By Patrick Hayes

Expect top class of 2013 prospect and Michigan Mr. Basketball candidate James Young to continue showing up in more high profile scouting reports as high school season approaches, but the Troy Rochester High standout was recently included in a report on a handful of the country’s top high school prospects by the highly respected Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress. Here’s Givony’s take on Young’s strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:
-Good size for a wing, measured 6-6 ½ at the Nike Skills Academy
-Very long arms, 6-11 wingspan
-Solid frame
-Left handed
-Very low, but quick release on jump-shot
-Elevates well creating separation from defender to get pull-up jumper off
-Can make shots with a hand in his face
-Just turned 17. Young for his class. Could still be growing?
-Very good potential on defense
-Solid rebounder
-Makes extra pass
-Plays with good energy level. Seems to be a good teammate

Maybe will get more athletic. When in rhythm he’s terrific…. Can pass.

Weaknesses:
-Good, not great athlete at this stage
-Doesn’t have a great first step, nor is he an incredibly explosive leaper
-Not a great ball-handler
-Can’t consistently create good shots around the basket in the half-court at a high rate yet
-Needs to improve right hand
-Can make 3-pointers but not quite a marksman just yet. Will take some bad shots on occasion
-Looks comfortable taking a back seat at times
-Lacks experience. Still figuring out how to use his talent consistently
-Gambles a lot on defense

Young is part of one of a 2013 senior class in Michigan that is one of the best the state has produced in recent memory. I look forward to not only watching these guys one more time as high school players, but seeing what they all go on to do at the next level.

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