Andre Whitehead's Rocky Top Fall League and Rocky Top D-League Standouts, pt. III
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 to round out our coverage of the event.
You can find the first two groups of standouts below:
He catches your eye with his length and scoring prowess. He dunks the ball with ease be it in transition or off the bounce in the half court. Roberts was one of the top players in the Fall League for several seasons now, finishing this campaign averaging 30.8 points per game including a gigantic 52 point effort. He can score at every level, he finishes at the rim, he goes through contract despite a slim frame and his outside shooting is adequate enough to be a concern for a defender. He has next level length and athleticism and could be a big time shut down defender. Consistency and his continued maturation are areas of his overall development that will ease his transition into the college ranks.
One of the most improved players in the entire league. Robertson has amazing length and a propensity to score the ball. His length and skill level allow him to get off shots others cannot. He uses short dribble moves to create space for deadly short jumpers in and around the lane or solid foot work moves for easy lay ins. He is excellent on the offensive glass using this length to keep possessions alive and get easy put backs. He concluded league play as one the top scores in the league at 26.4 points per game. His build is slight and adding some upper body strength will only enhance his development. He loves to play and has a passion for getting better. He is coachable and someone whom a team can be built around. His best basketball is still to come, mark my words on that.
Tough young athlete with the size and length plus a knack for scoring the ball. He has solid handles at this juncture and is at his best carving out space to the bucket. He uses his size and length to get easy scoring chances in the lane and has enough confidence in his shot to make that a weapon when fundamentals are followed. Cam was one of the top players in our D-League finishing league play with a 21.0 point per game scoring average despite missing some games with an injury. The next step in his development will be incorporating some lead guard skills into his game and making himself a threat to be effective at either back court slot. His body will develop as he is blessed with physical gifts and will be under the tutelage of one of the best high school coaches in the area. This is one of the players to keep an eye on for this area of the state.
Another player who has made massive strides in his game since last season. Warren has a football build and understands how to use his size to get to the basket and create space. He has excellent ball handling skills and uses the one or two dribble drive to get to the basket. He gets into the lane and overpowers his defender with a short jumper or a foray to the bucket. His outside game will be the next stage of his development as he lacks confidence from the perimeter. Warren finished league play averaging 24.2 points per game and led his squad to the league championship and a victory at the 2nd annual 423 vs. 865 Showdown. Warren was named MVP of the Rocky Top Fall League for his efforts.
Such a pleasure watching this young guy hone his craft. Ray Ray has an innate point guard gift to distribute and score when needed. He sees the floor, he plays with an inner tempo that belies his age. He can start the break with a crafty lead pass or set up the offense with his patience and basketball IQ. His scoring is underrated and he has the ability to put the ball in the hole if that is what the role entails. He finished league play averaging 20.8 points per game with a league high 40 in the final contest. Decision making will be the next stage in the progression as he tends to over dribble at times and forces the issue with errant passes and or tough decisions. His maturation will cure some of those ills but allowing him to show that fire and commitment to wining will only enhance this development. Look forward to watching his game grow under one fo the top high school mentors in the area.
