The start of July brings another month of travel basketball and watching these young prospects get recruited by college programs across the LIVE periods. After watching these teams prepare throughout the recent months, the time has finally come for their hard work to pay dividends. We've seen countless different teams since March, including the Mint Hill Lakers, a team who should have dozens of college coaches eyeing their squad. Let's take a closer look at a few of their top contributors…
6'8 Luke Krawczyk
Since Khalil Brantley committed, Luke Krawczyk has easily become the hottest prospect within this roster. Between the Lakers and Carmel Christian, folks are showing appreciation for his ability to thrive within a low-maintenance role on both ends of the floor. Krawczyk can reliably finish or operate in the two-man action, but typically doesn't look to score. He's an excellent rebounder and hustle player with a clear willingness to do the dirty work whenever necessary. Krawczyk utilizes his body extremely well inside the paint and runs the floor consistently hard in transition. He picked up offers from USC Upstate and Navy over the last month.
6'3 Joel Baucom
We've documented Joel Baucom extensively over the last calendar year, where he's transitioned from a spot-up threat to a fairly well-rounded prospect. That being said, posing a lethal threat from beyond the arc is still what makes him so dangerous to opponents. Baucom can also attack closeouts, effectively initiate the offense, and make plays defensively. He moves well without the ball and understands how to pick his spots in transition. Baucom has seen a heavy mix of programs from various levels getting involved over the recent months.
6'3 Justin Taylor
The newest addition to this team, Justin Taylor, also doubles as their most highly recruited prospect. Though the traction from college coaches halted last June, that can likely be attributed to Division I coaches' inability to travel. Regardless, Taylor should attract various suitors with his dynamic identity as a combo-guard. He shows an understanding of how to run a team or apply pressure as a scorer from all levels. Taylor is a well-rounded athlete with vision, craftiness, and useful defensive instincts. He's also quite effective in transition, both with and without the ball in his hands.