Julien Price to Bryant
On Sunday, August 16th, 6’4 point guard Julien Price announced his commitment to play Division 1 basketball at Bryant University.
The Rhode Island native made a name for himself in the MHC with BCRI, where he was one half of an elite duo for their group. Now Julien will finish up his high school career with The Phelps School in Pennsylvania, competing out of region.
The first thing you will notice about Price is his impressive handle with the ball. It is a focal point of his playstyle and gives him a variety of ways to create for himself or others around him. Creating space is rarely an issue, whether he is operating on the perimeter, in the mid-range, off the dribble, or around the basket. Price can create a scoring opportunity almost anytime the ball is in his hands.
The fluidity and creativity of his handle make him a tough cover for opposing defenses. He plays with a high level of confidence and calmness with the ball in his hands, using misdirection especially well to keep defenders off balance. On his drives, Price also uses different pickup points to protect the ball, making it difficult for defenders to get a hand on it as he gets downhill and finishes around the rim.
Before his recent commitment to Bryant University, Price did receive offers from a few other division 1 programs. Those being Youngstown State and the University of Incarnate Word.
Something that truly stands out in Julien’s game is his change of pace, whether in transition or operating at different levels in the halfcourt. Paired with his elite handle, it makes him an extremely difficult guard for opposing defenses.
In transition, his use of a hesitation dribble, sometimes paired with a slow drag back, sets him up for a variety of scoring options. He has the ability to go from that slowed dribble into a quick pickup, step-back, or side-step, creating plenty of space to get his shot off. Price uses several variations out of his hesitation and changes of pace, allowing him to navigate both the primary and help defense to get downhill. Once inside, he is comfortable going to his floater or getting creative with an array of finishes around the rim.
To go along with his deep handle and offensive bag, Price is a very comfortable shooter from the outside. He is especially smooth shooting off the dribble, showing a high level of confidence from well beyond the arc. He rarely looks fazed by the defender in front of him, knowing he can create enough space to get off a clean look, which is complemented by his higher release point.
Price does not need to strictly work off the dribble to knock down shots either, as he is just as capable off the catch or from a set position. His shooting ability also opens up his step-through game, where he can use a shot fake to get his defender in the air and create a better look. He goes to this regularly and looks very comfortable knocking down step-through jumpers with a smooth, fluid motion.
Don’t let how elite he is on the offensive end distract you from how capable of a perimeter defender Julien is. He is very scrappy on the outside and extremely willing to get on the floor and make the tough play. His long frame allows him to be a pest both on and off the ball, making it difficult for opposing players to get comfortable in the halfcourt.
Julien Price is certainly a player to watch this year at Phelps, not only because of his high-level and entertaining playstyle, but also as he continues to develop his game even further. He will then join the Bryant basketball program under head coach Jamion Christian, where he will look to carve out a major role at the Division I level.
Julien Price