With the June and July Live Periods on the horizon, there’s no better time for teams to compete to gauge their ability against high-level opponents. Our G3 Showcase is slated to feature a heavy mix of independent organizations and shoe-circuit programs—so there should definitely be something for everyone in attendance. The circuit teams nearing their halfway point should ultimately make this event a great litmus test for all involved. There will be a ton of notable individual teams and players on display, and this article will take a closer look at Team Curry 17U…
The main ball-handlers for this group are 6’1 Kevon Vanderhorst and 6’4 Silas Demary. Vanderhorst has clearly progressed in the last twelve months, showcasing a balanced identity as a two-way floor general. He’s offers a smart, steady presence on the floor. Vanderhorst can create for himself or others, or find opportunities without even requiring the ball in his hands. He’s a useful defender and well-rounded player overall. Meanwhile, Demary’s success as a leader for this group should already be fairly documented. He’s a combo-guard with the ability to run a team or play alongside another primary ball-handler. Demary scores the ball from all levels, defends nicely at the point of attack, and makes solid decisions with the ball in his hands.
In looking at their collection of complementary wings, 6’5 Bryce Cash, 6’5 Noah Van Bibber, and 6’6 Collin Tanner all have a ton of appeal. Cash might be the best defender on the roster. He’s consistently addressed any possible weaknesses of deficiencies within his game, and now possesses the complete game that coaches should want. Van Bibber provides perimeter shooting, spot-up ability, and solid athleticism from the wing position. He’s more than capable off the bounce, but even more accurate off the catch. Tanner is finally starting to receive appropriate attention from college programs. As a long, skilled wing with size, shooting, defensive prowess, creation instincts, and the ability to frequently (yet efficiently) score from all levels, it’s easy to see why more schools are getting involved.
Rounding out the roster, 6’7 Elijah Strong, 6’7 Avion Pinner, 6’6 Takorrie Faison, and 6’10 Riley Allenspach represent the size for this group. Strong is a very sturdy, skilled forward with nice feel and the ability to cause matchup problems as an offensive threat. He can post-up, spot-up, create within a few dribbles, or attack bigger opponents off the bounce. Pinner is probably the most versatile defender on the roster. He’s long, wiry, and possesses the necessary size and instincts to actively toggle between multiple positions. Pinner is a capable rebounder who can push the break and make solid decisions with the ball in his hands. Faison is strong, athletic, and rebounds the ball well on both ends of the floor. He’s continued to show the ability to knock down the open jumper while still applying pressure as an interior finisher. Allenspach has really emerged as a leader for this squad. He provides them with a reliable post-up option who can rebound, space the floor, and wall-up defensively.