In this report from the Travel Team Jamboree, we will focus on those players from the Classes of 2028 and 2029 (current sophomores and freshmen).  While our focus during the event was primarily on 17U teams and the 2027 Class, we believe we saw some quality underclassmen that are in line to have a breakout spring and/or summer.

Avery Jones, SE Elite 3SSB 15U: The 6’6 freshman out of The Rock School in Gainesville is steadily polishing his perimeter game.  Not only did he show off his usually reliable shooting touch from deep, but he also spent time bringing the ball up the floor and initiating offense.  Jones took care of the ball and showed good passing instincts in those situations.  He ran the floor for scores, rebounded well and used his length to challenge shots and disrupt passing lanes.

Nate Anderson, MTAG Nation 16U: Young for his class, the 6’3 product from Southeastern Prep in Orlando ran with both the 16U and 15U squads.  An active and bouncy athlete, Anderson made plays by simply playing hard with great energy.  He hit a couple of perimeter shots on both sides of the arc to keep defenders honest but got most of his points in transitions and straight-line drives to the hoop.  Anderson’s greatest impact came in rebounding the ball, quickly pushing the tempo, and quickly reacting to get tips, deflections, or steals on defense.

Gavin Youmans, 904 Tre Mann 15U: We only watched the second half of the team’s game and the 6’3 freshman out of Raines didn’t hit the floor until very late in the contest.  When Youmans did, he instantly stood out.  With a solid frame and a hefty dose of run/jump athleticism, Youmans was able to overpower defenders to score at the basket.  One of those drives ended in a thunderous dunk that got his teammates off the bench in celebration.  Youmans has good ball-skills and appears to be a solid decision maker.  He didn’t attempt a perimeter shot in his time on the floor but the pair of free throws he drained had fundamental form and mechanics.

Josiah Jones, Swift Sports 16U: A 6’2 freshman at Jacksonville Raines, Jones was playing up and did so with confidence.  Though it was quickly apparent that his team was physically superior and would overwhelm their opponent, Jones was always engaged and eager to make an impact at both ends of the floor.  He covered ground quickly on defense, generating points for himself or teammates when deflecting, tipping, or stealing the ball.  Jones pushed the pace and made good decisions with the ball, getting it quickly inside to his “bigs” or to shooters on the perimeter.  Jones took and made one perimeter shot (a three) all game but looked comfortable and confident doing so.

Josue Okur, SE Elite 3SSB 15U: A 6’8 freshman out of Jordan Christian Prep in Haines City, Okur was one of the greater revelations from the weekend.  The physical traits are already there as Okur has wide, strong shoulders and good run/jump athletic ability.  He has some skills as well, hitting a couple of mid-range shots as well as some basic but effective post moves inside.  Okur runs the floor, finishes above the rim, pursues rebounds out of his area at both ends of the court and is solid as a rim protector.  His development over the next couple of years will be intriguing to follow.

Preston Elliott, 1 Family Pro 16U: A 6’3 freshman from Crestview, Elliott was another youngster playing up and making an impact.  While he didn’t start the contest, once he got in, he immediately made contributions.  The lefty is a three-level scorer and plays with great confidence.  Elliott showed consistent range beyond the high-school arc, made tough finishes in a crowd at the basket, and showed good instincts as a passer.  He sometimes got a little loose with his dribble but that is easily corrected.  Elliott hit the game winning shot in sudden-death overtime.

Zane Cray, MTAG Nation 15U: A 5’10 freshman at Southeastern Prep, Cray is a confident scorer no matter where he is on the floor.  He made shots off the dribble on both sides of the arc, attacked the basket with great success, and spent plenty of time out the free throw line where he connected at a high rate.  Cray has good speed and quickness with the ball, pushes the pace, and gets into the lane often.  He uses those physical traits well on defense with active hands and feet as well as good instincts to disrupt the passing lanes.

Maliah Dickson, Swift Sports 16U: A 6’7 sophomore at North Florida Educational Institute in Jacksonville, Dickson is a project now on his way to being a prospect until he becomes a player.  The physical gifts of height, length, and bounce are there, and he will learn to use those to greater effect as time moves on.  Dickson plays hard, runs the floor, challenges shots at the rim, and looks to dunk as much as possible. To his credit, he doesn’t try to do things he isn’t ready to do such as handle the ball or try to score facing the basket.  All those things should come in time.  Dickson is certainly one that bears tracking of his progress.

Marco Johnson, SE Elite 3SSB 15U: A 6’4 freshman at The Rock, Johnson had a bit of a breakout this past weekend.  He showed range on his perimeter shot, had success in scoring from all three levels, and displayed decent ball-handling skills.  Johnson is a good run/jump athlete and uses his physical gifts well as a defender.  He moves his feet quickly, uses his length to disrupt passing lanes, and has the hops to block/challenge shots.  As Johnson gets more opportunities to refine his skills in game situations, his potential to impact a game will increase at a rapid rate.

Demetrick Smith, 1 Family PRO 16U: The 6’3 sophomore from Orlando Edgewater made his presence felt around the basket at both ends of the floor.  Smith was quick to get ahead of the defense and finish in transition as well as attack the basket with strong drives in half-court sets.  He was an active rebounder on the defensive end, getting to balls before bigger foes and quickly getting the ball out to start the transition game.  Smith connected on his lone perimeter shot attempt (a three) in the contest and we hope to get a better gauge of his perimeter shot making in the near future.

Evan Edwards, 904 Tre Mann 15U: A 6’4 freshman out of Impact Christian in Jacksonville, Edwards was very effective inside the arc.  He had some quick drives for scores, was active on the offensive glass, and showed nice touch around the basket when receiving the ball in the lane.  Edwards rebounded well at both ends, showed versatility as a defender, and played hard every possession.