Thanks to everyone who attended the Tennessee Prep Hoops Rankings and Exposure Showcase at Carson Newman last week. I have compiled the information from several former coaches in attendance and will prepare an evaluation for each player who attended. I will stress positive points and make suggestions on things that could help you improve your game as you move towards your dream of playing at the next level. I wish everyone luck and look forward to seeing you this year with your respective high schools.
I apologize for the lateness of the evaluations. The Fall League finals in Knoxville and Nashville kept me from working on them till after that season was complete. Then a major blow when one of my best friends lost his son in a car accident kept me from working on them as well. Thanks for your patience I hope to have them completed by Friday.
Michigan (101-110)
101. Kenneth Blue (Brentwood Academy) 2014 (6'1 PG)
Good size, length and a floor leader, Blue showed a solid overall game. His outside shooting is adequate, especially when he has time, he pushes the ball up the floor hard and has decent handles. He will need to get stronger and be able to use both hands on the finish and off the dribble. He is more of a system kid who was comfortable in the half-court during the post entry and three pass games.
102. Brandon Cody (Hillsboro) 2014 (6'2 SG)
Really good athlete who is starting to come into his own as a player. Cody has a strong body and can explode to the basket off the dribble. He has good size which helps him on defense when he puts forth the effort to be a good defender. His outside shooting has become his best weapon and his confidence is high in all aspects of the game when his shot is on. He is a good kid who works hard and should get a chance to play somewhere on the next level.
104. Lucas Korn (Walker Valley) 2014 (6'5 WF/PF)
Long athlete who can run and jump all day. Lucas can put the ball on the deck and drive to the basket, he has a very nice turn around jumper from mid-range and is a good defender on the perimeter; as well as, the post. His length makes him a decent rebounder but adding strength will make him a beast on the glass. His outside shooting from deep will need some tweaking as his form changes the deeper the shot is released. He plays hard and has a good motor which will allow him to garner some attention on the next level.
106. Austin Brown (Cumberland County) 2015 (5'10 PG)
Very strong player despite his lack of height, Brown plays hard and is always in the mix. He runs the floor hard, never gives up on a play and makes things happen when he has the ball. He will need to work on his scoring and offensive output along with his decision making from the lead guard spot. His mistakes come from hustle so he needs to concentrate on making the simple play. He also needs to stop leaving his feet every time he makes a pass.
107. Will Richmond (Polk County) 2014 (5'7 PG)
Small lead guard who seems comfortable on defense and hesitant on the offensive side of the ball. He really gets after you defensively and puts solid pressure on the ball. He fights for position and despite his size can be disruptive to the opposing ball-handler. On offense he seems to lack confidence in his shot and doesn't exude the same enthusiasm as he does on the defensive end of the floor. He needs to get stronger which should help his confidence in all areas of the game.
108. Thomas Carroll (Wartburg Central) 2017 (6'0 SG)
Rising freshman really has a grasp of the game and works hard to get things done on the court. He is not scared playing against the older players and does not back down physically. He is a good passer off the dribble and catches the ball with the intent to score or distribute. Obviously at that age he needs to get stronger and work on his lateral skills, all the young ones do. He needs to continue to be assertive and aggressive especially on the defensive end. I like his passion and he will be a player who contributes to his high school team in the first year.
109. Dylan Brewster (Lenoir City) 2015 (6'1 PG)
He catches your eye with his obvious understanding of the game, he uses the dribble to his advantage, he shoots very well, especially from deep and he passes the ball great in the half-court or when making the outlet on the break. He has decent size and seems to be a gym rat so working hard on his weaknesses will not ever be an issue. He sees the floor exceptionally well and has the offensive game to be a big scorer but his primary role will continue to be distributor and coach on the floor.
110. Robert Graham (Karns) 2015 (6'2 SG)
Perimeter player who played a nice pace and showed some skills on the offensive end. He made some shots but will needs to understand the concept of shot selection. He can handle and is not afraid to go the bucket, he is aggressive on offense and can finish the tough move inside. He needs to add strength and give more effort on the defensive side of the floor. He is too good of an athlete to not be a better on ball defender.
