Round Rock Standouts: 3 Wings and a Big Man

Top Forwards and a Dominant Center from the 8th Annual Road to Nationals Super Regional – Round Rock, TX. In today's game, the roles of the forward and center have evolved. The modern wing must now possess a diverse skill set capable of spacing the floor, defending multiple positions, initiating offense, and still doing the hard work in the paint. It was a pleasure to watch a handful of young prospects who consistently delivered in the most important categories: effort, production, and basketball IQ.    [player_tooltip player_id='2555581' first='Lance' last='Johnson'] is the kind of player every coach wants on the floor—high motor, physically mature, and mentally tough. He plays with an edge. There's a purpose to everything he does, whether he's battling on the glass, sprinting in transition, or drawing contact around the rim.   He was a double-double machine all weekend, consistently asserting himself on both ends. Johnson doesn't shy away from contact—he welcomes it—and his ability to guard all five positions sets him apart as a true modern-day wing. He's not flashy, but he's effective. A leader on a talented SA Rhythm squad, Johnson reminds me of the classic two-way wings who combine toughness with just enough finesse. He'll be a valuable asset at the collegiate level.     [player_tooltip player_id='2415736' first='Te'Darius' last='Wicker'] is a positionless player in the best sense of the word. He played every spot on the floor this weekend and did so with composure and toughness. Offensively, he gets to his spots, finishes through contact, and shows excellent body control. He has a diverse finishing package and a strong feel for when to attack.   Defensively, Wicker is disruptive. His length, foot speed, and instincts allow him to contest shots and switch across multiple matchups effectively. For PDR Elite, he was the engine, providing energy, leadership, and big plays when it mattered most. There's a rawness to some parts of his game, but his ceiling is high, and he competes with the kind of edge you can't teach.     There's a quiet confidence to Draven Duncan's game. He doesn't force the issue, but rather lets the game unfold—and then capitalizes. His shooting stroke is clean and repeatable, especially from the midrange and beyond the arc, and he's comfortable operating under pressure.   Defensively, Duncan is in the right place more often than not. He contests shots, rebounds within his area, and rarely makes mistakes. What makes him especially valuable is how well he fits within a team concept. He doesn't need volume to make an impact. He was integral to SA Rhythm's run to the final four this weekend. If you're looking for a glue guy with polish, Duncan fits that mold well—and he has the potential to grow into much more.     [player_tooltip player_id='1778922' first='Corbin' last='Crocker'] is a rare find in today's game—a true big man who embraces physicality and lives in the paint. He doesn't float to the perimeter looking to stretch the floor. Instead, he punishes defenders with his strength, uses his size effectively, and finishes with force. If he gets a shoulder by you in the post, it's over.   What impressed me most this weekend was Crocker's ability to consistently draw double teams and make the right reads out of them. His midrange game is developing, but his foundation is built on rebounding, rim protection, and presence. He was the anchor for SA Rhythm, and while his game still has areas for growth, his effort level and identity as a traditional center give him long-term value.

Top Forwards and a Dominant Center from the 8th Annual Road to Nationals Super Regional – Round Rock, TX. In today's game, the roles of the forward and center have evolved. The modern wing must now possess a diverse skill set capable of spacing the floor, defending multiple positions, initiating offense, and still doing the hard work in the paint. It was a pleasure to watch a handful of young prospects who consistently delivered in the most important categories: effort, production, and basketball IQ.