GASO Daily Trio: San Antonio Prospects on the Rise
With the bulk of the Great American Shoot-Outs done and dusted, the TexasHoops/GASO staff is shifting its focus to the July 20-23 Live Period in Duncanville. TexasHoops.com's Lyndon Cook takes a look at some of the top prospects in the state and how they're feeling going into the Live Period GASO.
The "GASO Daily Trio" will focus on three players from across the state and the first installment is highlighting prospects from San Antonio who have caught the eye of coaches and evaluators alike.
Kevin McCullar - YIIS/Texas Future 16U - SA Wagner - 2019
TexasHoops ANALYSIS: McCullar is a do it all winger with bounce and a great feel for the game. He is aggressive going to the hoop and finds teammates in scoring positions on the drive. McCullar competes for every loose ball and won't back down from physicality. His length causes problems on the defensive end.
What he's looking forward to in July: "I'm really just looking forward to all the coaches that are gonna be there. I had a lot of coaches contact me and tell me they're gonna come watch me so I'm just getting ready to show them what I'm about."
Interest & Offers: McCullar has been sought out by interested coaches from Colorado, Holy Cross, Kansas State, Lafayette, Lamar, Liberty, Middle Tennessee State, Montana, Northern Colorado, San Diego, Stanford, Texas Tech, Tulsa, UT Arlington, UTRGV, and UTSA.
What he's working on before the Live Period: "Just knocking down shots consistently, getting my teammates involved. I've gotta be active on defense and the glass and just work hard for everything so I can get better. We're a young team but I think we've bonded well and we should be able to make a run at the Live Period."
Jayden Martinez - Urban ASAK Elite - Cibolo Steele - 2018
TexasHoops ANALYSIS: Martinez has really come into his own during this year's GASO circuit and is showing no signs of slowing down at the moment. Martinez is wiry strong and can score from all three levels, but his best game is facing up and either shooting the J or getting to the hole. He's also shown the ability to throw accurate kick out passes out of a double-team After spending much of the summer playing with Texas D1 Houston, Martinez made the switch to Urban ASAK earlier in the month.
What he's looking forward to in July: "This team (Urban ASAK) has some momentum coming in. We've played well and won some games and I'm excited about the Live Period."
Interest & Offers: Martinez has been in contact with Texas State recently, though many coaches are sure to observe his game at the Live Period GASO.
What he's working on before the Live Period: "I'm working on my ball handling as well as going up to the basket stronger so I can get more and-one's."
Noah Rodriguez - HD Toros Elite - San Antonio Christian - 2018
TexasHoops ANALYSIS: Rodriguez is a versatile guard who is deadly from behind the arc when he's dialed in. He can operate as the primary ball handler or at the off guard and be effective at both positions. Rodriguez has a nice looking stroke and will pull up anywhere within 25 feet and knocks down a high percentage of his looks. He could definitely be a sleeper pickup out of San Antonio.
What he's looking forward to in July: "It's been a learning season for me with me having to play the 1 and the 2 and become more of a combo guard. I think as a team we're getting better, this is our first year playing together and we're starting to get the team chemistry right in time for July."
Interest & Offers: Coaches from Cameron and St. Edward's have both reached out to Rodriguez to express interest and caught games of his on the GASO circuit. Rodriguez also said to TexasHoops staff that St. Edward's is "a school I'd like to go to."
What he's working on before the Live Period: "I need to cut down my turnovers and quicken my release shooting the ball. Right now defenders are coming off the screen with me and I need to get my shots off quicker. I'm trying to not force things and just be calmer on the court as well."