Summer In Review: Stock Rising Guards to Watch

This summer I got to travel all across Texas and watch several different high school prospects compete in a wide variety of tournaments. From freshmen to unsigned seniors, this summer in review article will encompass guards who found their way onto my radar through hustle, multi-tool skillsets, and passion for the game. This examination of these athletes will include information from GASO, TABC, Prep Hoops, and OTR events throughout the March-July grassroots period.    [player_tooltip player_id='2507526' first='Marcellus' last='Luster'] is a guard who scores efficiently from all three levels and runs a fast-paced game when taking the ball up the floor. He effectively pulls up off the dribble and hits fadeaway and midrange shots over closing out defenders. Luster rebounds at a very high rate for a guard and this allows him to survey the floor for open transition opportunities. Sneaky athleticism lets him block shots in the paint and he showcases long strides and fluidity on fastbreaks. One of the biggest stock risers I was able to watch this summer, he has a multi-tool skillset that he uses to beat the other team on both sides of the ball.     Guy was one of the best defenders I caught playing on the Prep Hoops circuit this summer. Shpigelman combines elite defensive instincts with a smooth jumper from deep range, and he makes winning plays, hustling for loose balls and cutting to the basket for easy layups and finishes. His energy was relentless and he gives 110% every possession when on the court. He moves constantly off the ball, so the defenders always have to be aware of where he is on offense at all times.     I first got to scout [player_tooltip player_id='2865879' first='Jordan' last='[player_tooltip player_id='2854586' first='Austin' last='']'] at an OTR tournament this summer and he played a great game for Be Someone Elite. His high IQ and decision making on offense helped set up open opportunities for his teammates to get good shots and looks in the paint and on the perimeter. His speed was a blur in transition, and he played passing lanes well on defense, notching steals for his squad.     [player_tooltip player_id='2048875' first='Matthew' last='Cook'] is as fundamental and sound as a guard can get in today's game. He spots up well from all three levels, plays aggressive defense, and has great court vision. He is capable of getting hot in a hurry and he has a smooth pull up off the dribble. You will often find him in the corner pocket ready to catch and shoot off a crisp pass from one of his teammates driving and dishing the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='2173107' first='Isaiah' last='Davis'] was a top nominee for one of the best all-around guards I watched this grassroots season. He scores in high volumes from all levels, and he makes dime-dropping passes to open shooters. He uses underrated athleticism to attack the basket over defenders and finish through contact. One of the true floor generals that stood out to me consistently impacts the stat column in all categories.

This summer I got to travel all across Texas and watch several different high school prospects compete in a wide variety of tournaments. From freshmen to unsigned seniors, this summer in review article will encompass guards who found their way onto my radar through hustle, multi-tool skillsets, and passion for the game. This examination of these athletes will include information from GASO, TABC, Prep Hoops, and OTR events throughout the March-July grassroots period.