Buckingham is one of the more promising true point guards in Oklahoma’s Class of 2028. Has a sneaky extra gear in transition and off the bounce, and loves to pass just as much as scoring. Possibly even too much, as there have been consistently times when he should go up and score himself but looks to make a pass instead. Often his decision making is fantastic tho. Capable of making tight window passes to teammates around the rim, or kicking out to open shooters. His scoring production might not always be the loudest, but any success I4 has will likely come with Buckingham’s fingerprints all over it.

Buckingham played with a ton of energy in this one for his club. It was evident early on that his mentality was to attack loose balls. The sophomore seemed to be all over the court as he continually got his team extra shot opportunities by grabbing offensive rebounds. Beckett also shot well from deep, helping to relieve scoring pressure from Sykes. Buckingham closed strong, with some explosive finishes above the rim, while also hitting his foul shots.

The last month has seen Buckingham hit new heights as a key starter for the Knights. With an injury to a fellow starter, he’ll need to keep ascending to keep their 4A title hopes alive. Which based on the cool, calm and collected play he has for a sophomore, he can clearly do that. In fact in a recent game where they allowed a team back into it, it was Buckingham’s decision making that shut the door. He has a solid first step, which allows him to snake all the way to the rim himself or make all the right reads for assist. His development and shining moments in some of the biggest games Crossings this year has been remarkable. Especially as this time last year, he was a spot up threat fighting for minutes off the bench. Give Buckingham another year, and who knows how high this developing point guard could fly.

The sophomore had been showing flashes of his talent throughout this season. Tuesday night he put it all together with a breakout performance, featuring 18 points. Hit clutch threes and had crafty finishes around the rim. Sneaky great feel as a passer for his age, hinting at his combo guard abilities if not out right point guard future. There were baptism by fire moments as a primary ball handler against arguably the best defensive guards in Oklahoma. But Buckingham has an unflappable nature and kept bouncing back.

Buckingham is another CCS sophomore that is stepping up this season. Has connector energy with the assists he’s handing out. He also usually makes a couple scrappy defensive plays each game. Which he then pushes the tempo to create for teammates in transition. While also being a quick processor in the halfcourt. Ran to an opening about 15 feet from the hoop, caught the pass, then perfectly led a cutting teammate to the rim with a bounce pass, ending with a dunk. Like the long term potential for him to continue to evolve as a lead guard.

It’ll be a team effort for Crossings Christian to replace their departed PG, Cal Furnish. But keep an eye on Buckingham to prove he’s more than just a sharpshooter. This spring and summer, the Knight had moments of improved vision and handles. He looks to be a quick processor, capable of using no looks to keep defenders guessing. And he will find cutting teammates. He might still be more in the combo guard territory right now, especially because he can shoot the rock very well. But keep an eye on his development as a guard who keeps the Knights offense flowing along with his older brother and 2027 Sykes.

The next up in the Buckingham family, and he can also shoot the rock. Saw him pop up in spots throughout the year for the 4A runners ups Knights. Including draining big threes in a regular season match up vs Douglass. Shooting was his early ticket on the floor, but 15U AAU play have hinted at his all around potential. Should see his role expand, as Crossings looks to stay among the best teams in Oklahoma, regardless of class.

After finding his spots to score, especially as spot up threat as a freshman, Buckingham is making a push this spring to expand his all around game. Which should set the stage for a bigger high school role next winter. He’s starting to have more pace with the ball in his hands. He’s looking more dangerous off the bounce, getting to the mid-range and even making some crafty passes off the bounce. With some sneaky suddenness to his game, Buckingham has a chance to fill it up from all over the court at the 15U level.

There’s a promising group of freshmen across the board for the Knights and recently it’s been Buckingham stepping up. In a potential State Tournament preview against Douglass, he was the freshman to log extra minutes as the Knights battled foul trouble. He’s proving to be a good floor spacing threat. Look for Buckingham to potentially swing games with shooting, while he teams with the Knights’ upperclasmen, including his older brother Braden.