Addison Patterson, Joshua Hemmings + More From NCAA LIVE PERIOD
After two sessions in the most competitive AAU league, Nike’s EYBL, several Canadians have made a splash and continued driving their player stock in NCAA coach’s depth charts. Addison Patterson, Joshua Hemmings, Okay Djamgouz, Brandyn Talbot, Jordan Persad and Tre-Vaughn Minott are a few of the young bucks on the radar. There are also a bunch that are projected to be high level USports prospects down the road.
Addison Patterson Upper Echelon 2020
Addison Paterson is making waves in coaching circles across America. The Canadian 2020 scoring guard has solidified himself as one of the top prospects in the world for his age group through the first two sessions in Nike’s EYBL.
In North Pole Hoops database, he is the number one prospect in the 2020 class and is beginning to build separation from the pack. Cashius McNeilly follows at number two in the class. He competes on the Under Armour circuit for Canada Elite.
Patterson is consistently one of the youngest players in competition yet averages the highest point per game for CIA Bounce at 20.6 points per game, 5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
The young Canadian phenom chimed in after his final game of the weekend.
“My confidence is the same no matter who I play against. I have enough confidence in my game that I feel I can compete and hold my own against the best of players.”
Patterson continued, “My goal this summer is to lead my Bounce team to Peach Jam and show that I can not only score points, but also play defence, rebound and win games. I feel I’m the best player in my class and I’m proving that every time I’m on the court.”
Patterson has a green light on offense due to the limit in offensive threats on his team. This has played in his favour and allowed him to experiment with the moves in his arsenal. He’s thriving against elite competition and iron is sharpening iron.
In the next EYBL session in Atlanta, he will look to carry his team and improve from their current 2-6 record.
Joshua Hemmings Recruitment Steaming Up
Another 2020 Canadian, Joshua Hemmings is doing his thing and excelling in 16U EYBL competition.
Hemmings picked up offers from Oregon, St. Louis and Harvard this weekend after a strong game and 93-88 win over Team Florida.
At 6’8, Hemmings is very comfortable in his frame and has proven to be able to play from positions 1-4 on either side of the floor. This makes him a mismatch nightmare for opponents in his age group.
After the weekend, Hemmings commented on his versatile style of play.
“I see myself a wing player, someone who is tall and can still handle and keep the tempo of the game. I want to be kind of like a point forward in a sense where I can play multiple positions on the floor, but I would see myself at a 2 or 3 spot.”
His teammate Okay Djamgouz, is solid as the best shooter regardless of class. This is a consistent statement, he is a specialist that will be a complimentary piece on this UPlay squad and will begin picking up offers mid summer.
Triple Double In Civil War for Joel Brown
At the point guard spot, Joel Brown snapped in the civil war game against UPlay Canada totaling for 32 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Brown registered his first triple double of the AAU circuit.
In previous games he was looking to get teammates involved in the offense, in this game, Brown adjusted as he realized he needed to be a scorer too.
Most coaches recruiting him are unaware that he is a qualifier for 2018 and would consider reclassifying to 2018 if the right fit came about. West Virginia is one of the schools that has expressed interest in taking Brown now. Nothing has been made official as of yet but there is strong consideration.
After catching up with Brown at the conclusion of session two, his transferable traits were discussed.
“My ability to defend the ball, get others involved and get guys going, that all translates right away. Being a leader and communicating and just being open to learning.”
Butler, Akron, SMU, Florida Atlantic, Temple, UC Davis, Boise State, UAB are some of the schools in the mix with the Canadian PG.
Key Hoops finish 1st in Pool
Key Hoops is a program that is quickly rising in Canada. The attraction of the EYBL circuit has brought about some names that are impacting the team from the jump.
Last year’s NPH Showcase MVP in Hamilton Brandyn Talbot is continuing to build his stock having averaged 16 points per game and helping Key Hoops finished first in their pool at 2-1.
The tandem of Talbot and Jordan Persad make things go for Key Hoops. In a league as strong as EYBL it’s vital for guard play to be strong due to the speed of the game and controlling tempos.
While Talbot is more of a combo guard, Persad has shown the skill set, IQ and patience of pure point.
Persad can really control the floor and ensure everyone is in position for flow in the offense. His placement for passing into his post options is superb.
Speaking of posts; after an introductory season in the National Preparatory Association with St. Laurent Express, Key Hoops big man, Tre-Vaughn Minott got a dose of EYBL. Minott blocked and altered many shots and finished around the rim with authority.
Outside of Nike EYBL play there was one player on the Under Armour circuit with Canada Elite that impressed.
Coleman Stucke is averaging 15 points per game on 50% from the field. That specifically is what sticks out, his efficiency.
Winning is a part of the equation as well. His team is 6-2 with one of their losses coming to G3 Grind which is the only 8-0 team in the league.
2020 Stucke is a bonafide sniper, can be seen as a specialist who is developing more off the dribble capabilities.
I will be on the AAU Circuit the rest of the spring and summer watching and evaluating Canadian teams and prospects on both sides of the border. NCAA Certified Live Period events in Canada Inlcudes the CNIT (Canadian National Invitational Tournament) July 20-22 and Signature Camp and Caribana Classic the following weekend in July.
