Derrick Walton (2013, Point Guard, Michigan Mustangs)
Derrick Walton is one of the best 2013 point guards in the country and continued to show improvement in refining every aspect of his game this week. Walton, who’s team went 3-2 in Indianapolis, plays extremely hard, but his smooth style and quickness on both ends of the floor make his game look effortless. He is extremely active defensively, getting into his defender on every position, but doesn’t get into foul trouble.
Walton’s game is predicated on making his teammates better. He had multiple games with 10-plus assists this week, and always makes the right decision that is best for the team. He’s especially deadly in transition and whenever the ball ended up in his hands on a fast break the end result was generally a dunk for a teammate. His shooting has steadily improved over the AAU season, and as he continues to become more of a complete point guard and player, he will continue to rise the recruiting ranks.
Mark Donnal (2013, Center, Indiana Elite South)
Mark Donnal’s Indiana Elite South team had a disappointing 2-2 record this week, losing in the second round of bracket play, after winning their pool and earning a bye. Donnal’s problem this AAU season is that he hasn’t utilized his size and strength enough to his advantage.
This week he was more assertive without the ball but still not as dominant as he has the potential to be. He was more aggressive on the block offensively but still lacks that killer instinct to demand the ball every time down the floor. At 6-foot-9, and with an arsenal of moves and passing ability, Donnal should get a touch on every possession – of course that’s easier said than done on the AAU circuit.
Donnal has improved defensively this summer and was a solid presence, picking up a number of blocked shots throughout the week. He gets himself in great position on both ends of the floor, and continues to show he’s fundamentally sound and a very smart low post player.
Trevon Bluiett (2014, Combo Guard, Speice Indy Blue)
Bluiett, Michigan’s most recent 2014 offeree had a phenomenal individual performance this week in Indianapolis in front of a star-studded field of high major coaches at each one of his games.
The 6-foot-5, 185-pound prospect turned in a pair of 30-point games in the tournament, and holds offers from 12 powerhouse schools. He has quick trigger, a smooth release, and range from anywhere. He’s a very intelligent player, who always puts himself in good position offensively, moves well without the basketball and simply put is wired to score. Bluiett is deceivingly quick, has good handles, and always stays under control. He uses body well against smaller defenders, and is comfortable with his back to the basket. He’s a very streaky shooter, who can score in bunches and take over games. He takes what the defense gives, him and has the ability to adapt to how he’s being played.
He needs to improve his defensive motor. Bluiett is a teriffic defender when he wants to be, but has a tendency to have mental lapses, forgetting to get back in transition. He’s a very solid all-around player, and will continue to develop, and be one of the best 2014 scorers in the country.
Bryant McIntosh (2014, Shooting Guard, Eric Gordon All-Stars)
McIntosh wasn’t a highly touted recruit after his freshman year at Greensburg High School, and there wasn’t much interest in the 6-foot-2 shooting guard immediately after his sophomore year. But after a huge spring, where he showed immense improvement with the Eric Gordon All-Stars, McIntosh has started garnering high major interest.
He played up with EG’s U17’s throughout the spring, and because of his experience, holding his own with older and more experienced players, McIntosh’s confidence soared, and his game has soared with it. He’s much more vocal on the floor, and is beginning to run an offense and lead his team. McIntosh is a smart player who doesn’t take bad shots or make bad decisions. His three-point shot is improving, and even his long-range jumper isn’t falling, McIntosh finds a way to make an impact in other areas. He’s a great passer and has exponentially gotten better at getting to the rim.
Chandler White (2015, Shooting Guard, Indiana Elite)
White is very athletic, with the ability to handle the ball, as well as contribute from the low post. At 6-foot-2, White can score from outside, and put the ball on the floor with his back to the basket, and get to the rim. He is very active on defense but needs to improve his defensive body control, and decision making as he consistently got into foul trouble in Indianapolis.
White might be getting hurt by being on the same team as one of the best guards in the country, Hyron Edwards, but he definitely holds his own on the court with his teammate. One are of question is that White is so much stronger and more athletic than many of his peers that he’ll have to continue to refine his game to stay ahead as others improve physically throughout the coming seasons.
Brennan Gillis (2015, Small Forward, Eric Gordon All-Stars)
Gillis is an athletic small forward, who was 6-foot-6 in 8th grade. He’s a tough kid who can handle contact, and is tough to cover for opposing defenders. Gillis has good handles for his size and can put the ball on the floor away from the bucket. He is tough inside for smaller forwards, and at over 200 pounds but he can step outside and shoot from beyond the arc. Gillis showed plenty of promise while playing a pivotal role in the 15U Eric Gordon All-Stars run to the platinum championship in Indianapolis last week. Michigan coaches have taken notice of Gillis and he, along with fellow Eric Gordon forward Michael Benkert, will be names to remember going forward.
Eron Gordon (2016, Point Guard, Eric Gordon All-Stars)
Eron Gordon is a 6-foot-2 point guard, who plays up with Brennan Gillis and the 15U Eric Gordon All-Stars. He’s the youngest brother of New Orleans Hornets guard, Eric Gordon, and has plans to follow in his brother’s footsteps. Gordon is a talented, young point guard, who likes to get out on the run, and is comfortable in traffic. He has the ball on a string on mixes quickness and strength to glide by defenders and get to the rim and score. Gordon has a crazy leaping ability, and is a very good rebounding guard. Gordon obviously has the bloodlines to succeed at a very high level, and as a highly touted kid, who hasn’t even started high school yet, his game could be on pace to surpass his NBA brother’s talent.
