It may not have been an ideal start of the season for the Universal Academy, but only sporting three upperclassmen and a roster with several TBB prospects, there is a mass amount of potential for the program out of Coppell, TX. At the Thanksgiving Hoopfest, two freshman played a large part in the UA Eagles victory against a talented Woodrow Wilson squad.
Kamryn Waites
They say the days of the traditional back to the basket big men are dead,but 6’10 260 lb Kamryn Waites has something to say about that. This is the third time the staff has gotten to see Kamryn in the scholastic season and he moves well on the court for his size and he knows how to use his large frame to generate a bucket in the paint. The long front court Woodrow Wilson possessed caused issues early for the talented big man but Waites continued to scrap and engineered a near double double in UA’s victory.
Devin Martin
Martin is a recent addition for the Eagles as he transferred from Mesquite Horn. Devin has a strong body, big calves and his path to the basket didn’t see many roadblocks. He knows how to impose his will and has a bully-style type of game. One aspect of his game that won’t go unnoticed is his capabilities to shoot it from the perimeter. Martin notched 17 points to go with 8 rebounds on Saturday and will see himself in the 2021 player rankings.
Notables
Previously stated in the beginning of the article, this is the staffs third time witnessing Universal Academy but big man Connor Redrow, who saw a few minutes on Saturday is a prospect to continue to look at. Long, a capable shooter from 12 ft out and can score off either shoulder. The speed and physicality of the varsity level he will grow accustomed as time passes.
Arthur Kaluma was not available on Saturday but he is another freshman on that squad that has been very impressive. A skilled forward with a good feel for the game and has at moments in games, looked to be the best player on the floor.
Noah Kon for Houston Christian stood up to the task of defending top 2019 guard Tyrese Maxey in spurts. Kon is a competitor and has ascended to the starting lineup for his Houston Christian squad contributing on both ends.