Season Preview: Breakout Players

Fall basketball is back for Texas student athletes and we couldn't be more excited. Below are a handful of players that I expect to make a significant impact this season.    Alex is a strong, crafty forward with an excellent skill set in the post. He rarely has trouble backing down his defenders given his impressive size, solid frame, and his incredibly advanced footwork - all of which make him nearly impossible to contain. He uses the glass effectively and he's patient - if you don't bite on his first pump fake, he may switch it up with his feet and throw two or three more at you before his actual shot attempt. He has quick hands on defense and seems to always make his way right into the middle of his opponent's passing lanes for easy steals. He moves incredibly well without the ball and is elite at finishing on the fast break. His impressive reach allows him to block and alter plenty of opposing shots on the defensive end throughout his games. I expect Rodriguez to turn even more heads this season and end his high school campaign with plenty of fireworks.     Jordan is a quick, shifty point guard that can steal the ball from his defender and be on the other end for two points before they can even gather themselves. He anticipates his opponent's next move with ease and turns that into extra possessions for his squad consistently. He has great shooting form and can spot up and knock it down from beyond the arc regularly. His court vision is next level - he seems to know where all his teammates are on the floor throughout the game, leading to jaw-dropping dimes and easy buckets in transition. He uses his elite speed on both ends and rarely is unable to stay in front of his man on defense. Another thing I love about his game is that he's always ready for the next play - no resting, excessive celebration, or laziness - just hustle. I expect Robles to make a ton of noise in his sophomore season and he's one to catch live if you get the opportunity.     Logan is an explosive, confident guard with a quick release and a vertical that will knock your socks off. He's already doing windmill dunks heading into his sophomore campaign and he shows no fear or hesitation when he sees an open opportunity. He can rack up points on his defender in a hurry and if he figures them out early, he'll take full advantage for the entirety of the game until his opponents double him or assign someone else to try and stop him. He has a MEAN crossover and excellent ballhandling skills, which makes him a very tough assignment when pairing that with his electric burst off the dribble. He's got a nice ability to put his defenders on skates and rise up and over them for wide open jumpers on the regular. I expect Dean to make jaws drop this season and I can't wait to see it.     Momar is an incredibly talented forward that positively impacts the game for his team in so many different ways. His long frame allows him to be effective on both ends - consistently getting open looks offensively and regularly altering or blocking the shots of his opponents on the defensive end. He's an absolute MONSTER on the glass and he's a smart big, using patience and stellar footwork to work his way into his best available opportunities. He's got a smooth jumper from mid-range and beyond the arc and he never takes a play off - always hustling down on the fast break and getting back and set on defense. Momar is an impressively well-rounded player and the type of athlete that can take his squad from good to great. I expect Diakhate to get a TON of attention throughout his high school campaign and it'll be well deserved.     Wayne is a fearless, scrappy guard that doesn't back down from any defender - regardless of status or size. You'll often find him in traffic - hustling after a loose ball or driving straight into the paint and taking on opposing forwards and centers. He's got a nice shot from outside and he can get hot and stay that way in a hurry, quickly racking up consecutive buckets on his opposition. He's persistent on defense and uses his length to swat his assignment's attempts and create general chaos which leads to easy turnover creation and extra possessions for his team. He's great at moving without the ball and getting to his favorite spots for easy catch and shoot opportunities. He consistently follows his attempts and he never gives up on a play, showing he's a player you can count on when it's going well and when you're trying to make a comeback. I expect Jurica to end his high school campaign with awe-inspiring play and he's one you don't want to miss.

Fall basketball is back for Texas student athletes and we couldn't be more excited. Below are a handful of players that I expect to make a significant impact this season.