The 17u summer circuits are where the best of the best go head to head. Many players make a name for themselves during the summertime, while others get exposed going against real talent. This article isn’t necessarily talking about who had the best stats, but who proved themselves and solidified their game the most. Although these kids still have another year of high school, they are definitely names to remember. These are the possible McDonald’s All Americans I’ll be reporting on in March, and hopefully Cole Anthony in two years since he’s only going into his junior year.
Bol Bol (#4 in ESPN 100)
The 7’2″ Center was extremely impressive during the EYBL Circuit. He is very mobile and coordinated for his size, Bol is also the son of former NBA player Manute Bol. He inherited some parts of his game from his father, but he has really evolved into his own unique player. On the defensive end, he is an absolute beast, averaging 4.5 blocks per game and 10 boards a game. But, his offensive skill set is what sets him apart. He averaged 24 points per game and is doing that in a variety of ways. He can stretch the floor all the way out to the three point line where he shot 44% and averaged more than one three pointer per game. In addition, he can put in on the deck, which at 7’2″ is very impressive. He does all of that to compliment his elite level post up game.
Cole Anthony
(#6 in the ESPN60)
We all imagine that it would be cool to be the son of an NBA player, and I’m sure it definitely has its perks, but it also puts you under a huge microscope. I’m confident Cole Anthony knows all about that. I tried to interview Anthony after his game at the 2016 EYBL Hampton Session, I was about to ask my first question when his Dad, Greg Anthony, called him over and told him that he couldn’t do any interviews. It took awhile for people to give Cole the credit he deserves. Early on headlines read “Greg Anthony’s son is filthy,” rather than “Cole Anthony is filthy.” And yes, Cole Anthony is filthy. In a time of social media, every top recruit plays under a lot of pressure, but Anthony has an extra layer. But to me, there’s no doubt that he fueled all of that into his game, because he looked like an all around superstar this past circuit. He was the go to scorer, lockdown defender, and team leader for the PSA Cardinals. He made his presence known on defense by leading the league in steals and taking home the regular season defensive player of the year award. But, the New York City native didn’t let people forget about his ability to give anyone a bucket, while torching defenses at the Peach Jam en route to averaging 25 points per game.
Tre Jones (#10 in the ESPN100)
I was able to witness Jones’ performance against California Supreme during session 1. He completely dominated the game and dictated the pace of the game. The Duke commit finished with 30 points (very efficient), 10 assists and zero turnovers. That is a stat line that is virtually unheard of. Not to mention, it was against what many believed was the most talented team in the entire EYBL. He skyrocketed into the top 10 after somehow being left out of the top 60 rankings before the EYBL circuit started. He told me that he attributes a lot of his game to either watching Tyus or playing against him 1 on 1 growing up. Either way, he looks just as dominant as his brother was at this age. During the summer, Jones solidified his position as one of, if not, the best point guard in the class of 2018.
Jalen Smith
(#15 in the ESPN100)
The big man for Team Takeover really came onto the scene late in the circuit, as he played very well at the Peach Jam, and especially at The 8, where he led Takeover to avenge their Peach Jam Championship loss to the Oakland Soldiers. He told multiple reporters that he was playing with a lot more confidence and that was evident on the court. The 5-Star Center stepped into his three point shot much more confidently as the summer went along, while also being more aggressive at the rim and on both ends of the boards. Smith showed everyone that he isn’t just a lengthy frame with potential, he used this summer to show off his dominance and mark his place in the class of 2018.
The summer circuits provide an amazing platform for these kids to do two things, play against the best of the best, and impress the best of the best. These four kids did that and a lot more this summer.