Basketball Spotlight Season Preview: New York 13U Preview

Are The Gauchos Ready To Bite The Big Apple?

The basketball season has arrived and Basketball Spotlight will kick things off with our season previews. We decided to do breakdown each AAU district by age and give you an inside look to some of the teams. Here’s look at the New York's 13U Division. (Remember some things can change because no rosters are set.)

Team To Beat: NYC Gauchos

Paul Suber has built a tough squad that can make a serious run for regional “Team Of The Year”. The addition of NyRhique Smith gives them the legit floor general they were missing a year ago. Idris Joyner has also joined the Choz therefore Nwanacho Nwana can move to the 3 spot. This has the making of an explosive bunch.

Dark Horse: New Heights

You never can bet against the heart of a champion so you have to give NH a fighter’s chance. Despite rumors reigning POY Rakym Felder has decided to stay home but their biggest pickup has to be big time coach Kimani Young. Young has a National title under his belt and instills the discipline that might propel NH to another Metropolitan crown.

Preseason Player Of The Year: Rakym “Bed Stuy Bully” Felder

Right now Felder has to be the favorite for this award. He’s capable of defeating teams single handily with his scoring prowess. Anytime he touches the floor he gives NH a good chance of winning. It will be interesting to see he takes to Young’s coaching style.

Fresh Face: Unique Mclean (Team Scan)

This is Mclean’s first Spotlight season with this age group. We will have a better read on where he fits in during the season but we do know he will be an immediate impact. Team Scan might have found a hidden gem in this kid.


Preseason NY 1st Team
Rakym Felder (New Heights)
NyRhrique Smith (Gauchos)
Idris Joyner (Gauchos)
George Pena (Team Scan)
Nwanacho Nwana (Gauchos)

2nd Team
Terrell Turner (New Heights)
Cameron Winston (LI Lightning)
Jared Rivers (Variety Boys and Girls Club)
Korey Benson (Team Scan)
Armanie Craddock (Gauchos)

3rd Team
Jakeem Sturgis (New Heights)
Anthony Gibbs (SI Ironmen)
Leondre Washington (Team Scan)
Nakye Sanders (SI Ironmen)
Wayne White (Team Elite)

Next Stop: 13U Carolina Preview

Note: This is only our preseason look we know there will be many other players emerging before the season ends. Keep working hard youngsters.