Bama Jam Superlatives Part II
HOOVER, AL - With the 2019 HoopSeen Bama Jam all wrapped up, we continue to roll out our superlatives from a terrific weekend of basketball.
The best team at the Bama Jam was…
The Tennessee Tigers. The 17U crew went 6-0 and claimed the Black championship at the Bama Jam. This group has nice balance across the board, which is typical for Tigers teams. You could make an argument for, at least, three of their players as the weekend MVP.
2020 SG Ryley McClaran stepped up big in the championship game. The Tigers needed some scoring pop with Will Pruitt out due to an injury. Great teams find ways to win when adjustments have to be made. McClaran was a steady offensive force throughout the weekend, showing off his versatility from the backcourt.
Big man Dalton Marsh was a big presence in the middle, keeping rebounds to himself and held his ground defensively. Kavon Blankenship was a match-up problem because of his length, slashing ability, three-point shot and athleticism.
For the Tigers, they did just that. The Nashville-based club went 6-0 on the weekend. They had to beat the CKY Magic-Morton team twice. Wins against the Nike Elite Stars White, Atlanta Select Quiet Storm, Pro One and Team Speights were also impressive.
The player who will blow up the most in the April NCAA Live Period is…
With the NCAA Live Period Atlanta Jam right around the corner, we know there will be several players who blow up their recruitment. Based on what we saw at the Bama Jam, Joyce looks like the kind of player would could finish the month as a good Division I prospect. He piloted his team to the 17U championship game by scoring at will and with aggressiveness. Joyce is speedy, athletic and determined to get to the iron with a great dribble-drive. The 6-foot-1 guard lived at the free throw line and challenged defenders every time he hit the floor. To date, he said Morehead State is involved early on.
Related: Superlatives Part I | The big men takeover | Three takeaways from Saturday
The best interior finisher was…
The 6-foot-7 big man was automatic in the paint for the Atlanta All-Stars throughout the entire Bama Jam. He scored at will near the basket and was constantly getting to the free throw line. Sanchez consistently converted offensive rebounds into scores. Teams struggled to keep him under wraps as producer. All and all, it was a terrific weekend of work from the big fella.
The best long term player at the Bama Jam was…
As Tai Young noted on Saturday, the 6-foot-9 big man has made big improvements to his already impressive game. Shaver has all of the tools to warrant a nation-wide recruitment from the high-majors. He has a unique blend of size and skill for his position. In today’s modern game of big men who stretch the floor with their three-point shot, Shaver should justify such a recruitment. The class of 2022 was the anchor for the 15U champions over the weekend. It will be interesting to see how much his game evolves over the next three years.
