Aaron Britt Jr. - One of the most gifted shot creators in the field, he combines a tight handle with multiple changes of speed to keep defenders off balance. He can create separation off the dribble, rise into shots from well beyond the 3-point line and manufacture quality looks at nearly any point in a possession. His ability extends well beyond scoring. He advances the ball quickly in transition, makes sound decisions with numbers and has the athleticism to finish above the rim. In the half court, he probes the defense without rushing, draws additional defenders and regularly finds open teammates. He also understands how to initiate contact and earn trips to the free-throw line when his initial scoring window closes.
Miles Simpson (Featured player) - An explosive guard with high-level athleticism, he brings the type of physical tools that should immediately stand out at the Border League. He can finish above the rim in transition and has the elevation and body control to score over defenders in traffic. He also showed the ability to handle the ball, initiate the offense and make sound decisions as a creator. He rebounds well from the guard position and can immediately start the break, giving him multiple ways to impact the game and making him a player worth watching in Las Vegas.
Zayden Garcia - A two-way guard who defends on the perimeter, moves his feet well and stays in front of opposing ball handlers. Offensively, he moves effectively without the ball, relocates into open shooting windows and is automatic on catch-and-shoot opportunities from 3. He also handles the ball well, attacks closeouts and creates rim pressure while absorbing contact. His perimeter defense, shooting and ability to attack off the dribble make him a player to watch at the Border League.
Paul Osaruyi - Powerful and explosive front-court athlete with a productive two-way profile. Plays above the rim with ease, gets off the floor quickly on second and third efforts and finishes through contact in traffic. Comfortable facing the basket and attacking from the perimeter. Possesses touch in the mid-range, including pull-ups and baseline fadeaways, while also showing the ability to stretch the floor. Uses his strength to control the glass, provides legitimate rim protection and generates blocks with his timing and vertical reach. Plays with a high motor and has the tools to impact possessions as a scorer, rebounder and defender.
Ahmed Nur - An elite-level shot-maker off the catch or dribble, he spaces the floor from 3 and rises into pull-up jumpers from the mid-range. He uses his size and touch on post fadeaways, creates separation for his jumper and finishes above the rim when attacking the basket. His controlled handle stands out for his size, allowing him to create offense from multiple areas of the floor. Defensively, he reads passing lanes well, turns takeaways into quick finishes and uses his timing and length to take away clean scoring angles around the rim.
Godson Okokoh - A rim-destroying finisher and dangerous transition threat who runs the floor with purpose and makes himself available early in possessions. His vertical pop makes him a constant lob threat in the open floor and when moving off the ball toward the rim. He finishes over or through contact inside and becomes especially difficult to contain in space. He attacks the offensive glass, hunts put-back opportunities and can also step away from the paint to knock down catch-and-shoot 3s.
Blaze Johnson - A southpaw sharpshooter who can knock down 3s off the catch or dribble into rhythm pull-ups. He can control possessions as the initiator of the offense or provide value away from the ball with his movement and ability to relocate into open windows. His handle, quick burst and athletic pop allow him to break defenders down, get to his spots in the mid-range and attack downhill toward the basket.
Benjamin Berrouet - He can knock down 3s off the catch or create his own offense in the half court. He turns defensive rebounds into immediate offense, pushes the ball coast to coast and can finish the play himself. He plays above the rim in transition, uses his length and athleticism to finish over defenders and has the body control to convert acrobatic attempts through contact. His physical downhill attacks put pressure on the defense and get him to the free-throw line often. He also rebounds well on both ends and actively crashes the offensive glass for additional possessions.
Payton Jones - An athletic combo guard with real breakdown ability off the handle and a versatile scoring package. He can operate on or off the ball, knock down catch-and-shoot 3s and create his own offense off the dribble. He attacks downhill with good pace and change of speed, finishing creatively with either hand, using the inside hand when needed or dropping in high floaters over interior defenders. He keeps his dribble alive against pressure and maintains control while searching for an opening. Defensively, he moves with urgency, competes and gets into the chest of opposing ball handlers.
Praise Badejo - A controlled perimeter creator who plays with balance and operates well off jump stops. He attacks the elbows, comes to sharp stops and rises into mid-range pull-ups without losing control. He can knock down 3s off the catch or dribble, while also using his handle to get downhill and finish with touch around the basket. His controlled handle allows him to change direction, navigate traffic and get to his preferred scoring spots.
Follow @DelonBowenHoops on Instagram for my guide to the team names these players will be competing under. Some teams won’t be using the traditional high school names you’re used to, so use the guide to know who to look for and which teams to follow.
