Prep Hoops Carolinas Expo – Team 5 Evaluations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A backcourt led by speed, agility and quickness helped make Team 5 one of the best backcourts of the day. Team 5 was a bit on the smaller side but what they lacked in height, they made up for in speed, skill, and togetherness. Here's a look at the quartet that contributed to their success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2559342"],"_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-6a9f1eb429b49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the best two-way guards in the gym. Before anything else caught my attention, the ball pressure and commitment to guarding full court blew me away. Jahlil was fearless on the defensive end and made opposing ball handlers think twice about trying to put the ball on the floor. Despite his height, he showed defensive versatility by guarding some bigger wings and being effective, even when they tried posting him up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively that same effectiveness and assertiveness was in place. The ability he had to break down defenders and touch the paint was second to none. Ball handling was superb which elevated his shot creation to keep defenders off balance. Blazing first step speed and a change of direction that had defenders falling over each other all afternoon. Crafty and acrobatic finisher below the rim with either hand and also a capable shooter when off the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2957616"],"_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-6a9f1eb429bb5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another smaller guard for the team but he was fearless on both ends of the floor. The duo of Jacob and Jahlil proved to be a tough out for any team's backcourt. Jacob demonstrated true floor general moments by constantly communicating and letting his teammates know where to be. The passing was supreme with either hand and the low turnover rate proved why his ability to diagnose coverages was at an all-time high yesterday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was tough for anyone to stay in front of Jacob, but he abused bigger defenders in switch situations. Excellent blow by speed mixed with the crafty ball handling led to either layups or wide-open threes for the others on the floor. Feisty defender who can guard 94-feet without fouling but also be a plus defender off the ball. His quick hands led to numerous deflections and steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2887581"],"_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-6a9f1eb429bfd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An old-school point guard in the sense that he wants to pass first and score second. Kaden's ability to pass teammates open was second to none. His patience in the half-court and transition led to a variety of open looks for his teammates. Kaden was such a good passer that at times, his teammates didn't see the pass coming and led to a turnover when it should've been an easy two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He loves to play in pick and roll sets where he can distribute, hunt mismatches or turn the corner and finish at the rim. The mid-range game is a joy to watch when defenses are in drop coverage or when he breaks down a defender in the halfcourt. When the ball is not in his hands, the spot up shooting is a plus along with the hard cutting from the slot. The blend of playmaking, shot creation, and downhill finishing from Kaden made him one of the premier guards in the gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3443938"],"_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-6a9f1eb429c42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looks like he is only 6'1 but has long arms and a mature frame to withstand contact on either side of the ball. Relentless at getting downhill and finishing amongst the trees. Ambidextrous finisher on either side of the rim and has an array of floaters or under the rim moves to keep defenses honest. Versatile with the ability to play on or off the ball but his off-ball movement and cutting really stood out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keith's athleticism will sneak up on you if you're not careful, but Keith does an excellent job of knowing when to be aggressive and when to dial it back. Every possession he was dialed in and showcasing one of the higher motors from the guard position in the gym. Rebounded the ball well for his position and initiated offense effectively when the ball was in his hands in transition. Capable shooter from outside but relied more on getting to the mid-range and rim, which is something I applaud as he does not need to play out of his strengths to be effective.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->