Summer In Review: Quick and Shifty High IQ Guards To Watch

The AAU circuit is full of quick and shifty guards who are able to impact the game from the combo guard position. Several of them possess the IQ and court awareness to run the point guard slot, while some are knockdown shooters and three level scorers. Let's check out this list of talented guards I caught up with this summer and examine their skillsets just a bit further and what makes them unique from a scouting standpoint.    Ralph is definitely one of the most underrated playmakers in Houston I was able to watch throughout this entire summer. He constantly finds open teammates with good opportunities to score at the basket and controls pace of the offense well in the half court-setting. He makes smart decisions in transition, and his quick/shifty dribble moves allow him to keep defenders guessing as to whether he will pull up off the dribble or drive to the basket.     [player_tooltip player_id='3589793' first='Brayden' last='Williams'] is a steady and smart guard who plays for the Conroe Tigers and was a major stock riser this summer. He showcases crafty moves getting past defenders to the basket and is effective in pick and roll scenarios. His pull in the midrange is efficient from the elbow and he gets to his spots with ease, having ability to create his own shot. He hustles for loose balls and fills his lane correctly during transition scenarios. Brayden will look to be a huge factor for Conroe this upcoming season on both sides of the ball!     Damarcus is a catch and shoot combo guard who makes defenses pay from the perimeter when left open for jumpers and can draw contact when attacking in isolation. His jumper is smooth and he has a quick release to get off his shot before the opposing players can close out. He can help handle the ball against full court pressure and his constant off ball movement forces defenders to know where he is at all times on the floor. Look for Sloan to have a big season at North Shore this upcoming year!     Judd Stabler is a major player when it comes to playing aggressive perimeter defense and helping his team keep momentum on offense. He sets the tone well at the point guard position and his long wingspan can be used to finish over smaller guards when attacking the post. He has a finesse to his game that allows him to slither past opposing perimeter players and find open looks from range and in the paint. He operates off P&R situations as the primary ballhandler and keeps his post players involved at all times. His jumper is consistent enough to make defenses respect him and this allows him to explode with a quick first step.     [player_tooltip player_id='2817352' first='Marshaun' last='Bard'] makes plays happen with his shiftiness and quick speed when attacking opposing defenders. His drive and dish ability is vastly underrated, and he is a good spot up shoot when left open by defenders. His stature and speed allow him to work his way around perimeter guards and find the smallest openings in the defense to thread the needle on precise passes. Bard has had a big stock rising summer when I got to see him play in a few GASO tournaments and he has received a few offers as of late, which I expect to see him garner more soon.

The AAU circuit is full of quick and shifty guards who are able to impact the game from the combo guard position. Several of them possess the IQ and court awareness to run the point guard slot, while some are knockdown shooters and three level scorers. Let's check out this list of talented guards I caught up with this summer and examine their skillsets just a bit further and what makes them unique from a scouting standpoint.