at the showcase. He showed a versatile scoring package with multiple spot up 3s, a smooth pullup from 15, and can really burst downhill to finish through traffic. Off of d boards he works well in the transition game pushing aggressively and making IQ reads that accelerate pace. Cooper has a liking and passion on the defensive end as well. He was able to generate steals and jump passing lanes to generate turnovers playing most of the team's 2^nd game of the day in full court pick up mode. Hillcrest guard with a lot of things to like about his game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3715036"],"_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-6a9b302b2024b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A competitive 2 way guard who stayed aggressive on both sides. Saw Young in team's game 3 of the day and he used some hesitation and change of speed skills to get downhill at times. He hit a spot up 3 and adds some positional flexibility as an off guard. On the defensive side he competed at the point of attack and showed solid lateral movement with length while remaining disciplined to stay in front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3730761"],"_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-6a9b302b20294"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A solid bodied guard who consistently runs the floor with purpose and converted on multiple opportunities in transition. Birch sped ahead of the defense in the teams' 4^th game of the day looking like he still possessed a fresh set of legs. He provides energy and effort to outwork. With the ball he plays with his eyes up seeing the court and processes reading the floor well. His instincts on both sides provide a good foundation to impact in different phases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2822550"],"_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-6a9b3543c433c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the few 2031s at today's showcase. Carbajal was a high level perimeter threat in the team's last game of the day. Put on one of the best shooting clinics from beyond the arc knocking down 5 3's. His stature puts him into a primary ball handling role but his skills would put him in the 2 spot. He showed ability to come off screens, catch and shoot, or dribble into his shot and connect from deep. Carbajal complimented his offense with forcing a transition jump ball and jumping a passing lane before pitching it ahead for an assist. Put together a well orchestrated showing to cap the day off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->