2023 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions 17U Standouts IV
SUWANEE, GA—We're continuing to empty out our notes from the 2023 Bob Gibbons TOC with some more of the standouts from the 17U division.
Related: 17U Standouts | 17U Standouts II | 17U Standounts III
Pleasant surprise with our first look at this young man. His length catches your eye immediately and he knows how to play the game. He blocks shots in the help defense and despite his lack of physical size he goes hard after rebounds. He is primarily a perimeter threat and has a beautiful stroke to the deep line. He gets lift on his shot and shoots at the top of his jump, keeping the ball high with outstanding rotation. He showed a short pull-up off a couple dribbles and attacked the basket when given a lane. His body will need some work of course but he has some major skills that will continue to be cultivated as the summer moves along. - Andre Whitehead
This was another weekend to add to Wright’s developing spring resume. He showed off a lot of what we love out of his game during Gibbons. Of course, this 3-point shooting was a difference-maker for the Allstars. Wright can get hot and erase deficits or expand leads with his shooting. That’s the main thing. It’s not the only thing though. Wright has underrated athleticism and can attack closeouts and throw down dunks at the rim. His size paired with his skill set will be coveted by coaches at the next level. He added an offer from Trevecca recently, and I’d expect him to get plenty more in June and July. - Josh Tec
Parker stepped it up on Sunday and delivered a masterful performance against the eventual champions of the event. His outside shot was clicking and his decision-making was on point as the Tigers fought hard in a narrow loss. He is not a blow by athlete but he is crafty enough to know when to attack and when to drop the short jumper, he controls his tempo, he allows plays to develop and he is an outstanding passer. He turns defense into offense quickly and isn’t afraid to start the break with a long pass or a quick read for himself. His shot, fundamentally is better when he is not hurried, but he has become able to set his feet quickly and his release has become quicker as well. He is just solid, maybe a word some folks don’t like, but rest assured coaches love that word and will love this kid. - Andre Whitehead
I can’t think of a more consistent shooter that I’ve seen this spring than Will Thompson. I feel like we can just pencil him in for four to seven threes a game. Anything less than that has been the anomaly not the norm. He has his niche on this team, and he’s played into it well. In one of the games of the weekend—on Friday night—Thompson drained six 3-pointers, then followed that up with five more on Friday. Shooting is in demand, so coaches out there circle his name and get out to see him in June and July. He’s been lighting it up every weekend this spring. - Josh Tec
Peters was a main component for We All Can Go, who advanced to a championship game. The 6-foot-2 point guard controlled each game and was magnificent with the ball in his hands. He made quality decisions in ball screen situations, highlighted by his shot-making ability. Peters made tough, contested jumpers throughout the weekend and really opened some eyes. From start to finish, he was one of the most consistent players at Gibbons. - Garrett Tucker
Maynard was one of the prospects that I hadn’t gotten the opportunity to see much in the past that made an impression. It was his ability to hit shots from all over the floor that initially caught my eye, but in subsequent viewings, his defense shined as well. This Georgia Legacy team is balanced, they have a lot of players that can help a program at the next level, and Maynard is one of the most intriguing of the bunch. I look forward to seeing more out of him moving forward. - Josh Tec
Mountain View (GA) guard Mike White had some big-time moments for Team S.M.A.S.H this past weekend at Gibbons. He had the gym buzzing on Saturday afternoon with his shotmaking. White can score from all over, he proved that during his Saturday outburst, but what I love the most is his facilitating. White is a smart passer who gets his guys involved. He’s a candidate to have a good June, and he could carry this momentum over into July as well. - Josh Tec
