July Preview: Top Available 2018 Shooting Guards, Part I
For members of the 2018 class, a vital time is on the horizon. With July comes the final three live periods of their careers.
It often comes faster than any of them realize. There are sure to be a large number of players in this class deciding on their futures, with colleges aiming to get one last look at some of our guys before they make their calls on who they’ll offer.
Some players in 2018 already hold offers and are on the verge of making their choices. Others are hoping to turn heads with a few big performances. As we approach the start of the first live period on July 12, we are taking a look at the 2018 class, by position, with players who are pursuing college dreams this month.
We start by looking at the top 2018 shooting guards available:
Sam Masten, 6-3, Colorado Hawks
Where he’ll play: Adidas Gauntlet South Carolina, July 12-16; Mullen High Profile Tournament (Wichita, Kan.), Adidas Summer Championships, July 26-30.
Taking stock: Masten recently picked up his fourth offer, from Dartmouth. He adds that to offers from Air Force, Idaho State and Northern Colorado. The talented lefty guard, who can play on the ball or off, had a fantastic spring, leading the Hawks in scoring on the Gauntlet. His outside shooting has come a long way, and the consistency he’s found with his long-range stroke has made him a load to handle as an offensive player. Masten would like to make his college decision within the next month or so.
Projected level: Low- to mid-major Division I.
Highlights: https://twitter.com/Bigsam_32/status/872581639901204480
Kaison Hammonds, 6-3, Billups Elite
Where he’ll play: Adidas Gauntlet South Carolina, July 12-16.
Taking stock: Hammonds was the engine that helped guide Billups to a 6-2 record during the spring Gauntlet circuit, earning the team a spot in the Finale. Hammonds, who holds an offer from the University of Denver, averaged 12 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game during the spring Gauntlet series, displaying the same versatility that made him one of the Continental League’s best players. More performances like that this July could really elevate the interest in a player who has one of the most complete games in the state.
Projected level: Low- to mid-major Division I.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/20YUJD
Sam Bannec, 6-3, Billups Elite
Where he’ll play: Adidas Gauntlet South Carolina, July 12-16.
Taking stock: The bouncy guard with good length is coming off an impressive June run with his high school team, Regis Jesuit. Bannec has really improved as a playmaker. He’s a guy you can put at both guards spots, can hit consistently from the outside, attacks with his head up and his eyes scanning the court. He has the length to finish when he gets to the basket. He’s coming off a junior season in which he averaged 11.7 points and three rebounds per game. His athleticism will carry him at the next level. Look no further than his dunk of the year against Overland, which leads the highlight below.
Projected level: Division II.
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5049959/591df1ad5cb3661180f6ca8e
Trent Dykema, 6-4, Colorado Titans
Where he’ll play: NY2LA Milwaukee, July 12-16; West Coast Elite Summer Classic (Ontario, Calif.), July 19-23; Big Foot Las Vegas, July 26-30.
Taking stock: This is a big summer for Dykema, who is looking to build on the momentum of a junior season in which he averaged 20.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists for a 21-4 Silver Creek team. The potential of a player with his length that can handle the ball and score it like Dykema could make a great fit for a team still trying to add a player to its backcourt.
Projected level: Division II/III/NAIA.
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4863786/58bdf580e97ab81b64e3973e