LakePoint Live II
Analysis

LakePoint Live Showcase II Standout Sophomores

Saulamon Evans2023 6-4 G Saulamon Evans – Team Forrest – Mays
Throughout Saturday’s 48-46 win over the GA Canes, Saulamon Evans showed flashes of his special potential. Evans is a physically built big guard that can create offense. When he gets downhill, he’s got to the strength to absorb contact and finish with a variety of layups with both hands. Evans is a dangerous three-point shooter as well, that can knock down shots from the perimeter. Most impressive however, was his playmaking vs. the Canes. He was able to get into the heart of the defense, draw a crowd and find his open teammates. Evans finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. He has next level written all over him and has a chance to become a really good player and college prospect.

 

2023 6-10 C Aaron Jones – Team GA Magic – Veterans
Standing 6-foot-10, Aaron Jones is chock-full of potential. What stood out was his consistency doing the little things. He would run the floor whenever he got the chance, rebound and keep the ball high and he would block shots without swatting down. On offense, he scored a few baskets but will get better on the block once he adds some more strength so smaller defenders can’t knock him off balance. Developing some go-to moves inside will help as well. Big men tend to develop at a slower rate than most, but Jones has all the tools to become a household name in due time if he is patient and willing to put the work in. He had 5 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in a win over A1 Basketball. Jones has transferred from Perry to Veterans this offseason.

2023 6-11 C DK Manyiel – Team Forrest – Greenforest
The long lefty was impressive splitting time with 15U and 16U. With the 15s, he had 4 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 7 blocks vs. GA Canes. Playing with 16U, Manyiel managed 5 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks against Atlanta Xpress’ ballyhooed frontline. Manyiel is a defensive stalwart with his game-changing length. He is mobile for his size and has a pretty soft touch for a big man, especially from the foul line as he went 5-7 combined in the two games. Much like Jones, adding strength will be an area for growth. It will be interesting to see how much of an offensive game he will develop over the next three years but regardless, he looks like he could be a D-I rim protector with some more seasoning.