EYBL: Minnesota Preview

The EYBL regular season comes to an end this Memorial Day weekend in Minneapolis after three straight weeks of intense action. Many players have boosted their stock over the past month in games all over the country and now there is just one session left for teams to secure a spot in the famed Peach Jam in July.

Top Games:

New Jersey Playaz vs. Athlete’s First (Monday, 8AM CST)

Isaiah Briscoe

In one of the last regular season games we have two well tenured EYBL veterans facing off in Isaiah Briscoe and Allonzo Trier. The 6’3” Briscoe is averaging 17.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Meanwhile, the 6’4” Trier is leading the EYBL in scoring at 28.5 points per game and surpassed the 30 point mark in all four Hampton games. While these two guards have stepped up their games from an already high level last year they have also made an impact record wise. Both teams did not make the Peach Jam last year; however the Playaz are currently in first place in Division C with a 10-2 record while Athlete’s First sits just one game back at 9-3.

All Ohio Red vs. Spiece Indy Heat (Saturday, 12pm CST)

Two Midwest teams face off Saturday afternoon. All Ohio Red is 8-3 and an extremely well-balanced team with scoring threats at every position. Jalen Coleman leads the way scoring-wise with 14.3 points per game, while up and comer Esa Ahmad is right behind him at 13.5. While this team is tough, they are not necessarily the largest which could be a problem against Spiece Indy. The Heat feature big man Caleb Swanigan, who leads the EYBL in rebounding at 11.2 boards per game, but also manages 18.2 points as well. The space eater down low recently re-classified to the class of 2015 and has seen the interest in his recruitment skyrocket. Alongside Swanigan, is Tom Izzo’s gem in Deyonta Davis. An under-ranked prospect coming into the EYBL, the 6’9” Davis has shown off his versatility in every location. The future Spartan is averaging 16.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. 

Team Penny vs. Oakland Soldiers (Saturday, 7:30pm CST)

In a Division B battle, Team Penny and the Lawson brothers go against Ivan Rabb and Stephen Zimmerman of the Soldiers. Team Penny is 9-3 while the Soldiers are 7-4. The Lawson twins lead the way for the Memphis based AAU squad; however future Florida Gator Kevaughn Allen adds in 14.6 points per game and freshman PJ Washington averages 8.4 points and 4.9 boards per game. Team Penny will certainly have their hands full with the 6’11” Rabb who is averaging a double-double with 15.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game while shooting a remarkable 63% from the floor. Along with Rabb, the 6’11” Zimmerman will try to get it going in Minneapolis after a rather quiet first three EYBL sessions.

Keep An Eye On… 

1. Superstars Going Home

The Peach Jam could end up devoid of some serious star power due to lackluster records from teams with five-star players. Combo guard Malik Newman’s Jackson Tigers sit at 5-7 while Jayson Tatum’s St. Louis Eagles are just 3-9. Versatile forward has been fantastic in his first EYBL experience, but his run might be over after this weekend. Luke Kennard and Charles Matthews will most likely be out, along with freshman sensation Cody Riley. 

2. Albany City Rocks

Albany City could sneak their way into the Peach Jam this year. They currently sit at 5-7 in Division D, just one game back of that fourth place spot.  The leading scorer is 6’7” Maverick Rowan while point guard Sterling Taplin and forward Tyler Lydon also average double-figures. Albany City isn’t used to playing in July, but if they make their way into an at-large spot they could easily win a few games similar to The Traveler’s last year.

3. The No. 1 Spot

Last year Jahlil Okafor was the consensus No. 1 player in the country; however this year there are four players strongly in the mix with three of them playing in the EYBL. Malik Newman is back to his high scoring ways with 31 points or more in three out of four Hampton games. Ivan Rabb is putting up a double-double, and forward Ben Simmons has shown off an improved offensive game to go along with his versatile style of play. While Simmons will not be present in Minnesota, will Newman or Rabb separate from the pack this weekend?

*Diamond Stone plays on the Under Armour circuit and is the other player in contention for No. 1.

4. DJ Hogg’s Shooting

The 6’7” Texas Titans forward has been a three point marksman in his second EYBL stint. In three sessions he has launched 85 three’s, but has also hit on 41% of them. Hogg has made at least one three in each game while hitting five three’s several times. The Titans are 9-3 and tied with Wings Elite in Division D and will need a few more strong shooting games from Hogg to stay on top.