Elite 75 – Best of the Guards

New England Recruiting Report | Friday, July 3rd, 2015

The Elite 75 College Showcase allowed a variety of local products to prove themselves in front of over 40 division II and III coaches on Monday afternoon at Brandeis University.

The day began with a combine style theme as players first took part in athletic testing performed by Velocity Sports before then going through a series of competitive breakdown drills measuring their ability to play one on one, two on two, three on three and finally four on four, thus allowing every player in the field to showcase their abilities to create their own shot, play pick and roll and come off screening action.

Here’s a look at some of the top performances we saw from the guards:

Nassir Barrino, Worcester Academy 2016 – Fresh off his EYBL season with the New Jersey Playaz, this incoming post-grad showed why he isn’t just quick off the bounce, but also bound to become one of the very best defenders in New England right from day one next year.
 
Jaylen Franklin. MacDuffie School 2016 – Franklin seems to be playing some of his best basketball now. He was a tenacious defender who got numerous steals and converted down at the other end. Franklin also ran the show and displayed good court awareness that allowed him to get his teammates into positions to contribute.  

Jason Bird, Tabor Academy 2016 – Bird is a crafty combo guard who has good length and athleticism. He uses his natural talents to get into the lane to score, or alternatively, his great court vision to make crafty passes to open teammates. With a good stroke he was able to stretch defenses as well.
 
Julian Nyland, Melrose 2016 – Nyland has good size for a guard and when you add nice handles and good athleticism he has a terrific ability to get into the lane.  He also showed a nice stroke from all three ranges.
 
Connor Daly, Northwest Catholic 2016 – Daly is a quick and athletic guard who can finish well at the rim but also makes some nice finds off the bounce. Combine that with a high basketball I.Q. on both ends of the floor and Daly was an easy addition to the NERR database.
 
Spencer Danforth, St. John’s Prep 2016 – He’s another guy who can create his own offense, but he’s a good shooter as well so that only further opens up his driving game and sly ability to get to the rim and finish through contact.

Brad Landry, Sheehan High School 2017 – This guy just keeps getting better. He’s in the best shape of his life and playing his best basketball as well. A marksman from deep, Landry hit numerous threes, but was more than just a shooter though. Typically a point guard, Landry can create offense for himself off the bounce but also has outstanding court awareness.

Lyonelle Mason, East Hartford High School 2016 – Mason was able to do it all during the showcase, showing a nice stroke from deep, the skill to get into the lane and finish, and excellent athleticism. This guard also had great court vision, finding the open teammate in transition and in the half court.

Charlie Clay, Worcester Academy 2017 - A true point guard who has an understanding of how to run a team, coupled by an instinctive toughness, Clay stood out with those virtues even when the action turned to five on five as so many other guards over-pounded the ball and made poor decisions.
 
Pierre Coffy, Hotchkiss School 2018 – He’s just a rising sophomore but already looks and plays like a man with a strong and athletic frame that he utilizes to absorb contact on his way to the cup, while also showing some individual offense in all three ranges.

Kahleb Downing, St. Andrew’s 2016 – The Xavier (CT) graduate is set to do a post-graduate year at St. Andrew’s where he’ll contribute to a deep and talented Saints rotation with his strength on the perimeter, versatile floor game and quick release in the mid-range area.

Andrew Taliaferro, BB&N 2016 – Competitive breakdowns are a time for cerebral players to show off their basketball I.Q. and that’s exactly what Taliaferro did. Smart as he is strong, he showed an understanding of pick and roll, passed well & showed good instincts.

Isaiah Godwin, Brooks 2017 - Another guard in a highly talented stable of players at the Brooks School, Godwin is just the type of point guard coaches look for because he handles the ball well, sees the floor, isn't rattled by pressure and plays a generally pass first style.

Kyle Logan, Worcester Academy 2016 – A long and lanky incoming post-grad from Chicago, Logan will surely benefit from the Worcester Academy weight room but has some clear ability including a first that was both quick and long attacking the rim.

Nick Tupanjanin, Milton Academy 2016 – He’s a shot-maker with an effortless and pure release, both off the catch or the dribble, and doesn’t need much space to get it off. Combine that with a college ready body and he’s a nice prospect.

Admar Jaramillo, Brockton 2016 – A late addition to the roster that ended up making a big impact, what Jaramillo may lack in size he makes up for with quickness and playmaking ability as he lived in the lane and had every coach scrambling to find out who #264 was.

Eric DAguanno, St. Andrew’s 2016 – One of the purest shooters in the field, D’Aguanno thrived in the breakdown drills, proving his ability to create separation off the screens and then make tough shots on the move. Look for more on him later this week.

Thomas Coyne, Falmouth 2016 – In a showcase style atmosphere, sometimes it’s the smartest man that stands out and while Coyne’s game wasn’t as flashy as others he quietly made the right plays at the right times and proved why he is a true point guard.