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2018 #Gibbons Top Performers 17U: Part II

22, May 2018

2018 #Gibbons Top Performers 17U: Part II

Our coverage of the top performers from the 2018 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions continues with the next instalment of stars from the 17 and under division. 

Chico Carter, Jr., Team Charlotte, 2019 SG: When his team needed a bucket, a play or a stop, Carter seemed to be the guy that stepped up and delivered. He was one of the best overall players at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions and one of the most impressive guards we’ve had at our events in 2018. Carter was a big playmaker and the epitome of the kind of player Team Charlotte has won with over the years. - Justin Young

Talon Cooper, Upward Stars Upstate, 2019, SG: A huge outing of his way to a win over the Atlanta Xpress put this downhill guard on our radar. Cooper made his presence felt from the opening tip. Time after time, move after move would free up Cooper to show us one of his many crafty finishes at the rim. His aggressive in your face style of play was hard to manage as some defenders didn't want to deal with the burden of staying in front of him. On the wing, he was a major threat as a three-point sniper. Showings similar to this one should get Cooper's phone ringing come July.  - Tai Young 

Jordan Graham, M.A.T.T.S Mustangs, 2019 PG: Like bully point guards? If so, then Graham is your guy. The Kentucky product was consistent all weekend as a big guard. At 6-foot-3, he caused problems for opposing defenses with his ability to get to his spots on the floor and his overpowering game. Graham plays like a big bowling ball and was one of the toughest guards we saw all weekend. Tennessee Tech has extended an offer already, but you can expect more low and mid-major programs to start pursuing him, too. - Garrett Tucker

RELATEDGibbons 2018 Super Six | 17U Part I 

Modestas Kancleris, JSI Elite, 2020 SF: Without question, the Lithuanian was the biggest surprise of the 2018 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. The 6-foot-9 forward came into the event, just two weeks after coming to the United States and he showed off a wide variety of skills that left us impressed. He’s a terrific scorer inside and out. Defensively, he was a constant threat to block shots. As a passer, he was skilled and found his teammates all over the floor. Should he come back to the United States for college, he’s a no-brainer high-major player and potentially a top 50 level prospect nationally. - Justin Young

Tommy Murr, Nike Elite Stars, 2020 PG: Murr was the talk of the tournament on Saturday after scoring 38 points in a Nike Elite Stars win in the morning session and that carried over throughout the day. The sophomore was a wizard with the ball in his hands, as he had no problem handling the basketball and controlling the game. With deceptive speed and athleticism, Murr was able to burn opposing defenses and make plays at the rim. He averaged over 24 points per game throughout the weekend. - Garrett Tucker

Jayvion Rucker, Atlanta All-Stars, 2019 F: Defense put him on this list. The All-Stars brought home a trophy because of how well they defended from start to finish. Rucker was a major catalyst in that. He’s the ultimate three and D guy. He guards the wing so well, covering a lot of ground with his ridiculous length. He rebounds and blocks shots at a high level. On the offensive end, he is a threat from three and surprised teams with his ability to knock down jumpers. Don’t be surprised to see his value with college coaches skyrocket in July. - Justin Young 


Justin Young
Editor-in-Chief

Justin Young has been the editor-in-chief of HoopSeen.com since 2013. He manages the day-to-day operations on the site and in conjunction with our national and regional events. He was the national basketball editor for Rivals.com and a contributing editor at Yahoo! Sports. Young has been earned numerous awards for his work in sports journalism, including the Georgia Press Association Columnist of the Year. His Justin Young Basketball recruiting service has been in existence since 2002 and worked with over 300 schools from all levels. He is the director of HoopSeen Elite Preview camps and our national Preview camp series. 

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