The Future Is Now (Hoover’s Big 3)
We all have heard the saying that the future is bright, and for the Hoover High School Boys Basketball program, the statement holds true. The Bucs have three of the most talented players all in the 2025 class, playing significant…
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Continue ReadingWe all have heard the saying that the future is bright, and for the Hoover High School Boys Basketball program, the statement holds true. The Bucs have three of the most talented players all in the 2025 class, playing significant minutes and making huge impacts on the varsity.
I finally got a chance to watch all the young talents as they faced off against McGill-Toolen led by Arkansas commit Barry Dunning Barry Dunning 6'6" | NA lbs | SF McGill-Toolen | 2022 State #133 Nation AL . In the highly anticipated match-up, the three young freshmen did not disappoint.
Salim London (6’2/Combo Guard)
Instagram: yung.kid.leem_
Twitter: @Cportlondon
I have seen Salim numerous times, and he keeps elevating his game. His ability to get to the rack off the bounce continues to impress me. He doesn’t waste any movements, and once he gets a step on his defender, he takes direct paths to the rim and finishes nicely in traffic and through contact. He ended with 5pts but was a playmaker with the ball in his hands, as the outside shot wasn’t fallen. Even though the perimeter jumper wasn’t there, he kept his intensity and determination and impacted the game from a facilitating standpoint. He looks healthy coming off the injury during the spring and summer and appears to have his legs back under him. He was committed to the defensive end and was causing problems for ball-handlers with his on-ball D.
He has good size as a freshman, and as his body develops more, he will get faster and more explosive, which is going to give defenders serious problems.
If he keeps on the trajectory that he is on, he will be a high-level prospect coming out of the state of AL.
Jarett Fairley (6’0/Point Guard)
Instagram: Iamjarettfairley_
Twitter: @fairley_jm
When you mention Hoover’s Big 3, J’s name might come behind Salim and D. but make no mistake about it, J is the player that makes it all come together. He is the glue to the Big 3. J showed tremendous focus and hustle at the lead guard spot and was the spark early in the contest for the Bucs that helped them establish their early lead. His instincts with the ball and the quality of shots are way beyond where most freshmen are, as his game right now is beyond his years. He is best off the dribble as he has a quick first step, and he gets to his spots on the floor where he can do the most damage, whether creating his own shot or creating for others. He has already found the balance between scoring and facilitating and does both equally well.
His knowledge of how to use his body and leveraging his quickness to create space has emerged and makes him a threat every time the ball is in his hands.
Offensively he has all the tools, but let me drop this little piece about his game, and that is his ability to be a lockdown defender. He was picking up McGill-Toolen’s ball-handlers full court and making them earn every piece of ground on the court. He is the stabilizing force of the Big 3, and his stock is rising.
DeWayne Brown, II (6’7/Center)
Instagram: dewaynebrown2025
Twitter: @N/A
I have seen D several times early this year in travel ball action, and I was impressed with his size and mobility. Seeing him against McGill-Toolen showed two things, and that is 1. D has been in the weight room, and 2. D has been working on his skillset. Of the Big 3, D might get the first of the looks because of his size as he is the piece to the Big 3 that controls the paint, and as you often hear, you can’t teach size. He is physical in the paint and aggressive on the boards. He occupies a lot of real estate in the paint on both ends of the court, making it hard for a lot of action to take place down low. I saw McGill-Toolen players repeatedly decide not to attack off the bounce as they respected D’s presence down low.
His mere presence impacts the game in ways he may not understand right now.
Against McGill-Toolen, he rarely came outside of the paint area, but as he expands his game offensively and can knock down the mid-range and defensively be able to guard in ball-screen action, his stock will continue to rise.
I was sharing with a coach in the area that teams better go ahead and get the Bucs while they are young and vulnerable because I would venture to say by next year that the Bucs will be in the title hunt for the next three years.
Check out the Big Orange Classic Dec. 27-29 at Hoover High School if you want to get out and see the Bucs in action.