This is a massively important AAU season for Hunter-Coleman, and the early signs are that he’s taking advantage of the opportunity he has been given. The junior guard was fairly passive on offense for his high-powered Newman squad this past season, but he has been a lot more aggressive on that end for BABC, and it has been fun to watch. He looks more comfortable in his three-point shot than I’ve seen him, and he has shown off some really nice finishing touch and athleticism at the cup on a number of occasions—he’s a relentless driver and takes contact well. And, as usual, the 94-foot defense is there for Hunter-Coleman, who makes life difficult for all opposing ball-handlers.

Hunter-Coleman was one of the most explosive prospects I evaluated over the weekend. He has a college ready frame and plays with an immense deal of physical tools. He seeks out contact and makes a plethora of trips to the foul line. On defense he was able to alter a shot. I like how doesn’t always need to ball in his hands to leave an impact on the game. I would like to see him look to be more aggressive from behind the three point line. He would be the ideal fit for LM and LM+ leagues.

This is going to be an extremely important AAU season for Hunter-Coleman. He spent his winter with the Newman School, playing a fundamental style in which he didn’t have too significant an offensive role. But if this first weekend was any indication, he’ll show a lot more of his offensive game this spring for BABC. The 6-foot guard shot the ball well from the outside (this will be a KEY skill for him to master) against Team Sims, but he also showcased special athleticism on the way to the rim on a number of occasions. He shoots with his left hand but is more effective driving to his right, so he has a unique play-style that makes him hard to stay in front of. The on-ball reps will be huge for Hunter-Coleman this spring, and I’m excited to see some more parts to his game.

Hunter-Coleman comes off the bench for Newman but isn’t your typical bench guy. Despite his lack of minutes, he absolutely deserves a shoutout for what he brings to this team. Every time he comes into the game, he completely changes the flow of the opposing team’s offense and makes it hell for opposing ball-handlers to dribble up the floor. On Sunday, he got two quick steals for layups as soon as he got into the game and hyped up his teammates in the process. Hunter-Coleman is a stud at the point of attack and offers something different defensively than the rest of Newman’s back court.

If Richmond wasn’t the biggest Newman stockriser this weekend, it was definitely Hunter-Coleman. The 6-foot guard might not be the biggest, but he’s an overwhelming cover for opposing guards on the offensive end. He gets downhill with incredible explosiveness; he has the handle, quickness and physicality to get by anyone he wants. Once he got into the paint, he showcased some pretty special off-hand righty finishes against both Brimmer and Darrow. Defensively, Hunter-Coleman uses his wingspan and lateral quickness to completely stifle opposing point guards. He’ll be under-recruited because of his size, but the junior might be a mid or high major guard by next year.

A dribble drive penetration nightmare for opponents. Explosive and violent with his dribble drive moves in a good way. Quick as a cat, seems off balanced but his strength keeps his balance in check. He can rise up with his bounce to get shots off and plays through contact, meaning he can be effective finishing at the rim or mid-range. On the other side of the ball he is effective altering shots, passes and dribbling. I foresee Jaylen having a great D2 career or make major contributions in the Ivy League, Patriot, Southern, Southland type leagues.

Newman’s Jaylen Hunter-Coleman Jaylen Hunter-Coleman 6'0" | PG Newman School | 2027 State New E immediately proved to be a tough, pesky defender who didn’t shy away from physical play. I was impressed by his ability to stay attached to the ball and slide laterally with precision. His on-ball defense caused turnovers and helped set a more aggressive tone. Offensively, he showed the ability to penetrate downhill and finish through traffic with confidence.

Hunter-Coleman, a lead guard out of the Newman School, checks in at #29 overall and #5 among the point guards. Hunter-Coleman continues to be one of the top rebounding guards in the region, while displaying toughness on the defensive end of the floor and a budding feel for the game as a playmaker. He’s physically strong, has good burst as a driver, and has developed his shot a good deal over the last twelve months. Offensively, he’s always in attack mode and shows the ability to regularly get to his spots off the bounce. Defensively, he has a chance to be one of the top perimeter defenders in this class.

Hunter-Coleman comes to Newman from NMH, where he averaged 11.7 points and 8.5 rebounds last season. The 6-foot guard had the quickest first step in the entire gym yesterday and was personally my biggest surprise of the day. His shot has really come along from both the mid range and three, and he is really beginning to understand how to play at his own pace. Defensively, he’s a total dog who’s impossible to screen and is ridiculously physical when defending on the ball. He’s a definite D1 player who should get major minutes this upcoming season and will likely get more offers once he proves he can defend any guard in the region.

Hunter-Coleman has all the intangibles that coaches look for in a quality lead guard; he’s competitive, he’s tough, and he makes his teammates better. After announcing that he’ll reclassify to 2027 and attend the Newman School, he’s primed for a breakout season this winter. The lefty has a muscular, compact build that allows him to play through contact as a driver. He’s electric in transition, getting out ahead of the pack and looking for teammates in easy scoring situations. In the half-court, he has the ability to pick apart a defense with his feel for the game and passing, particularly when he gets by the initial defender off the bounce. His aggression and physicality are an asset to his playmaking.