Andre Whitehead's Rocky Top Fall League and Rocky Top D-League Standouts
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 players who showed out all listed in alphabetical order.
Truly enjoyed watching the week-to-week improvement of this burgeoning big man. Akard has great size and length, he has developed an understanding of his role and it shows with his much improved overall game. He can score on the block with his back to the basket, a lost art I might add. He has shown a propensity to knock down a short jumper and his shot from the outside is getting better. He could be a weapon on the secondary break as he improves his confidence in that stroke. He will need to continue to work on his agility and upper body strength. He has a tendency to bring the ball down to guard level in the halfcourt and must get more aggressive on the glass, especially on the offensive end. Honestly, his progression from last season to this season has been astounding. Keep doing what your doing, big things poppin' for this kid.
If we awarded a most improved player in the league, Asbaty would have been the runaway choice. His game has come miles from last season and his confidence level is on an all-time high as well. He helped lead his squad to the league championship and a victory in the 2nd annual 423 vs. 865 Showdown against our sister league in Upper East Tennessee. Caleb finished the season averaging around 23 points per game and was without question one of the best shooters in the league. As aforementioned his confidence is high, especially with his stroke. He doesn't possess overt athleticism and will not beat you off the dribble but he plays with heart and passion, he dives on the floor, he keeps possessions alive and he fights for wins. He will be an asset at the proper level.
Unassuming killer was one of the biggest surprises in league action this campaign. Solid skill level, better athlete than he is credited with being and simply one of the best strokes in the area, bar none. He fits perfectly within the team framework, he can play either guard spot with his above-average basketball IQ and again that stroke is oh so deadly. He plays with confidence, he isn't afraid to attack the bucket using the threat of that shot to create space for drives to the bucket and short jumpers or floaters in the lane. No fear as he will stick his nose in there defensively and he rebounds his position well for his slight build. He plays with an even temperament and will be a huge asset to the right level in college.
Young player had an outstanding campaign in our D-League finishing the season averaging 20.8 points per game and coming away with the league MVP. Giles is a long and athletic player with a scoring mentality. He uses his length to score off the bounce and does a great job of finishing at the rim; as well as, dropping the short jumper in the lane or exploding inside for a flush. He has quickness and explosion and is at his best in transition. He projects as a perimeter player but will need to work on his outside stroke and his ability to get everyone else involved. His shooting mechanics need some tweaking and his consistency will be the next step in his basketball evolution. He loves to compete, he always shows up and his demeanor are an asset for his overall basketball development.
Tough athletic kid who plays with passion and a smile on his face. He loves to defend and is a tough guard on the offensive side of the ball. He loves to turn defense into offense, he knows how to turn a ball handler and his explosion allows him to make steals and deflections. He likes to attack the basket and make tough finishes at the rim. He goes after every rebound and he keeps possessions alive with his effort and determination. His outside game needs some consistent work but his confidence is without question. He has the size, strength and length to be a shutdown defender on the next level and this skill set will be his ticket to next-level success.
