Marquee Nationals: 8th Grade Elite Division Standouts

August 10, 2023 by MADE Hoops Staff

Jordan Taylor (Wing, Clayway Elite): Taylor is a big and mobile athlete who tended to do the majority of his damage on the interior. He was a mismatch nightmare in the post who leveraged his size and aggression to finish plays at the rim. His activity and motor also allowed him to be a prominent putback threat who could keep possessions alive. Taylor also flashed some shotblocking instincts as he was able to anchor the paint.

Anderson Diaz (Guard, LPAC): Diaz had a strong showing on Sunday despite a close loss to Hollow Tigers. He’s a shifty, smooth and skilled backcourt prospect who is a prominent shotmaker off the dribble. Showcased his pull-up touch and advantage creation skills when creating looks off the bounce. Also converted a few tough, contested finishes through traffic in this game as well.

Brandon Jean (Guard, LPAC): Jean was another guard who shined for LPAC against Hollow Elite at Marquee Nationals. He’s another shifty handler who was able to beat defenders off the bounce with his mix of burst and tight crossovers. He had a smooth shooting stroke off the bounce and a soft float game in the lane. Jean was a reliable downhill playmaker who consistently created for others off the dribble-drive.

Azyris Richmond (Forward, Philly Pride): Richmond is a long and rangy athlete who had his fair share of impressive moments at Marquee Nationals. He was a reliable low post scorer who took advantage of smaller defenders with his high release point and positional size. Moves well laterally and he was able to cover ground quickly to contest opponents shots. Still putting the pieces together, yet the tools are definitely appealing.

Graydon Jurik (Wing, SC Academy): Jurik is a smooth wing who had a strong showing against Philly Pride. He’s a fluid pull-up scorer who proved that he has the range to convert jumpers from behind the arc. Liked what I saw in the mid-range area and he had a knack for attacking closeouts with his feel. Also flashed some playmaking chops when he was able to draw help defense off the drive.

Elijah Taylor (Guard, City Rocks Albany): Taylor had himself a game against LPAC despite a one-possession loss on Saturday. He’s an ultra-quick lead guard who blew by closeouts with his mix of burst, acceleration and counter moves. He was able to put constant pressure on the rim and he showed off some touch in the intermediate. Put together a strong weekend while showing a balance of scoring and playmaking.