Augusta Live: Thursday's 15U Standouts

July 7, 2023 by Max Feldman

CJ Smith (UPLAY EYBL): Wiry post player Cj Smith stood out in Thursday’s action with his defensive intelligence, awareness and discipline. Smith was essential as a rim protector, deterring shots on drives without fouling by walling-up and not leaving his feet. Offensively he exhibited great second effort on the offensive glass, beating opposing players off the ground to keep possessions alive. Smith possesses great hands and is adept at keeping the ball high on finishes. 

Traymaine Belanger (UPLAY EYBL): Lead guard Traymaine Belanger has great positional size from the guard position and plays at a soothing pace. Belanger is a fun player to watch with how easy he gets into the lane and the creativity he uses as a distributor in traffic. Defensively, he’s very active and sets the tone for UPLAY’s half court defense. His length paired with some impeccable timing on steals led to plenty of easy fast break buckets. 

Dionycius Bakare (UPLAY EYBL): Bakare is a very intriguing prospect to watch with his high motor and intangibles. Bakare gave outstanding effort on the glass, and is very fluid, quick and explosive for his age, which he uses to his advantage to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he attacked the lane with force and embraced physicality. Will be a prospect to watch closely throughout the duration of the tournament, as well as through his overall high school tenure. 

Sam Funches (ISO JOE): Sam Funches is a lengthy post player with wiry strength and advanced skills for his age and size. Funches is a very fluid athlete for his size at his age, and possesses a high understanding of how to play the game the right way. Offensively despite his wiry frame, he was very effective at sealing defenders in the lane and giving his guards a target to throw a post entry. He likes to operate as a facilitator in the high post, facing up to find back side cutters or weak side shooters in the corner. Defensively, Funches exhibited great discipline and legitimacy as a rim protector. 

Jordan Harris (ISO JOE): Jordan Harris is a high-motor forward who plays with an edge and grit, to go along with his enticing physical tools. Harris has a fearless, take no prisoners type of mentality once he checks into the game. Although Harris isn’t the strongest player in the world, he was very physically imposing on both ends using functional strength and athletic build. Harris seems to be a pretty raw prospect as of today, but he showed plenty of flashes of developing offensive tools that could turn him into a very high-level talent.