NEPSAC Showcase at Avon: Day 1 Backcourt Standouts

The second weekend of the NEPSAC Showcase is underway, this time at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. Over 100 college coaches from all three levels are in the gym and the talent on hand is special. Here are some backcourt standouts from Friday.    Fiery point guard with good hands who never gives up on the ball defensively and plays with a level of intensity that seems to rub off on his teammates. Palluzzi can make plays for an offense off the dribble and is a knock down three point shooter with range. He's also a cerebral pick and roll player and has a quicker-than-you'd-expect first-step and a solid pull-up game to pair with it.     Ocasio is a very skilled and crafty guard who plays with great pace and control on the offensive end. While he won't shock you with speed, quickness or athleticism, he made multiple moves to the hoop exhibiting supreme footwork and patience in the paint. He pulls his entire offensive game together with a great jab step and pull-up game.     Cyr is tough as nails with a never-ending motor and work ethic. He's lightning quick off the bounce and is constantly looking to push the ball off makes and misses. Can also stretch the defense by shooting off the catch and from a standstill. Most impressive about Cyr, though, is his vision and ability to make weak-side reads offensively, despite not being able to see over the defense at only 5-foot-9.     Schuller is the definition of a defensive pest. He'll guard for all 94 feet and will be physical, aggressive and tough all along the way. He has great hands and an uncanny ability to slide his feet laterally. He also showcased some really nice finishes above the trees offensively with both hands; other than that, he's a solid pass-first point guard who can run your offense.     Bike is as solid as it gets. You always feel confident when the southpaw has the ball because he makes great decisions and can really handle it while being pressured. He controls the entire offense and is constantly directing his teammates where to go, and his passing/playmaking instincts are great; he's a phenomenal pocket passer out of the pick and roll. He also plays hard on defense and makes up for his lack of size with quick feet.     Christopher is only a Sophomore, and you can tell by his body; he's very skinny and looks young. But he has quite the future ahead of him. He's incredibly skilled and can shoot it from anywhere and everywhere, both off the dribble and in spot-up situations. He's well beyond his years in terms of feel, and depending on how his body develops, he could really come onto the scene in the next couple years.     Pichay is short in stature but strong and tough on the ball both defensively and offensively. He has a nice-looking shot from three and can get to the paint for pull-ups with a very quick first step and great handles. Not sure what his recruitment looks like but would definitely be a great D3 guard.

The second weekend of the NEPSAC Showcase is underway, this time at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut. Over 100 college coaches from all three levels are in the gym and the talent on hand is special. Here are some backcourt standouts from Friday.