Spring Preview Player Capsules/Analysis Pt. 1
TexasHoops analyst Lyndon Cook made the trip down to Houston over the weekend to take in University Sports’ Spring Preview, and offers analysis on players who caught his eye as teams take shape before the April Live Period.
Corey Nickerson - Houston Sterling - 2019
ANALYSIS: Nickerson came up huge for Team Harden on Saturday, delivering down the stretch in a pair of wins over Urban ASAK and Basketball University Gold. Nickerson, a forward with a lanky build, showed off a very polished skill set and was consistently able to knock down shots from 15-18 feet. He stays active on the glass and uses his length well to defend the rim. Nickerson's size along with his solid base of fundamentals means he is one to keep an eye on throughout the summer.
Justin Hill - Fort Bend Travis - 2020
ANALYSIS: Hill provided excellent guardplay for Houston Defenders 16u all day on Saturday, scoring the ball at will and creating opportunities for his teammates. Hill is adept at creating space for himself and getting downhill within the halfcourt and showed a wide array of finishes around the hoop. He consistently forced turnovers on the other side of the ball and showed some nice springs to finish with authority.
Lorenz Williams - Cy-Fair Learning Center - 2019
ANALYSIS: Williams is a tough man to pin down into one position, as he can shoot outside like a guard but also use his 6-foot-5 frame to battle inside for points and boards. What really caught the eye on Saturday was Williams great motor and general activity level on the court, always seeming locked into the game and ready to make a play. Williams is dangerous on the perimeter and showed flashes of high level playmaking ability when he chose to drive.
Jamal Shead - San Antonio Madison - 2020
ANALYSIS: Shead is taking over primary ball-handling duties for Urban ASAK this summer, and if Saturday is anything to go by then ASAK will be in good hands. Shead has a solid all-around game to run the 1-spot efficiently, but it is his scoring ability that sets him apart. Shead can hit the three off the dribble or with his feet set, and can take his man on the drive and finish at the cup or with a floater. Another dogged defender, Shead gets out in transition well and will make the right play on the break.
Sahvir Wheeler - Houston Christian - 2019
ANALYSIS: Long-time Texas A&M commit Wheeler showed yet again why he is a power-5 player as a 5-foot-8 point guard, slicing through defenses and converting tough shots among the trees. Wheeler can still knock down shots from the outside, but was in full-on attack mode on Saturday, making a point to get to the rim to finish or set up his teammates for easy buckets. What he lacks in size he more than makes up for in speed and basketball instincts, consistently beating defenders down the floor for simple fastbreak opportunities. While his college decision has already been made, you can't help but enjoy the exciting brand of basketball Wheeler brings to the table.
Zach Iyeyemi - Cy Fair - 2019
ANALYSIS: Iyeyemi handled his business in an efficient manner on Saturday, showing an improved skill set and holding his own against 2019's top big man Will Baker in Team Harden's overtime win over Basketball University. Iyeyemi is a tough man to move on the block, and uses his thickset frame to bully defenders into great post position for himself. Iyeyemi is not just a bruiser, however, and is actually very polished in the offensive part of his game. He showed great footwork in pick-and-pop looks and has a very pure shooting stroke for a player of his size.