Saturday Night
Jermaine Jackson Jr. 5’6″ guard Michigan Mustangs-Allison 15u
The only glaring weakness in Jackson’s game is his size. However, Jackson used his size to his advantage against opponents. Jermaine contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the quarterfinal gold bracket victory. He’s quick with the ball in hands, comfortable going either way, and gets into the lane whenever he pleases finding ways to finish or get to the free-throw line. Jackson is also able to facilitate the game as a true point guard, finding teammates via penetration or drive and dish. He’s developing into a knockdown shooter on the perimeter from the three-point line, with a consistent fluid release off the dribble or catch. Because he’s so low to the ground, Jackson is also a threat to guards on the defensive end with a weak handle with his quick hands and IQ for the game.
Xavier Tillman 6’6″ forward Michigan Mustangs-Allison 15u
At 6’6″ 220 pounds, Tillman possesses the body and strength most rising sophomores do not have. Aside from just physical attributes, Xavier has a very high IQ and motor for the game. He never took plays off throughout the weekend, rebounding at a high level on both sides of the floor, not shying away from contact against opposing forwards. He’s a consistent athletic above the rim finisher with skill and a back to the basket type game. He does a nice job of sealing his defender, allowing a easy entry pass into the post for his teammates to find him, and feeling out which to attack the basket. Tillman also runs the floor well for a big, and is an underrated passer from the post position. Several midwestern MAC schools and a few Big Ten teams were on hand to check out Xavier’s games throughout the tournament.
Josh Stamps 6’5″ guard/wing Team Rose 17u
The best pure shooter in Cincinnati was Josh Stamps of Chicago Curie High School. He has the ability to get into a rhythm from all over the three point line quickly and then the next thing you knows he’s hit two or three on you. Stamps never changed his shot in any situation, whether he was wide open, or a defender was in front of him, he’s always going to use the same lift and mechanics. He moves well without the ball coming off screens, but also can put in on the floor and create plays. He never hurried or forced the issue for Team Rose, and is a good passer for a wing. Stamps has a variety of mid-major offers from the Illinois area.
Sunday
Austin Davis 6’10” center Michigan Mustangs-Carson 16u
Davis turned in the best performance I have seen from him this AAU circuit on Sunday vs. Nova Village in the 16u Gold Bracket Semi-final, going for 20 points and 14 rebounds. With ideal size, length, IQ, and footwork, Austin went about his game with a workman like approach, battling for every rebound, creating second-and even third opportunities for his team to score. He’s got a decent skill set down low, finishing from either side of the basket, and even with defenders draped all over him. On defense, he also blocked two shots, and rarely gives up an easy looks to opponents. Illinois was in full-staff to watch Austin on Sunday, and Davis concluded the weekend with an offer coming from Kent State immediately following the tournament.
Devon Daniels 6’4″ guard/wing Michigan Mustangs-Brown 17u
Devon is developing into a complete scoring weapon on the offensive side of the floor. He showed his versatility in the silver championship victory vs. the Michigan Playmakers. He scored on all three levels, hitting a couple threes on the wing or in the corner, slashing to the basket off the dribble, or playing in the middle against a 3-2 zone, and driving to the basket using his body to shield shot blockers. Combined with his high-motor, competitiveness, and athleticism, Devon is a 2016 prospect schools in the midwest should track during his junior season.
Other Standouts on the Day:
5’10” guard Brandon Allen (Michigan Mustangs-Carson 16u)
5’11” guard Armani Cheney (Team Rose 17u)
6’3″ wing Jaire Grayer (Michigan Mustangs-Brown 17u)
5’10” guard Elmelik Martin (Michigan Playmakers 17u)
6’7″ forward Jeron Rogers (Michigan Mustangs-Brown 17u)
The Prep Ball Report 
Leave a Reply