GASO Daily Trio: Houston Area Standouts
The second installment of the "GASO Daily Trio" shines a light on prospects out of Houston who have turned heads at Great American Shoot-Outs throughout the spring and summer. TexasHoops.com's Lyndon Cook has all the latest from three of Houston's finest.
Ajare Sanni - Sanni Hoops - Clear Lake - 2018
TexasHoops ANALYSIS: Sanni is a ruthlessly efficient scorer with one of the state's best mid-range games. His microwave-like ability to catch fire out of nowhere and go for 30-plus gives his team an edge in every game they play, and his solid passing and distribution is only overshadowed by his scoring. His on-ball defense is greatly improved and D1 programs are starting to take notice. It's worth noting that at both Great American Shoot-Outs that Sanni has played in, his team has taken home a championship.
What he's looking forward to in July: "I'm feeling very confident about my scoring and getting my teammates the ball. We're not a shoe team but we're gonna stick around with the big name teams and I'm feeling good about that.
Interest & Offers: Sanni's stock has really been on the rise this spring and summer, with offers from Drake, Lamar, Pacific, Rice, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. He's also been receiving regular interest from the likes of Brown, Coastal Carolina, Fresno State, Princeton, Purdue, Stanford, Texas State, UC-Santa Barbara, UT-Arlington, and Yale.
What he's working on before Live Period: "Defense. I have to lock up the best player on the other team. As the best player on my team I need to have that responsibility and win my personal battle with the other team's best player."
Myles Burns - Mo Taylor Elite - Houston Lamar - 2018
TexasHoops ANALYSIS: Burns really impressed the TexasHoops/GASO staff over the weekend at the Austin Great American Shoot-Out, showing off his elite athleticism. Burns operates as a swingman and get up quick to snatch boards and block shots thanks to his dynamic leaping ability. In terms of skill set, Burns might be a little raw but he makes smart cuts and takes high percentage shots. He will definitely be worth revisiting come July.
What he's looking forward to in July: "I feel like I'm there. I still got a lot of work to do like working on my 3-point shot. I gotta put in more effort and hit the weights and run more miles so I can be in tip-top shape for July."
Interest & Offers: One program that has been in contact with Burns is Mount St. Mary's out of Maryland, although Burns said that more colleges have inquired about him with his coaches.
What he's working on for the Live Period: "My shot. Working on my shot and my handles are the two main things. I've got the bounce and the athleticism, but my shot and skill set is still not there. I'm always trying to improve that where I can perfect my craft."
Kristian Sjolund - Shooting Stars Red 17 - Katy Tompkins - 2018
TexasHoops ANALYSIS: Sjolund might have a claim to be the top stretch 4 in the state. The Norway native is lethal from range with his feet set and has one of the purest shooting motions for a player of his size you'll see. Sjolund, the c/o 2018 No.39 ranked player, is a legitimate threat to score once he crosses the volleyball line on the court. He has a silky pull up game and can finish with authority at the rim in transition. Time in the weight room will do Sjolund a world of good for the next level, but his offensive skill level is undeniable.
What he's looking forward to in July: "I'm getting ready for it (GASO Live Period), but first I'm going back to play with the Norway national team for one or two weeks. When I get back it's time to focus for the Live Period."
Interest & Offers: Sjolund is currently sitting on a solid collection of offers, with Boise State, Georgia Tech, Houston Baptist, Liberty, Rice, St. Mary's, Tulsa, and UT-Arlington. He's also been hearing from Creighton, Michigan, and Virginia lately, as well as "many Houston area schools." Sjolund also revealed that he is waiting until after the Live Period to take visits to interested schools.
What he's looking for in schools: "Basically, I want a team with great ball movement. That's what I love to be around. I want a great staff and team and just a good program. I think my recruitment (and No.39 rank) is fine, I don't want to go after really big schools like Kentucky. I look for the schools that fit me best."