Through three games here at Proehlific Park on court two one trend has been one common trend happening and that’s excellent guard play!
Greensboro, North Carolina- This first group of standouts have commanded their sides in style, balancing the scoring loads along with working to get teammates involved.
6’4 2021 RJ Noord (Team United)- Noord came out really strong in game one, he poured in 19 pts for United in an impressive opening win. Noord scored the rock at all three levels, Noord utilized his length in the open floor, he’s a long 6’4 and used every inch to extend over defenders effortlessly at the cup, Noord was aggressive and finished with both hands at the rim.
Noord has a long stride and it allowed him to get into the lane quickly, he’s showed explosiveness in bursts. Noord can also open things up from behind the arc with his three point shooting touch.
6’2 2021 Trey Hubbard (Team United)- The other half of a gifted United back court, Hubbard also added 19 pts to a team total of 92 points. Overall it was an offensive explosion for this group, they shared the ball and in turn everyone looked good as a unit.
Hubbard managed the tempo for United he did well finding his offensive while also balancing his playmaking duties. Hubbard is a natural slasher, he’s shifty and has a quick first step. Hubbard also connected on three attempts from behind the arc, I was thoroughly impressed with his feel for the game and innate passing ability.
5’11 2021 Ethan Pegram (Carolina Wolves)- Despite being down big majority of the contest Pegram maintained his poise and high energy, it was a slow start but eventually Pegram got in rhythm! Pegram shot the ball well from deep, his shooting stroke is pure and almost automatic when Pegram sets his feet.
Pegram has a tight handle and doesn’t necessarily need the rock to score it, Pegram was constantly in motion looking to carve out space. Pegram is a high I.Q. Kid with sharp intangibles, he’s also a scrappy on ball defender who really gets in the opponents jersey.
6’0 2021 DJ Cuttino (Charlotte Royals)- Cuttino is a gifted scorer and he flashed the entire scoring arsenal in game two. Cuttino scored 15 of a total 17 points in the first half, the first period belonged to him. Cuttino attacked the cup relentlessly, he’s quick in space and doesn’t need a lot of room to blow my defenders. Cuttino is a smaller guard with explosiveness, and he embraces contact at the cup.
Cuttino made some tough shots including one long two point shot that he converted off the pull up, while being fouled. Cuttino plays with passion and he communicates all over the floor, in the second half he shifted focus to getting teammates involved, Cuttino is unselfish and won’t hesitate to make the extra pass.