Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Grand Finale 14U Top Performers: Usual Suspects

Donovan Mitchell Showed Off Some Of His Skills At The Grand Finale

The 14U Bracket was the biggest and best in Grand Finale history. We decided to breakdown our analysis into different parts. First, we will begin with the players that entered the event with heavy reputations and performed at a high level.

14U Top Performers (Usual Suspects)

Donovan Mitchell Guard (The City)- His team was a little undermanned but Mitchell demonstrated the play that makes him an elite player in this class. On one play he drove down the lane and nearly threw it down in traffic. Anyone with a basketball eye could see the potential oozing from this kid’s body.


Marcus Floyd Guard (Philly Aztecs)- Floyd put on a show at the Grand Finale. When things got tight versus Team Scan NY, Marcus opened up the floor and had the defense on skates. He literally took over the contest in front of the capacity crowd. Right now Marcus Floyd is the best floor general in the region, next question!

Nassir Barrino Guard (Team Scan)- Barrino stepped up when the competition got thick. As bad as I want him to become a pass first point guard it’s hard to deny how quick and easy he can score the rock. He has one of the quickest pull up’s I’ve seen and gets into the lane with the best of them.

Juwan Gooding Guard (Albany Dream Team)- Gooding went for 22 points in his squads win against The City. Not many possess the natural scoring knack at this kid because his range is unlimited. When he’s focused on the game he’s very difficult to contain.

Leroy Butts Forward (Future Players)- Butts shows flashes of big time potential. The 6’6 forward posted good numbers against ADT and The City. Right now I want him to become more vocal in terms of demanding the rock and understanding how dominant he could be. His future seems very bright.

Devin Liggeons Forward (Philly Aztecs)- Devin is still riding high from his breakout season a year ago. This weekend he hit the boards like Dennis Rodman and still was able to score the pill among the giants. His effort on the wing and under the glass helped propel the Tecs into the final four.

Malachi Richardson Guard (Team Final)- Since joining TF Richardson has shown vast improvement and confidence in his ball handling and willingness to attack off the dribble. Continuing development in this area will make him a more sought after prospect.

Isaiah Still Forward (NJ Got Game)- In their first game versus Philly Aztecs, Still showed me some of the fire I’ve been looking for. He had the jump shot clicking and was very aggressive when attacking. He needs to understand that for his squad to be successful he needs to do this each game out.

Bobby Martin Jr. (Team Scan, KYDA)- I saw BJ do a couple of moves that shows his game will translate well on the next level. He’s still developing footwork and confidence in his arsenal which means he’s not a finished product. That’s the scary part!

Next Up: On The Rise