Terrell Allen (DC Assault)MIT Recap: Top Performers Part II
By Spencer Pulliam
14U
Terrell Allen (D.C. Assault)- Excellent package for a point guard at the 14U level. He’s pushing six-feet and is a catalyst for his team on both ends of the court. Offensively, he’s developing a pull-up jumper from several spots on the floor, and is a relentless pursuer of the ball defensively. Not as blessed athletically as some, but still fits in near the top tier of floor generals in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Akwasi Appiah (V.B.G.)- Intriguing package as a prospect, the 6-foot-3 guard is a smooth player with ball-handling ability and a feel for making plays in the lane. As his game matures and his frame strengthens, he’ll have a chance to be a high priority for schools in the New England region. The Lowell, Massachusetts native is a jumpshot away from being an extremely dominant force in the current 14U age division for the class of 2015.
Temple Gibbs (Team S.C.A.N.)- This looks like it could finally be the year where the third of Gibbs’ boys takes his leap in terms of development. His confidence is growing and his personality is beaming on and off the court. A charismatic player who is constantly getting more aggressive as a scorer and defender, it will be fun to track his progress throughout the remainder of the circuit season this spring and summer.
Isaiah Martin (D.C. Assault)- The 6-foot-7 forward has made enormous strides over the last year and is now playing with confidence on arguably the best team in the region. He’s a terror defensively, constantly altering and blocking shots, and securing rebounds above the rim. As his offensive skill set progresses, Martin should become a well-known name regionally, if not nationally.
Sebastian Townes (New Generation)- Talented forward is a load on the block, but also showed excellent hands and feet. A bit undersized at 6-foot-4, he still can be dominant in the paint at this level because of his footwork and soft touch. Game-clutching free throws demonstrated his shooting feel and a number of baseline jumpers showed his developing face-up ability. Townes would benefit from a few more inches based on his current skills, but anyone watching can tell he is working to transform his game.
Nassir Barrino (Team S.C.A.N.)- He’s already received his share of ink to date, but the lead guard’s quickness and ball control ability were on full display Saturday. Love his feel for the game on the court and his ability to make the extra pass and keep his teammates involved. On a team with so many talented guards, Barrino has the tough assignment of ensuring everyone is happy and he’s done a great job thus far.
Isaiah Briscoe (Team S.C.A.N.)- He’s still sporting the slimmed down frame he showed off in a Playaz uniform at Clash For The Cup. Wearing Team S.C.A.N. threads this weekend, the scoring guard isn’t being asked to do as much, but still found his way to impact each game. On this squad, he’s forced to pick his places to attack carefully within the balance of the team, and that can only be a positive for the maturity of his game.Romello Anderson (New Generation)- An energetic prospect who fills in at the two and three spots on the hardwood, he’s the effort guy for his squad, and brings athleticism and length to the floor. Compares to the long-line of gritty and wiry Tidewater prospect wing guards who are under the radar but collect wins and simply get it done. If his perimeter skills continue to develop, Anderson has the tools to be a mainstay on 2015 regionally landscape.
Jashawn Brooks (Southern Kings)- A wiry and active wing, Brooks stands 6-foot-4, and is an aggressive athlete who takes his anger out on the boards. He’s most effective from 12 feet and closer right now, but if he is able to develop a consistent jumper to complement his slashing game, opponents should watch out, and coaches and scouts at the next level will definitely take notice.
Isaiah Buck-Lowman (D.C. Assault)- He’s added a few more inches to his frame, even after many thought he was done growing. Now 6-foot-5 and developing a face-up game, he’s a hybrid forward who could benefit from a boost of lateral
Allen ‘A.J.’ Gray (Southern Kings)- With basketball bloodlines and a scorer’s mentality, odds are that Gray will be a name those in the basketball community familiarize themselves with in coming years. Standing maybe a shade over six feet and just beginning to fill out his frame, the guard displayed excellent touch and showed some deceptive athleticism.
Quinton Phillips (Southern Kings)- Georgia is known for its long and lanky athletes, and Phillips is no exception. Comfortable at either forward spot, he’s more than capable of defending on the perimeter, but is a better finisher around the rim. Showed an impressive first step that allows him to get by bigger opponents, and needs to realize that the post is his friend when smaller guards try to frustrate him defensively. The Augusta-native put himself on our radar Saturday.
Timarcus Simpson (Swish City Magic)- The North Carolina-native and his club are new to the scene, but have had a ton of success playing Division II and YBOA hoops. The transition to M.I.T.-level basketball is difficult, but it only took a few games for the squad to prove they belonged. The standout was Simpson, and the aggressive 6-foot-3 wing attacked the rim and out-matched any opponent he saw. Certainly a fresh face, add him to the long list of perimeter prospects we’ll sort through in the coming months. Right now he’ll start in the middle of the field as one of Carolina’s top prospect and have to earn his way up the ladder moving forward.
Thomas Taylor (Team Richmond)- A wiry but active forward, Taylor isn’t afraid to get physical in the paint, and didn’t shy away from beefier opponents on the block. The 6-foot-7 and growing big man anchors the lane for a Team Richmond squad that may be a bit of a sleeper by the time AAU Nationals come around. Taylor allows the team to gamble defensively, and he is the owner of a reliable set of hands that allow him to convert around the rim. He’s a new name amongst many post prospect peers, so we’ll definitely be watching more closely in the future.
