Hoop Group Summer Jam Fest-Saturday Standout Wings
Yesterday I attended Hoop Group’s Summer Jam Fest event held at Spooky Nook Sports. After a long hiatus, getting back in the gym to see player I knew an didn’t know was refreshing as ever. It was well ran as…
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Continue ReadingYesterday I attended Hoop Group’s Summer Jam Fest event held at Spooky Nook Sports. After a long hiatus, getting back in the gym to see player I knew an didn’t know was refreshing as ever. It was well ran as always and took all of the safety precautions necessary to provide players a platform for exposure. Many of which have garnered new college interest or offers over the last 24 hours. I arrived for the 8:30AM games and stayed throughout the day.
This article highlights the standout wings from yesterday’s slate.
For part one of standout guards, click here.
Noah Batchelor Noah Batchelor 6'6" | SF IMG Academy | 2022 State #184 Nation FL | 6’7 | Team Thrill ’22
I liked the energy that Batchelor provided on both ends. He was especially active as a communicator defensively, which helped with coverages and kept his teammates aware of where certain players were on the floor. Batchelor showed a willingness to defend the opposing team’s best wing player and do so with a decent success rate. Offensively he knocked down perimeter shots off the catch, used a dribble or two to get to open looks in the mid-range and finished over the rim in transition.
Jevin Muniz | 6’5 | L&L Running Rebels ’21
Muniz did a little bit of everything for his team yesterday, but made his impact felt the most with his outside shooting. At 6-foot-5, Muniz isn’t the most athletic player, but has a smoothness about his game with the way he operates off the bounce to get by his defender. Whenever he got an inch of space from three he made the defense pay. On multiple occasions Muniz grabbed the defensive board, led the fastbreak and made plays for others. He had a few turnovers, but they were mostly advanced looks in small windows that his teammates weren’t ready for. His mix of IQ, versatility and scoring make him an intriguing prospect.
Chris Walls | 6’5 | Team Final Red ’21
Walls’ versatility was on full display in the game against Thrill. For the majority of the game he was matched up against 6-foot-9 Jarace Walker because of his toughness and ability to handle Walker’s physicality on drives. He moves his feet well laterally and can keep his man in front of him without fouling, box out and grab rebounds at a good rate from the wing position. Offensively he knocked down shots in the mid-range area when free from his defender. He’s at his best getting downhill and attacking the paint where he can embrace contact on finishes. His outside shot is still a work in progress, but I like the vibe that he can bring to the floor for his team on both ends.
Sean Durugordon | 6’6 | Crown Basketball ’21
Durugordon’s stock has seen significant rise since announcing that he will transfer to Putnam Science Academy can reclass to 2021. The 6-foot-6 wing showed why Saturday evening with his versatility on both ends. He’s athletic and agile enough to guard perimeter-oriented wings while holding his own against bigger frontcourt players for stretches. He approaches rebounding with aggression. Durugordon got to the spots he wanted on the floor with limited dribbles and finished well in the paint. His improved jumper from outside still shows and even showed more of a willingness to make plays for others off the bounce.
Jared Billups Jared Billups 6'5" | SF McDonogh | 2021 State MD | 6’5 | Team Thrill ’21
Billups didn’t have any explosive scoring performances Saturday, but what he did do was play extremely efficient with his decision-making as a scorer and passer. He hung hit hat defensively by spending time on both guards and wings and defending them effectively. His active hands, length and athleticism made him an impact both out on the perimeter or on drives to the basket. He picked his spots well offensively and took advantage of driving lanes with athletic finishes. His outside shot is still developing, but showed good balance and rotation on the ball for the ones he knocked down.
Jamal Ikaebu | 6’6 | Stat Nation ’21
Ikaebu was a consistent scoring threat for his team yesterday specifically in isolation situations at the top of the key. The 6-foot-6 southpaw has solid handles and a quick first step off the bounce to help get an edge before using his plus length to finish at the rim. He showed ability to cash in on three’s with time and space. He rebounded well defensively and had scenarios when he led the fastbreak and manufactured points. He’s one to monitor going forward as he develops his overall game.