Prep Hoops Live: Hidden Gems Guard Edition

Josh White

July 12, 2022 @ 08:00 AM

Here are some guards that were hidden gems at the Prep Hoop Live ATL showcase. With a diverse skill set of facilitating, scoring, defending, and shooting, let’s take a look at some high-level guard play. Tizoc Aguirre 5’10 PG New Trier 17U Aguirre was one of the best floor generals the tournament had to offer. His command of the offense, game pace and IQ were prevalent through the three days of hoops. Aguirre’s elite court vision made the game easier for his teammates in transition and the halfcourt. He seemed to be two plays ahead and create good looks for his team. His tight handle and solid burst allowed him to generate a ton of open looks on the perimeter with drive and kicks. He also was able to generate points with his floater and finishing ability amongst the paint. https://twitter.com/scottybscout/status/1545554071964246021?s=20&t=8GyxsX_eXSqIfux9DvvNxg [player_tooltip player_id="921110" first="Archer" last="VanSickle"] 6’3 SG Pluto Prospects 17u Vansickle is bonified sharpshooter who can space the floor and knock down timely shots. With a rapid-fire release and constant activity off the ball, he always seems to flow within the offense, take high-quality shots and can shoot a solid percentage on a high volume of three-point shots. With solid height and a stocky frame, Vansickle can get to the basket, withstand contact and get to the rim to change it up. Vansickle also operates well as a secondary ball-handler who can initiate the offense. Trey Murray 5’11 PG/SG Heart and Hustle 2024 Murray is A slashing guard who can break defenders down off the dribble, make solid cuts off the ball, and finish with touch around the rim. He Does a great job of being aggressive with his touches and putting pressure on the rim. Then, when he has the defense on their heels, he has an arsenal of moves to finish with or draw a foul to get to the stripe. Despite his size, he shows a knack for finishing through contact. [player_tooltip player_id="1428918" first="AJ" last="Willard"] 6’1 SG Chapman Basketball Academy 2024 Willard is a marksman who provides premium floor spacing. It is very efficient from the deep corner, which opens up the floors for dribble drives and posts play. Can shoot it off the catch and uses his shooting to open up his offensive arsenal. He works well off of pump fakes, can attack closeouts, operate in the midrange, or get to the cup and make moves to score- adding to his value as a viable scoring option. https://twitter.com/academy_chapman/status/1546562828684988417?s=20&t=OYDv63gbIU2rOlq_tuewCw Woody Machado 6’3 PG /SG Heart and Hustle 2023 Machado was a joy to watch. His versatility, grit, effort, and ability to affect the game without dominating the ball were elite, considering he was playing out of position throughout the tournament. His scrappy competitiveness enabled him to be a great rebounder for his size. He was constantly attacking the glass on both ends and generating possessions for his team. Played in a Bruce Brown-type role as an undersized 4, roll man, dunker spot finisher, and took high-quality shots- giving him value as an off ball guard. However when the ball was in his hands he was decisive, quick, and smart with his decisions and got the basket and finished effectively. Defensively he took the challenge of guarding the best player and guarded 1-3 effectively. Showed nice athleticism on the defensive end when playing beyond his size to guard bigger players. https://twitter.com/OCSHoops/status/1410319187189407744?s=20&t=8GyxsX_eXSqIfux9DvvNxg