At the Summer Havoc Session 2, there was one team that I was extremely excited about watching and getting a glimpse of the future. It was my first time seeing Team United 16u in action this summer with Phenom Hoops and they didn’t disappoint, as they went undefeated throughout the event.
There were a few players that I was familiar with and had already seen in action but one player that I really wanted to check out more was 2024 6’9 Jarin Stevenson. Watching him a few times over the live stream this high school season, it was my first chance to watch him in person and I came away impressed with what I saw.
When talking about his game, you simply just don’t see a player of his age with such a polished feel for the game. Stevenson showed that he is fully comfortable in operating all around the court, displaying terrific handles for a big and one that can rebound then push in transition, while also creating scoring opportunities for himself. But he also has that strong feel and understanding of how to be a true big down in the post, showing touch and being incredibly agile on the floor.
You add that to his terrific vision in finding his teammates from down low, his movement and strong feel on the glass, and ability to switch and defend multiple players, Stevenson is one that checks so many boxes off that it just seems a matter of time before college coaches of the highest levels start rolling in regularly.
Stevenson showed a little bit of everything in his game and it can easily be seen why he is considered one of the top players in the state. Though he may not be fully in the national spotlight, it is only a matter of time with this young man. With his understanding and feel at his size, the question isn’t if but when the blow-up will begin. But it seems that he is fully ready for it, so get ready for the ride.