2023 Grassroots Showcase 16U Standouts III
LOUISVILLE, KY—The 16U division was deep at the Grassroots Showcase. We added plenty of new names to our notes. Here are some of those names.
Related: 2023 Grassroots Showcase 16U Standouts | 2023 Grassroots Showcase 16U Standouts II
When discussing the best shooters at the Grassroots Showcase, you have to mention Wilkin. The sniper scorched the nets all weekend for the Alabama Celtics 16U bunch. Whether it was coming off screens or shooting it off the dribble, the sophomore consistently made shots in Louisville. However, Wilkin isn’t just a shooter. He can make plays off the bounce and is a reliable rebounder, too. The shooting will definitely be his bread-and-butter, but this guy is becoming a more complete player each time out.
Man, there’s a ton to like about Walker now and where he’s going to be in the future. The 6-foot-5 wing man mixes production with potential upside with his game. Walker made some shots from the perimeter that piqued interest, but he also is comfortable putting the ball on the floor. He oozes with versatility on both ends of the floor, and that’s another reason why he’ll be coveted by many college programs going forward. I’m buying stock in Walker going forward. - Garrett Tucker
As a point guard, you have to run the show efficiently for your team to be successful. In Jackson’s case, he’s the engine for GOAT Hoops and he was a well-oiled machine this weekend. The floor general excelled in pick-and-roll opportunities, and, frankly, in any situation where he had to make a decision. Jackson shot the ball well from 3, but he can also get in the lane and make plays for others, too. He’s also the catalyst for Booneville (MS), who has won back-to-back state championships. Say no more! - Garrett Tucker
Think something along the lines of Jazian Gortman when you watch Zy’Vaun play. He has size, explosiveness and a scoring mentality when he is on the floor. He has length too, the same type of length that Gortman has. I’m not saying he is going to be the player that Gortman is but at the same age, there are a lot of similarities. He likes to change gears in transition, he can knock down shots and he plays with the same intensity that Gortman does. I think Puckett is going to be a guy that can play at the next level. - Justin Byerly
Merriman is a classic example of not having to score to dominate a game. The 6-foot-3 point guard had a phenomenal weekend, headlined by his IQ, passing, and ability to set others up for scoring opportunities. The sophomore was effective spraying the ball around to his teammates in transition and the half-court. Merriman also kept defenses honest with his ability to make shots from 3 and pull-up jumpers in the mid-range. He was a nice find from the weekend and I’m excited to track him going forward. - Garrett Tucker
It was another successful weekend for the Alabama Generals Black squad as they went undefeated with a 4-0 record. They have a very balanced team from top to bottom, but the more I watch, the more I come away liking Braylon Dame. The Lawrence County (AL) guard is skilled, makes good decisions, and always seems to make shots. He filled it up from behind the arc this weekend, but he was also active around the rim with some slick finishes in traffic. Dame has put together some quality performances over the past month. - Garrett Tucker
Temar Colley was the leading scorer for thiis Kountry Wayne team this past weekend. Colley is a solid 3-point shooter and a reliable overall scorer. He can go into microwave mode and rattle off several buckets in a row to change the complexion of a game. Outside of scoring, Colley leaves his mark on a game in various facets of the game.
