There is something about the look test that human nature does not allow us to get rid of. We want things to look pretty, so that we are able to pigeon hole into something that we are familiar (or comfortable) with.
The part where human nature is faulty, is that it has a tendency to prefer style over substance. A pair of unsigned seniors that attended the David Rose Memorial Day Classic have fallen prey to this unfortunate circumstance.
Daquan Lilly, who played high school ball at Knightdale HS and plays AAU ball with UBA blue is a gritty power wing. He stands every bit of 6’6” and he carries a very strong 215 pounds on his frame. Lilly averaged 16 points and 8 boards per game for his 3rd round of the NCHSAA 4A high school team. However, he was forced to play as a post there, due to being taller and strong than most other players.
When given the chance to run in his natural position, Lilly uses his great anticipation, and 6’10” wing span to play great on ball defense on the wing. He carries a tough handle from the high post and free throw line extended areas that give him a mis-match over most he plays against. His strength in the post allows him to maneuver, on both ends, toward the basket to finish with contact and rebound at a high rate. The bugaboo on Lilly is his jump shot.
When you put in the fact that Lilly is young, 17 years old for a lot of his senior year, you cannot overlook the production he consistently puts forth. For the David Rose Memorial Day Classic Lilly averaged close to 17 points.
Romaeo Ferguson, who played his high school ball at The Burlington School and plays his AAU ball with Upward Stars Raleigh. Ferguson stands a very long 6’4” and carries a huge basketball IQ. During his senior campaign he averaged a team-best 11 points and shot 53% from the field. He also led The Burlington School to a 31-1 record and the NCISAA 1A title.
When playing in the Grassroots Tip Off Classic, college coaches watching had an epiphany, Ferguson is a point guard. We had two (2) coaches from the Southern Conference come up to us and say, “Ill be damned if Romaeo isn’t a true point guard.” We agree.
Ferguson has long moppy hair and an inconsistent jump shot. The fact he is so tall, has coaches pigeon holing him as a wing that can’t shoot. Offensively, Ferguson has a great handle, and a high game IQ. He makes great reads, and carries a natural feel that puts the ball in the correct places. Defensively, Ferguson can defend multiple positions. He has quick feet, great anticipation, and long arms that move him around the perimeter causing havoc on opposing players.