MEMPHIS -- While the battle of the big men carried over from the first day at the River City Showdown, there was a plethora of guards that stepped into the spotlight throughout Day 2 of the event.
Standout players
Andre Hollins (Memphis, Tenn./ White Station)
2011, SG, 6-foot-1
His great on-ball defense pressured opposing guards from baseline to baseline throughout the day, which led to mistakes and turnovers that initiated the easy scoring opportunities for his teammates. Offensively, Hollins showed off his smooth mid-range game and consistently knocked down open 3-pointers. At first glance, Hollins doesn't appear to be super athletic, but if defenses are asleep when Hollins is at the wheel, he won't hesitate to throw down a crowd-pleasing dunk.
Delvin McNeil (Birmingham, Ala./ Central Park Christian)
2011, PG, 6-0
He is a smart, feisty and creative point guard. As he goes, his team goes. Lucky for his team, McNeil appears to always be ready to go. Although his shot selection is sometimes questionable, McNeil showed his ability to hit from beyond the arc, and the ability to finish at the rim throughout the day. His best skill, however, is his ability to create for his teammates by getting inside the lane and forces defenses to help.
Player to watch
Jacori Coleman (Mobile, Ala./ Blount)
2011, SF, 6-4
The mid-major to low-level high major wing is long and active on the defensive end. Coleman is a virtual unknown at this point, but displayed above-average athleticism and a knack for getting to the cup. He has good size for a wing, but needs to develop his handle.
Notes
• Cordarius Johnson (Coushatta, La./ Red River) is an undecided senior who, according to some at the event, is set to qualify if picked up. After averaging 18.1 points and over 10 rebounds per game his senior season, it's mind-boggling that Johnson has managed to slip through the cracks. Although he forced the issue early, Johnson settled down early and made his impact in almost every way on the offensive end. He's a decent ballhandler, but not great and struggled at times with on-ball pressure in the back court. With the way that he can score the ball, Johnson could end up being a solid late addition to a mid-level high major team.• Davon Ester (Parieville, La./ Dutchtown) is a long and active step-out power forward. He drives the ball well but struggled somewhat with decision making by over-dribbling and forcing drives that simply were not there. He could afford to gain some weight, but is a guy that, with some skill development and an inch or two, could turn into an intriguing prospect.• DeAndre Harper (Douglasville, Ga./ Alexander) showcased good court vision, awareness and tends to try to do too much. As a result, Harper often found himself holding onto the basketball too long, a sequence that usually ended in a turnover or forced shot. Harper can finish in traffic and has a high motor, but his jumper was noticeably absent on Friday. Harper is also an above-average defender, mainly due to his length.• Aaron Wheeler (Morristown, Tenn./ Morristown East) put on a show at the River City Showdown on Friday. The 6-4 prospect displayed a good back-to-the-basket game and got to the rim easily and often, where he usually drew contact from opposing players. He has long arms and defended the taller Harper very well, whom he largely outplayed. Wheeler is a good perimeter defender, but he has a tendency to make lazy passes while on offense. He also needs to improve his court awareness and handle.
Matt Scott writes for ESPN affiliate TheShiver.com
