EYBL Session One
04.22.2012
By Bryan Kriss - bryankriss@hardwoodelite.com
Session one of the EYBL has concluded and it was a great weekend. Some players improved their stock while others emerged on our radar. Here are a few of the notable performers:
Akolda Manyang (2013) - Manyang may be under the radar on the national scene, but that is sure to change very soon now that he is playing on the big stage in AAU. Standing at about 7-feet tall, Manyang is a fluid athlete who runs the floor extremely well. He currently has a bigger impact on the defensive side of the floor where he consistently blocks and alters shots, but he shows promise on offense as well. His post moves are raw at this time, but he has soft touch and can even handle the ball well for a player his size. Manyang is a sure-fire high major prospect and with added work and experience, he could develop into a very good player.
Tyus Jones (2014) - If I'm a three-point-shooting specialist, there isn't a point guard in the country who I want to play with more than Tyus Jones. He consistently got where he wanted on the court and found shooters for big three pointers. When he wasn't setting up teammates, he was getting to the rim and either finishing or getting fouled.
Jabari Parker (2013) - Parker wasn't the dominant force that we've seen in the past, but even in a couple relatively quiet performances, his talent is plain to see. He looks like he may have grown since the last time we've seen him and if he continues to do so we may have to evaluate him as a combo forward.
Julius Randle (2013) - In the games I saw Randle, he spent most of his time at the perimeter scoring off the dribble. He is a very good ball handler for his size and position and made some impressive plays, but I would like to see him working in the post a little more often where he can take advantage of his size and strength.
Andrew Wiggins (2014) - Wiggins could very well have the highest ceiling of any of the players in attendance, but his production doesn't always seems to match his talent level. His athleticism is incredible and when he decides to attack the rim he's almost impossible to defend. He also shot the ball well from three converting on at least three smooth looking jumpers in their last game, including a buzzer beater off the dribble before halftime. If Wiggins learns to consistently play aggressive and with energy, he could be scary.
Keith Frazier (2013) - Frazier played very well for Houston Hoops. His jumper is effortless as he connected on several three pointers, but he impacted the game in other ways as well. He has a tight handle and beat players off the dribble with ease and finished well around the rim when he got there. He also made a strong effort on the defensive end, which is nice to see from a talented scorer.
Aaron Gordon (2013) - Gordon showed off his freakish athleticism like usual. He's virtually unstoppable in transition and does a good job of rebounding and scoring around the rim as well. His handle looks improved, but his shot still needs work.
James Young - Young didn't have much help when I watched him play, so he was forcing things a bit, but he is an impressive talent. He's long, handles the ball well, can shoot from deep, and is a great athlete.
