A tradition during the beginning stages of the travel ball season, the Showtime Ballers held their annual Kickoff event this past weekend at West Oaks Academy in Ocoee. Lots of games with lots of talent, and there were plenty of standouts over the course of the three-day event.
Travis Triplett, Breakdown DMV 17U: A 6’9 senior out of Gillion Academy in Virginia, Triplett has “stretch four” potential for the collegiate level as he shoots the ball well off the catch from the perimeter. He scores inside through contact, actively works the glass at both ends, and challenges all who enter the lane. Triplett will no doubt upgrade his athleticism with added strength at the next level and he could become a full-time perimeter player as his ball-handling continues to improve.
Robert Guishard, FL Pro 17U: A 6’7 senior coming off a state championship at Pembroke Pines Charter, Guishard is SO active and productive in the basket area. He is quick off the floor for offensive rebounds and putbacks and is a consistent lob threat. With his length and leaping ability, Guishard is an excellent shot blocker. He also has the lateral quickness and foot speed to step out and guard on the perimeter. A tad undersized at the “four”, Guishard’s offensive skills will need to be invested in so that he can play his natural position. That investment will pay off in the form of an active and productive “3 and D” wing.
Christian Fuller, MJB 3SSB 17U: A 6’0 junior out of Victory Christian in Lakeland, Fuller was excellent this weekend from both a scoring and facilitating standpoint. He has legitimate college range on his perimeter shot, plays with good pace, and makes sound decisions in ball-screen action. Fuller moves the ball quickly to open teammates, penetrates the defense with a plan, and is reliable from the foul line. Active on defense, he reads passing lanes well and gets more than his fair share of tips, deflections and steals.
Rukai Bethel, 1 Family 17U: A 6’8 junior out of Southeastern Prep in Orlando, Rukai is a long and athletic big man with rapidly developing skills. He is active on the interior at both ends of the floor and rebounds well in a crowd. Bethel runs the floor, protects the rim and plays physical defense without fouling. While he is an improving shooter facing the basket, much of his scoring comes from putbacks, set-play lobs, and drop-off passes from penetrating teammates.
Derwyn Link, Showtime Ballers 17U: A 6’7 sophomore at Bartow, Link is playing up and making an impact as he has a strong frame and high-level athleticism. He is a threat from deep, gets on the offensive glass and beats defenders down the floor in transition to score. Link has a quick first step and finishes straight-line drives over the rim. With his physical gifts, he has all the makings of a multi-positional defender.
Jahmar Smith, FL Rebels 16U: A sophomore at Orlando Oak Ridge, Smith is strong, athletic, and physical. It is difficult to keep him out of the lane as he has can overpower most defenders and score baskets through contact in a crowd. Smith is a great finisher in transition and an improving perimeter shooter. He is a tough defender that plays with a “take no prisoners” mindset. Smith routinely outrebounds bigger opponents and is quick to push the ball up the floor to ignite the transition game.
Jeremiah Reed, 1 Family 15U: A freshman at Osceola in Kissimmee, Reed pulled double duty this weekend playing for both the 17U and 15U. While he had success on the 17U level, he was clearly one of the better players in the 2029 Class at the event. Reed impresses with his strength, skills, and decision-making. He finishes drives in a crowd, is tough with the basketball and moves the ball quickly to teammates that have better scoring opportunities. Reed proved to be a solid defender on the ball and was alert to disrupt passing lanes when away from it.
J. T. Harper, Team Breakdown DMV 15U: A 6’5 freshman at Gillion Academy in Virginia, Harper has length and three level scoring tools. He shoots well off the catch with range past the arc and his size and length allow him to shoot over defenders from the mid-range area. Harper is a versatile defender thanks to his physical traits. Despite his lack of heft, he doesn’t hesitate to battle inside for rebounds.