Which Players Will Benefit From Changing Their Grassroots Team?
A number of prospects bounced around grassroots programs ahead of this summer. Which moves can we consider successful from the player’s perspectives and “outside looking in” analysis? Tre White, Mac Irvin Fire: Tre White’s reason for joining Mac Irvin Fire…
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Continue ReadingA number of prospects bounced around grassroots programs ahead of this summer. Which moves can we consider successful from the player’s perspectives and “outside looking in” analysis?
Tre White, Mac Irvin Fire:
Tre White’s reason for joining Mac Irvin Fire had a two-pronged explanation. “(The move was) a great fit for me and my family’s future.” said White, who later added, “they’re going to push me to be the best…I’ll fit in just fine.”
But the fit is one thing, joining the Chicago-based organization didn’t come without a few big-name escorts. White was part of a blockbuster package deal with Milwaukee Washington teammates Michael Foster and Chianti Clay. White confirmed that there was some influence threaded between all three teammates moving at once, as he told me via Twitter, “They both are my big bros and they kept my head on straight.”
Jake Buchanan, from Wisconsin Blizzard to Ray Allen Select:
Buchanan’s move came a little out of the blue, but it makes sense for him. “An opportunity to join Ray Allen Select came up and it seemed like a good fit,” said Buchanan, “I’ll be playing alongside my high school teammate Logan Pearson and some great players I’ve gone against from Brookfield (Central) and Sussex (Hamilton).”
His reasoning to switch things up was also a little different, as it wasn’t chasing offers or college preparation. Buchanan told me, “my main goal is to play hard and focus on our team winning and then everything will take care of itself.” Not to mention, the skills and experience he brings from Kimberly profiles well to a win-first environment.
Tyrese Hunter, from Milwaukee Spartans-Rebels to Phenom University:
Hunter plays with Racine St. Catherine’s, and they compete within the division three field. Because talent runs thinner with the lower division (that’s a generalization, but compared to division one and two it’s mostly a true one) and coverage tends to wane there as well, he doesn’t receive as much recruiting attention during the school season. This move will help him with exposure, as Phenom is the most monitored and popular grassroots team in the midwest. And for recruiting purposes, a new class of opponent will be a perfect measuring stick for schools already eyeballing the young guard.
Alex Antetokounmpo, from Phenom University to Playground Warriors:
This move was a shrewd one because a) Phenom’s frontcourt consists of Jalen Johnson, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Jamari Sibley, and Carter Gilmore. Antetokounmpo wasn’t going to get much tick behind them. And b) Similarly to Hunter, he doesn’t garner the biggest following on a decent division three team in Dominican. So now, likely being featured on an elite Playground team, he’ll be broadcasted to a wider pool of scouts.
David Joplin, from Phenom University to MeanStreets:
Joplin was a key piece of Phenom’s first-class frontcourt last year, but his departure was one of preference. Joplin told me that he wanted to play with a faster paced team, which prompted his move to MeanStreets.
For a more in-depth look at Joplin’s upcoming AAU summer and how he may see an uptick in offers this AAU season, read his Player Profile.