One of my favorite events of the year, the Freshman Showcase and Sophomore ID Camp, is back on August 16th in Aurora at Supreme Courts. Every year, this event hosts some of the best incoming talent, as well as returning talent, that the state has to offer. These showcases have always been built around creating a competitive environment while also giving players at every level more exposure, and this year will be no different. Whether it's your first Prep Girls Hoops event or you're returning, the goal is simple.. compete, get evaluated, and continue building your game.
HOW WILL I EVALUATE THE FRESHMAN'S TALENT?
- IQ / ADAPTABILITY - Heading into their first season of high school ball, most of these players are wishing to play minutes at the varsity level, but for everyone, that won't happen. At this event, we're not judging by who's varsity and who's not, simply because outside of talent, there are other things that factor into that by program. The IQ will be a huge thing that stands out; you will be playing games with players you've never played with before. How quickly are you able to dissect your team and yourself and play your role? If you're the best scorer on the team, how do you implement yourself without showboating? If you're a complementary piece, how do you bring value to each possession if scoring isn't your main role? Can you make quick reads on the court, as well as quick reads for your team? This will translate to high school, because you're stepping into a new system, with a new coach and new players, whether you're varsity or not. Things will be different. We'll see how you adapt and adjust.
- SKILL - At the freshman level, I'm not expecting players to come out and dominate every possession, shoot the lights out, or have the perfect all-around game. However, if you're a top incoming freshman, we should be able to see that immediately. For those who are getting their name out there, how quickly do you define your skill set based on who you're playing with? If you're a shooter, do you know how to get to your shot, your posts, and are you getting balanced and good looks? If you're a defender, how much chaos are you causing? Are you defending on the perimeter without reaching and gambling? If you're in the paint, are you blocking and altering without fouling? If you're known to be a playmaker, how pinpoint are your passes? Are you willing to be risky? Is it creative? Are you forcing? How quickly are you making your reads? Can you be a frame ahead? For the bucket getters, it's simple: can you score without the flow of the game, as well as get your own bucket if needed?
- COMPETIVENESS - Depending on who you are, this might be my first time seeing you as a prospect, and regardless of your skill set, being competitive can be universal, and that's on both ends of the floor. Are you running up the court? Are you getting back on defense? When you're on the bench, are you focused or talking to your teammates from the sideline... we will be watching EVERYTHING. Have some heart when you lace up for games.
- COMMUNICATION - This is the most important one. No matter what age you are as a prospect, if you're fortunate enough to have a voice, use it. Whether it's talking on offense, talking on defense, or even talking in the huddle. Communication breeds leadership, confidence, and comfort on the court. We're keeping our ears open to hear players talk to each other and help each other out. And honestly, we want to hear FUN. This event will be competitive, but we want players to walk away with a new friend or two. This game of basketball can be brutal... but your friends, family, and teammates will get you through it!
Excited to see those who show up! This will be a great event with great prospects and great people working it. The registration link is below! Remember to use the code Byron26PGH25OFF to save on your registration!
