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The tangibles that make up a solid point guard is IQ, and and knowing when your team needs you to attack. Burton has the skill set that can take him a long way with his solid ball handling, shooting ability, and ability to create off the bounce. I was impressed with the young guard IQ, cutting with a purpose, the angles he used off ball screens and knowing when to lob the ball or give a bounce pass. Once Burton get a consistent jump shot, the sky is the limit with what he can do on the floor. His shooting ability will eventually open up driving lanes and more scoring opportunities for his teammates.Burton has a certain toughness about him and he is the ultimate competitor. Burton is coming!

The 6-foot-2 sophomore showed great poise at the SimpsonElite Runs. Knock down shooter is what Fuller is, he knows spacing, timing, and footwork. Fuller is effective with or without the ball and I think that is going to make him special as his game develops. Fuller has some speed to him, don't be fooled by the jump shot, he will blow right by you. He has the euro step in his package that navigates him through the lane for a nice finish. Fuller impressed the coaches at SimpsonElite Runs with his ability to finish around the basket, understanding, balance, angles, and acrobat. Once he touches up his ball handling ability I think Fuller will be a solid player that is going to be hard to keep him out the paint.

The hometown kid was exciting to watch at SimpsonElite Runs. Very surprised that he is still on the market, college coaches need to get him quick, he's a steal! Malone is athletic, a driving guard, and mid range killer who has deceptive speed. He uses his athleticism really well to finish around the rim and he had a few highlight dunks. The athletic guard shooting ability is very underrated, he has such great lift on his jump shot and his form isn't too bad to say the least. Time after time in a pick & roll situation, Malone used the ball screen while the defender was in a drop and Malone would get to his two dribble pull up which he hit consistently. Malone is a blue collar player that you want on your team. His toughness and mental edge is what separates him from the pack, the kid is a worker. This year can be a breakout year for the senior that can put him in a situation where coaches will be calling for his service. His lateral quickness is solid, he wants to guard, he makes it very difficult to pass the ball because he has active hands. His defense is what sparks his offense and with his solid ball handling, he's able to get anywhere on the floor that he wants.

The hometown kid had a solid showing in the SimpsonElite Runs. Harris showed he can score the ball inside the paint when he does his work early and he has good hands to catch any type of pass. Harris was defending and brining energy once the 1v1 drills started, he didn't allow anyone to get a mental edge and that is what made him tough to defend and score on. Harris does a really good job running the floor and filling lanes for easy layups and put backs. I think if he focus more on rim running for open layups and put backs, he can easily average 12 points and 5 rebounds off of hustle alone. Waukegan is in the rebuilding stage, this upcoming season will be a step in the right direction.

Jazelle Young was just named the #20 player in the state of Illinois, in the class of 2023(per Prep Hoops) as she look to make her mark this upcoming season. The 6-foot Loyola commit was nothing short of greatness. You saw the raw talent Young possess and she was able to put that on full display at SimpsonElite Runs. Young was doing everything on the floor, communicating, defending, rebounding, scoring and making others around her better. Young likes to do her work at the high post, that way it gives her shot, pass, spacing and time to make her reads. Young has a real feel for the game, making the right reads and creating her own shot is what separates her from most players, and at that size, rightfully so. She knows how to fill lanes when running in transition for open layups. She works really hard on the glass, one time she rebounded the ball 3 straight times until she finally finished the layup, a real workhorse. Young guard skills was really impressive, she isn't flashy but she can almost beat the defender off the bounce each time down. She can defend every position on the floor and she does a great job at creating mismatches in the flow of the game. Young will have a breakout season this year and I'm looking forward to seeing her climb the rankings this upcoming season.

The 6-foot junior has a arsenal of moves and is a very athletic big who can guard multiple positions. Moore has great size that guards can't do anything with her and good speed that bigs can't guard her off the bounce. The way she handles the ball with her size is something special to watch, she plays with her head up and she makes the right reads. She is very dominant in the post area, she grabbed 17 rebounds in the SimpsonElite Runs. She does well with finishing on the low block, she can finish with either hand and that makes her special to watch. Moore has a great touch shooting around the mid range area and she can shoot the three but rather dominate in the post. Moore rim protection is unmatched as well, she was dominate with blocking shots all over the court. Moore will be making noise this upcoming season, be on the look out.

Hicks is probably one of the most complete basketball players we've seen at the SimpsonElite Runs. When you talk about athleticism, speed, will to win and a player who does the dirty work, you're talking about Hicks. The 5'8 guard ability to move her feet and keep the ball in front of her to get stops is what she is capable of. She guarded the biggest players on the floor and ended the possession with a box out and rebound. Hicks ran the lane like a deer and finished through defenders. She dished out a few assist and made a few highlight plays like at the end of the game, she through up a half court heave that went in all net! Hicks is the ideal player of playing both sides of the ball. She's looking to go out with a bang for her season season!

Alexy Chapa is going to be a real surprise for the state of Illinois to see. Her game was put on full display in SimpsonElite Runs with her shifty ball handling, dazzling passing and a pure shooter. Chapa has a nice feel for the game where she recognizes double teams coming or just knowing when to give the ball up early. Her biggest strength, is her shooting ability. She can score the ball from almost anywhere on the floor and she does very well with finishing in traffic. A floor general, Chapa did a great job of setting her teammates up for easy points and directing traffic for teammates to make plays. Be on the lookout for this point in the future.

This is Keith Ford with Simpson Elite Media, I got a chance to catch up with my guy Nick Wiggins. It’s been a pretty busy summer for him coming back from Taiwan and jumping straight into the traveling and supporting role. Nick attended the playoff games over the summer cheering on his younger brother Andrew as the Golden State Warriors won the NBA Championship. This summer he focused on spending some quality time with his family and daughter. Most importantly he’s staying ready for his next opportunity overseas. When I caught up with Wiggins, he had this to say 1. What did it take to transition from juco straight to a Division 1 school and compete at the highest level in the NCAA playing with Wichita State? “The transition wasn’t easy from JUCO to D1. It took a different level of focus and commitment. In JUCO you are in a grind, you gotta prove yourself day in and day out. The good will separate themselves. Division 1 is a whole different animal. Everyone is good. Everyone has an elite skill and that’s the reason they are there. But for me, the main thing was holding myself more accountable. Handling my business off the court. In Juco you can float around and do what you want. Nobody is going to chase behind you, especially not your coaches and teammates. So you gotta drop all those bad habits and your only focus should be on 3 things. Focusing on school, becoming a better player everyday, and contributing to helping your team win ball games.” 2. When you guys entered the NCAA tournament undefeated at 34-0 with Wichita state what was the atmosphere like in the beginning of the season? And how did you guys stay so locked in? How would you describe playing with Fred VanVleet arguably the best point guard to come out of Wichita state? “In the beginning of the season, the atmosphere was great. Due to our previous year (2013-14) making it to the final four, all our returning players had a certain swag, certain confidence. We had a very special group. Zero egos. Everybody was for the team, and not for themselves. We stayed locked in because the only goal in our eyes was winning the whole NCAA. We knew we’d get everyone’s best shot every night, but honestly felt like we couldn’t lose. We were THAT good. It’s not even arguable. It’s facts. FVV is the best guard to ever come out of Wichita state and he’s hands down the best point guard I’ve ever played with. The two years I played with him at Wichita State our record was 67-10. Super IQ for the game, gym rat, and his drive and toughness is second to none. Deserves everything he’s accomplished. Straight up winner.” 3. Being Andrew Wiggins older brother how proud are you? How does it feel to watch him shut the critics up and be a key part of golden states championship this year? If you could share a glimpse of Andrews mind set going into the playoffs, how would you describe that? “Man, the whole family is super proud of Andrew. Watching him turn his dreams into reality, and have a huge contribution to bringing home an NBA championship was special. As his big brother watching his path he took to get the the league, he deserves a huge praise for the way he’s carried himself and become a true professional. Projected #1 pick. Compared to LeBron coming out of high school. Those aren’t easy expectations to live up to when you’re just a 8th grader, but he wore it so well. He was destined for greatness. To watch him shut all the haters up and silence all the critics was good and I know he felt good doing it because he never paid them any attention or gave their noise any life. True professional. His mindset going into the playoffs was being the best Andrew Wiggins he could be out there on the floor for the Warriors and do everything he can to help them win. Whether that’s defending the opposing teams best player 94 feet from the basket, or taking over games being the best rebounder on the floor. He was locked in, and you seen the result.” 4. If you could give these young athletes a piece of advice when it comes to playing overseas, g league and NBA what would that be? “The only advice I have for players and athletes looking to compete on the pro/overseas/G league and NBA level is one thing. You have to LOVE the game. Overseas is amazing. Traveling seeing the world with a basketball as your guide. It’s beautiful. But overseas has its up and downs. Time away from friends & family, missed birthdays/events; you’re really on your own for 5-6 months grinding away from home with 11 others guys that you probably don’t know! The NBA and G league are more Americanized -nationalized leagues, so things will be ran a lot smoother than another league across the world. It’s tough. 72 game season. Injuries. Conditioning. Media. Winning. You gotta really fall in love with the process of being a professional basketball player. Wake up, eat, workout (lift) , shoot, sleep. Repeat. Treatment. Repeat. That’s 6/7 days out of the week. If you don’t love it the game, the process will drive you miserable and the game will just chew you up and spit you out.” 5. What does your playlist look like on game day? “On gameday, I like to listen to some rap or hip hop get me in the mood for the flow of the game. Some of the names I listen to are Kevin gates, young thug, Kendrick Lamar.” 6. What country did you enjoy the most while playing? And where can we see you playing this season? “My favourite country that I played in was definitely Brazil! I was out there for two seasons. The team set me up really well I was very comfortable away from home and they had me in a really nice apartment. I had a great year playing wise and just the living situation was great! Fans were amazing and the food was great also. I’m looking forward to jumping back in that Asian market. I was in Taiwan last year I’d love to go back!” Simpson Elite Media would like to thank Nick Wiggins for his time and energy to agree to do this interview. We can't wait to see what Wiggins has in store for himself as he get another opportunity to play Pro ball. SimpsonElite is rooting for Nick Wiggins to sign his next contract and to have a healthy career. -Keith Ford

Aaron Simpson here with SimpsonElite Media, I was able to catch up with Orlando Magic Admiral Schofield via text. Schofield recently signed a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic. He will split time between Orlando and Lakeland, the teams NBA Gleague affiliate. Schofield had a great summer in Chicago. Spending his time working on his game with Bas at the Attack Center where the NBA combine use to be held. He had some great moments at the DenardBros Pro Run and holding his own in the Chi-League against Chicago legend Jabari Parker. As far as NBA Vegas Summer League goes, Schofield was able to lead by example by, communicating, brining his energy and just showing the younger guys how to be a professional on and off the court. Ive asked Schofield a bunch of questions and he had this to say. 1. Being called up from the Gleague in December when the covid outbreak sidelined dozens of players. You were one of the few players who stuck a 2 way deal later that season. What does it mean to you that the Orlando Magic see you as a future piece? -Schofield "Its a very rewarding feeling to know all the little things outside of making or missing shots has created opportunities for me to be in this league and to be with an organization that values what I bring on a daily is more rewarding then anything!" 2. With playing 2 years in the NBA and getting game time mins last year with the Magic, how did you attack the off-season, and what was your approach as you’re working on your game in the summer? -Schofield "Off-Season is about fine tuning details in your game , playing pick up and adding 1-2 new skills that can help perfect your role in the league. Shooting the 3 is a big skill in the NBA so making 500 3’s a day in the off-season is a good gradual pace to improve your shooting! As camp gets closer you wanna ramp things up but be mindful of being fresh for the new season!" 3. Has there been a vet in the league that took you under their wing and kind of showed you the ropes? -Schofield "Yes when I first got in the league Brad Beal took me under his wing and taught me the basics of being a professional on and off the floor. Not everything is about scoring 20! Perfecting your role will raise your stock quicker rather then trying to show all you can do. Fitting in is important to extending your career." 4. To stay in this league, how critical is it for you to be a good locker room guy and how conscious are you about it? -Schofield"To stay in the league you have to be a great locker room guy. That might be the fastest way to get out of the league is if you cause problems in the locker or on the bench." 5. With the length of Gary Harris, Hampton, Banchero, and yourself, how good defensively can you guys be/and where do you rank in the East? -Schofield"The Sky is the limit for us we are young but we have a great staff that’s been teaching us how to win at this level. With the roster talent we have I don’t see why we can’t make the playoffs this year and be a top 8 team in the East!" 6. In what ways do you see yourself impacting the Orlando Magics roster? -Schofield "I see my self impacting the roster this year by being a Much improved 3 point shooter elite on and off ball defender for the Magic this year and most importantly bringing energy and making energy plays!" 7. With the addition of Banchero, did you give him any advice on how the NBA works and or the business side, and what part of his game shocked you the most? -Schofield "We have had some of the same talks that Brad used to give me in Washington. But Paolo’s a Great young man and he has a great team of people around him that are guiding him well! The part of his game that is really impressive is his IQ and ability to score! He can make some really good passes and can get to the rim with the best of them." 8. What are some goals you set for yourself, this upcoming season? -Schofield" I want to up my percentages from 3, my goals is to be a 40% 3pt shooter avg a little more points but most importantly really make an impact on the defensive end! I really want to show more of who I am in my role this year!" 9. What Artist get you hyped before games? -Schofiled "Lil Baby, Future, Lil Nudy, Jay z, Drake, Young Thug" 10. If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why? -Schofield "If I could be any animal in the world i’d be a lone Wolf mainly because I stay in my lane and stick to what makes me great!" 11. What is some advice you can give to high school seniors that aren’t getting recruited going into their last season in highschool? -Schofield "The best advice I can give you is outwork them, and when I say them I mean everyone. most times we get caught up in just our competition in the county or state when you have a whole world your are fighting against to get one opportunity! So outwork the next man everyday so when your opportunity comes you are ready to be successful!" You've heard it here first on SimpsonElite Media that Schofield is ready to impact this upcoming season for the Magic's on both sides of the ball and that he feels, the Orlando Magic will be a top 8th team in the East. Will this be true? We won't have to wait no longer as the season is around the corner.

This week featured some elite prospects in the state of Illinois such Sean Reynolds(Dekalb), Nick Taylor(Glenbrook South), Gianni Cobb(Perspectives), Jaylan McElroy(Depaul Prep) and Colby Smith(New Trier). It was a hard fought battle from start to end, you had guys talking and competing in the agility drills. You had guys chirping with each other in the 1 v 1 drills and they attacked each other just to make one another better. I loved the way Jaylan McElroy and Devin Malone(Waukegan) competed in the combine drills, gave me chills up my spine how hard those guys worked. Malone is a work horse and he will be a sleeper this upcoming season. When it was all said and done, there had to be ONE MVP, but for the FIRST time in SimpsonElite Runs History, there was a CO-MVP award giving to Nick Taylor and Gianni Cobb. Nick Taylor with pouring in 36Pts 8Rbs 3Ast, Gianni Cobb added 28Pts 7Ast, they did not disappoint with a lob off the backboard from Cobb to Taylor.

On a Sunday where everybody is getting prepared for school or work on Monday, SimpsonElite Runs was in the gym at waukegan dog pound making history with the first ever GIRLS RUNS! It was an amazing turn out not knowing what to expect from the young ladies, but they did not disappoint! They had high energy and was up for the challenges/drills the coaches put them through! Through all of the greatness that happened in the gym there were a few standouts that led the way. Mariah Phelps, Kyla Jordyn, Ka'Shaya Love, and Trinity Hoover. When it was all said and done there was only one MVP left standing and it was Kyla Jordyn with pouring in 28pts 5ast and 4rbs