Tajuan Simpkins

By: Sean Halloran

6’8 2022 Trey Ramsey (Carolina Riptide 17U)

Ramsey was one player that was very impressive in the first batch of games today. The 6'8, lengthy big man has the frame to withstand the physicality of the college game, already. The most impressive part of Ramsey's game is the activity that he plays with on both ends of the floor. Offensively he did his work early, by physically ducking his man in and getting the ball in effective areas to quickly score. He utilizes his length to improve his capability of defending at the rim and displayed a consistent activity on the offensive and defensive glass.

6’3 2022 Joel Baucom (Mint Hill Lakers 17U)

Baucom impressed me with his performance today, showing he has a great improvement in his game. The lengthy, quick guard is known around the state as one of the best shooters in the area, but he put on full display his ability to make shots off the bounce. Baucom was able to get into the mid-range and consistently be effective making difficult pull-up jumpers. Another aspect Baucom displayed was his ability to make plays for others and find his teammates for open jump shots. He consistently made the right plays in the half-court while also being unselfish in transition. A player for college coaches to keep their eyes on heading into the high school season!

5'10 2022 Luke Lentz (Bmaze Biven 17U)

Lentz was one of the most complete point guards I was able to watch today. An extremely quick, physical guard who showed he is capable of being active on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Lentz really thrived breaking his defenders down off the dribble, and displayed his natural shooting stroke all day. He scores in bunches with the ability to shoot it from deep and create his own shot inside the mid-range area. The most impressive part about Lentz’s game is the pace he seems to play the game. He is hard to take out of his game ad consistently is able to play at the speed he wants to. Lentz has a natural ability to find his teammates for open jump shots, but put on full display his effective scoring here today.

6'3 2022 Nikolas Graves (Garner Road Graves 17U)

Graves is a High IQ point guard who controls the pace of the game to perfection. A well-sized, decisive guard impressed today with his ability to make plays for his teammates. Graves is very effective in getting inside the paint and finding others for open shots. Very capable shooter and showed he can score if needed, but naturally plays the game to win. As most point guards should, Graves has an exceptional ability to play at his own pace, which helps set the tone for the game. A young man that already has multiple college scholarships and should expect more to continue coming following his impressive play.

6'4 2022 Tajuan Simpkins (Garner Road Graves 17U)

Simpkins was extremely impressed with the performances he put on today. The quick, savvy guard proved that he can score the ball in a variety of ways. He was very impressive when he got out in transition, he was able to get downhill and finish above the rim and he continuously made the right play. Defensively, he does a great job pressuring the basketball and being physical when guarding off-ball actions. Simpkins is a player to watch during the high school season and I expect that with his prolific scoring ability, his recruitment is going to increase tremendously.