Andre Whitehead's Rocky Top Fall League and Rocky Top D-League Standouts, pt. II
KNOXVILLE, TN—The conclusion to another outstanding Rocky Top Fall League and Rocky Top D-League brought exciting new players moving to the forefront of the local hoops scene. Our 13th year of action for the older guys and year number five for the freshman and sophomores. Here are five more players who showed out all listed in alphabetical order.
You can find the first list of five here.
I watch a lot of basketball and despite what folks perceive or say the lack of actual outside shooting skills is something that concerns folks like myself. That is not a problem with this sharpshooter. One of the best shooters, not only in this area, but in the entire state of Tennessee. He can pull up in transition or use the screen and knock them down in the halfcourt. His confidence is high and his mechanics are flawless. He finished Rocky Top Fall League play among the leading scorers in the league at 30.3 points per game with a high game of 47 markers. The next level of his development will be, at his size, developing more lead guard skills into his arsenal. He has the ability to score not only from deep but he understands how to use his gift and create space for short jumpers or runners in the lane.
Exciting young player who is on the cusp of a monster senior season. A slick scoring guard who can stroke the outside shot and when hot can be someone who changes the entire complexion of a game. He has a great feel for the game, a coaches kid, who understands tempo and game conditions. He can score off the bounce and is a much better athlete than folks give him credit. He finished league play at 20.2 points per game after missing some time with an injury. He has the athletic ability to be a good defender and his basketball IQ will allow him to play either guard spot at the next level.
Young player with a flair for scoring the ball. He has a burst which allows him to get to the basket and score and his outside shooting touch is good enough to create space from unsuspecting defenders. Koko, who has yet to play a high school basketball game, finished the season averaging right at 20.0 points per game for the Fall League season. His biggest asset is his feel for the game, he can be a very good defender and will learn this skill set as he is blessed with a solid high school mentor. At his size one of the next steps in the progression will be infiltrating some lead guard skills into his repertoire. He has a nice hold on the game at this juncture of his development so incorporating this new skill will not be an issue. I look forward to his maturation as the years move forward.
Watching the maturity of this kid grow has been a pleasure for myself as an evaluator. The leadership skills are an asset that will be coveted by college coaches. He has always had the ability to score but his skill set has expanded with his addition of these point guard skills. He gets everyone involved and again his leadership will be what drives his squad to monumental heights this coming season. McNew finished the Fall League campaign averaging 24.4 points per game with a high game of 52 markers. Intangibles are talked about but rarely witnessed, this kid has numerous intangibles. The respect of his teammates, the admiration of the community and the focus and determination to become the best player he can be will drive this kid to success in his basketball life.
Exciting young player with a wealth of skills for his age bracket. He plays with a determination and toughness that belies his size and age. He has massive skills with the ball, great handles, plays under control and a sweet stroke that makes him very dangerous. He played up with the big boys for our Fall League season as only one of two incoming freshman we allowed to compete. He finished the season averaging 19.5 points a game and his confidence was soaring. He has the basketball savvy to run the show from the lead guard spot and the ability to fill up the scoring charts with his array of offensive ability. He is slight of build but works like a champ in the weight room, less we forget this kid has yet to play a high school basketball game.
