With the June and July Live Periods on the horizon, there’s no better time for teams to compete to gauge their ability against high-level opponents. Our G3 Showcase is slated to feature a heavy mix of independent organizations and shoe-circuit programs—so there should definitely be something for everyone in attendance. The circuit teams nearing their halfway point should ultimately make this event a great litmus test for all involved. There will be a ton of notable individual teams and players on display, and this article will take a closer look at Team Hope Laney…
After a brief stint with Team Charlotte, 6’8 Patrick Tivnan has seamlessly returned to his feature role with Team Hope Laney. He’s a long, wiry, fluid post prospect with rebounding ability, solid rim-protection instincts, and a pretty polished offensive skillset. Tivnan comfortably operates out of the post, able to finish effectively over either shoulder, but also shoots the ball at a reliable clip from midrange and beyond the arc. He moves well for his size, alters shots at a high volume, and positions himself for success on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, his frontcourt mate, 6’6 Michael Wilson, has continued to embrace a leadership role with this group. He’s an inside-out forward with a high motor and fairly versatile skillset. Wilson can post-up, attack closeouts, or knock down perimeter jumpers at a high clip. He naturally does a little bit of everything and can fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Both guys should appeal to scholarship-level programs.
The guard grouping of 6’3 DJ Boyce, 6’0 Eli Clark, and 6’0 Brayden Blue have caused problems for opponents throughout the spring season. Boyce has taken another step forward, maintaining his smooth perimeter shooting while highlighting progression in all possible categories. Clark understands how to manage the team as a balanced floor general, setting up others at a strong rate and applying scoring pressure whenever available. Blue operates as a glue-guy with the ability to do a little bit of everything for this group.
Rounding out the roster, 6’5 Kaleb Parker, 6’3 Christian Monroe, and 6’2 Cooper Marcum all play critical roles for Team Hope. Parker is a long, wiry, active forward that continues to develop on both sides of the ball. Monroe is a capable initiator who can defend, knock down the open jumper, and run the team as needed. Marcum is another guy who knows how to compete and make his presence felt within the flow of the action on either side of the ball. Each player has a clear identity with this group, and should warrant attention from college coaches going forward.