SUWANEE, GA — While the lion’s share of the attention adorns the 17u talent, 15u players burst onto the scene all spring long. It is a great opportunity to see who the next stars will be and Nike’s 15u division in Atlanta…
SUWANEE, GA — While the lion’s share of the attention adorns the 17u talent, 15u players burst onto the scene all spring long. It is a great opportunity to see who the next stars will be and Nike’s 15u division in Atlanta had some of the best in the nation.
Cassius Stanley | 2019 | California Supreme 17U
Cassius Stanley is incredible. Forget how amazing he will be, Stanley is an instigator of the highest sort. With his hops and aggression he needs just two or three plays to inspire a deafening roar. Unlike most of these standouts, Stanley was playing 17u against men…and dominating. Stanley competes for powerhouse program Harvard Westlake in California, so he is comfortable against legit bigs. There is no adjustment period for Cassius and the towers are merely minor speed bumps on his way to the basket. Think a taller version of Malik Monk. Andrew Wiggins 2.0.
Balsa Koprikova | 2019 | Nike Team Florida 15U
Serbian forward Balsa has Lottery Pick written all over him.
Balsa Koprikova (FL) is sincerely a year away from being able to practice against pros. The Sebrian has Amare’ Staudamire athleticism with Tyson Chandler size. The ceiling is hard to imagine, as Balsa jumps like a volleyball player. Few bigs of any age have his athleticism or bounce. He should be a tougher version of Pau Gasol for the next 15 years. Balsa is just staggering to witness and Serbia has produced yet another NBA-bound hooper.
Kira Lewis Jr. | 2019 | Alabama Challenge 15U
Kira Lewis Jr. is a gamer. On top of handling like a veteran hooper and scoring in bunches, Kira Lewis plays to win. He hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer of Travelers-AL Challenge 15u pool play contest to send the game to overtime.
Corey Girton | 2019 | Kentucky Travelers 15U
Corey Girton will be a volume scorer at the high school level. Playing 15u he is a starter for a guard-heavy Travelers outfit. Girton’s strengths are slashing, bounce, and confidence. The springy off-guard loves attacking the paint. He plays above the rim with regularity. Girton will be a special player in Kentucky for years to come. Likely landing spots include SEC, Big 12, or lower-tier ACC.
Isaiah Cozart | 2019 | Kentucky Travelers 15U
Future post player Isaiah Cozart (6’6″ and growing) played well in Atlanta with Travelers 15u. He is slower of foot than the tiny guards, but Cozart plays intelligently. His court awareness is exceptional. Cozart (Madison Central) is constantly marking his man, while keeping attention on potential penetrators. He is a great help defender in the lane and blocks plenty of shots. As Cozart matures his agility and bounce will improve. For now he is learning the game from great coaches, while competing against great players. His style of play reminds of shorter Andrew Bynum.
Jaykwon Walton | 2019 | Alabama Challenge 15U
By training on the perimeter Jaykwon Walton (AL) is developing invaluable agility and handle. Even if he doesn’t stick as a guard, Walton will be able to do many different things. Standing over 6-foot-4 as a high school freshman suggests he will mature into a nimble wing.
Jalen Burbage | 2019 | Kentucky Travelers 15U
Jalen Burbage crisply attacked man-to-man defenses in Atlanta.
Though he sustained a minor injury Sunday, Jalen Burbage proved he is a dominant prep guard. Burbage also played very well weeks earlier at Kentucky State AAU. Burbage’s father, Cornell played a few years (1987-1989) in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Though Cornell made his mark as a wide receiver Jalen is a quarterback/point guard for Bryan Station High School. He will attend Kentucky and Vanderbilt football camps as an invited guest. Samford wanted him to camp for basketball, but June will be a heavy football focus for the Burbage family. Jalen possesses an exceptional change of direction and can be impossible to deter. When healthy, Burbage is an elite slasher with expert finishing competence.
Ciaran Brayboy | 2019 | Mac Irvin FIRE 16U
After tracking Ciaran Brayboy (IL) for a year, the verdict is in. Brayboy will be a wonderful college starter. He has the fire few young bigs possess. You can’t watch him play and not shed a smile. Play after play Brayboy moves, moves, and works. All young players should play hard, but many coast or recoil from the big moments. Not this New Trier High student-athlete.