Trevon Ary-Turner (ECBA Hoopstars)The X-Factor Tournament took place in Salt Lake City, Utah and Paul Miranda of Basketball Spotlight was in the building. This is Part 2 of his report.
BEST SWING MAN
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Trevon Ary-Turner #5 ECBA HOOPSTARS
This 6’1’’ swingman’ played hard on both ends of the court, but his jumper’ and slashing abilities were undeniable. I loved this young man’s demeanor, silent but deadly. This kid rebounded the ball very effectively and blocked shots easily. I also loved the way he filled the lanes and finished on many fastbreaks.
PLAYMAKER ************************************************
Shaquil Dawkins #7 Dream Vision
Although a little gimpy with a sprained ankle, this young man was BIG when his team needed him most. The catalyst for his team, he helped dictate the pace in all of the games. His Speed was ridiculous even at not being at full strength. He got to the rack easily, he dished out many sweet dishes to open teammates in transition, and was more than just stellar on the defensive end, where he delivered several stops.
DON’T LET THE WEIGHT FOOL YOU
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Darius McFarland #44 X Factor
This big fella’ might look like he should be on the gridiron, but he really could play. He had excellent footwork and foot speed that dazzled all of the so-called experts in attendance. I was also amazed at how he ran the floor in transition and how he wasn’t afraid to put the ball on the floor in the open court too. He did his job in the paint, rebounding and taking up space was nowhere near being a problem for this one. He also displayed a nice touch around the basket and his b’ball IQ was very visible.
WHERE DID THAT KID COME FROM*******************************************************
Keith Smith Jr. #9 Seattle Rotary Style
This 6’3’’ swingman came out and made several plays that ooohed and aaahed many of us that watched his team play. His slashing ability getting to the cup with such ease was breath-taking. He went often and went hard but finished with such commanding authority too. He blocked shots, jumped the passing lanes and rebounded the ball extremely well.
BRIGHT LOOKING FUTURE
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Terrance McBride #3 Cali Style 2017
This 7th grader played hard and showed that he wasn’t scared to play against older kids. He ran his team’s offense with precision that helped knock out the defending AAU National champ (Dunk Dog elite) in bracket play that stunned everyone in the building. He knocked down several big shots and had several dazzling defensive plays that stifled his opposing guards. Young man had big time SWAG!
MORE THAN JUST A YOUTUBE PHENOM********************************************
J’Shaun Agosto #23 ECBA Hoopstars
The highly publicized point guard was worth every penny to watch. Although a bit on the small side, his game did not allow you to just focus on that, if you did he lost you somewhere close to the top of the key. His impeccable ball handling skills were awesome. He hit many shots. He got to the rack and finished countless of times. But what I found amazing about this young man that I couldn’t see on the youtube videos, was how he defended tenaciously and how much he could help his team rebound, after it was over, I had no doubt about his abilities to play
Henry Roberts #13 Seattle Swish
This 6’5’’ big man was a beast in the paint, he had nice low post moves, used his body very well for positioning, rebounded the ball with authority, and blocked shots. He also set some nice screens. I think guys like Roberts don’t get the publicity because his game is not ‘flashy’ enough, but the blue collar game was evident and visible more than just often. He brought it every game and you could tell that he has more than just passion for the game.
MR. SMOOTHIE’*************************************************
J.J. CALDWELL #23 Houston Defenders Select 2016
By far one of the top PG’s in the country and boy did he show off why we love his game in Texas. He is so smooth but strong and very aggressive. His passes look like there in slow motion but delivered with razor-like precision. His leadership is outstanding and unquestionable. On the defensive end, he stalked his prey as if they didn’t even belong on the floor. By far one of the most unselfish PG’s around. Don’t sleep on this guy, he can shoot it from anywhere, he can penetrate and kick it better than anyone.
KEEP YOUR LAZY-EYE ON
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Chase Nomaea #0 Dream Vision 2016
This 6’4’’ swingman was N-I-C-E, he could do it all. He had nice ball handling skills. He could handle it in the open floor and in traffic. He could hit the jumper off the dribble, he could deliver the dime off the dribble. He displayed a high bball IQ and used it to his advantage against many of the ‘bigs’ that he played against. He nice slash and dash finishes at the rim or midrange pull-up. He rebounded the ball with a mean streak.
HIGH FLIER ALERT************************************************
David Thornton #44 Colorado Hawks
This high flier was all over the time, whether it was a thunderous dunk or dazzling lay-up, he was higher than most. He blocked shots and rebounded the ball so manly-like. I was also impressed with his athleticism in the paint and how he could gamble and make up for with his ‘hops’ and length. Although he didn’t advance in the Dunk Contest, I think that with more preparation on finishing the dunks, he will be one to reckon with.
MR. FUNDAMENTAL
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Sean Gummersall #30 Seattle Rotary Style
This 6’4’’ long and lanky young man was fun to watch. He had great defensive instincts in the paint, deflecting many passes, stealing the pass, and blocking shots all made him factor every game for his team. His positioning for rebounds was solid. His footwork was nice. Great touch around the paing. A throwback player that many ‘oldtimers’ would enjoy watching.
