Chauncey Billups was one of the toughest point guards in the NBA. Billups has mentored many of the local point guards in the area. Billups impact is evident by the toughness that each of the four guards that will compete this weekend plays with.
It’s no surprise that the last four teams remaining in the 5A boys tournament all have a difference making point guard. At any level it is hard to win a championship without a quality point guard.
While each of the point guards have their own unique skill set, they all have one common characteristic. Cameron Pearson of Chatfield, Jervae Robinson of Overland, Elijah Blake of Rangeview and Colbey Ross are all tough.
Robinson can handle and change speed, Blake is explosive and athletic, Ross can score, and Pearson is a knock down shooter from deep, but it’s their toughness that has each of their teams still playing during the season’s final weekend.
Cameron Pearson, Chatfield 5’11 13.5PPG, 3.3RPG, 2APG
Pearson averages 13.5 points per game but shoots 63 percent from the field and 44 percent from the three. Along with that Pearson has just 13 turnovers on the season, that’s less than one turnover per game.
Pearson averages 13.5 points and shoots 62 percent from the field.
Pearson might have one of the most impressive stat lines this season. He averages double figures, while only attempting 10 or more shots twice. He has an extremely high IQ, has a great feel and is great at picking his spots. He is also a strong ball handler and makes great decisions with the ball.
What makes Pearson tough is being able to protect the ball under pressure, he’s always ready for the next play. Against Creek in the round of eight he was off early, but he delivered huge shots late in the game. His shot selection and ability to consistently make shots under pressure.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WweNaWXwsw
Robinson is a very skilled finisher around the rim.
Jervae Robinson, Overland 6’2 Senior 12.9 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.2APG
Jervae made a statement earlier this season as he led Overland to the Tarkanian Classic Championship and was named MVP. Robinson is an efficient scorer as evident by his 50% field goal percentage. Along with being a scorer Robinson is a solid shooter from distance. On the defensive end he is a hard-nosed defender that loves the challenge of matching up with other elite point guards. Robinson also has a good feel for the game.
What makes Robinson dangerous is his shiftiness. He can start and stop, change speeds and motions at a very high level, most high school players play at one speed, but Robinson plays with different gears, which is a must at the next level. With Robinson it’s not so much that he can change speeds as much as it is that he can manipulate speeds. Along with being shifty Robinson finishes at a high level as well. He has the finishing package of a skilled college guard. He can finish with both hands, finish with contact, he has the hang time to switch hands in midair if need be. He also has to skill set to finish in the mid range with running floaters and two-foot floaters.
Robinson accredits his toughness from the year he spent playing at a prep school in Oklahoma. “I was out there in Oklahoma by myself. I just had to figure stuff out on my own. Also, I was an unknown I had to prove myself out there and they play a different brand of basketball, it’s a lot more physical and less skilled. I had to get tougher just to survive.” Robinson said
Elijah Blake, Rangeview 6’2 Junior 10 PPG, 3.1APG, 2.8RPG
Blake is on of the most athletic point guards in Colorado.
Blake is the most athletic of the four point guards. When he’s looking to score he’s a handful to guard. He’s a good enough shooter that you have to challenge his shot. Along with being a good shooter he has a solid handle and a really good hesitation move. What makes him special is ability to accelerate and change speeds. Robinson is better at manipulating speeds, while Blake can change speeds. He can go from 0 to 100 in no time. He also has the athleticism to elevate over defenders for pull up jump shots.
Along with being an explosive scorer, like the rest of his Rangeview teammates he can pass as well. He posseses the rare combination of being an explosive scorer from the point guard position along with being a willing and capable passer. He does an excellent job of picking his spots to score, which is a must when playing on such a talented team. Last week against Cherokee Trail, Blake was assertive in the first half and had 10 points. In the second he was a facilitator and got his teammates involved which was evident by the fact that every starter finished in double figures.
What makes Blake tough is his motor, his confident swagger and his aggressiveness. He’s not afraid of the moment and he is going to attack his defender no matter who it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ymUwSUpdpE
Colbey Ross, Eaglecrest 6’1 18.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8APG
Ross has lead Eaglecrest to consecutive Final 4 berths.
It’s the best of both worlds when you have a volume shooter who’s efficient. That’s what Ross is, he averages 18.8 points. Along with being a scorer, Ross looks to get his teammates involved as well, he’s a good passer and is really good passing out of the pick and roll.
Ross is a solid shooter but likes the get a piece of the paint. He gets to the paint with his IQ and by being a physical driver. He loves contact and knows how to attack angles. He’s not as shifty as Robinson, or as athletic as Blake but he’s extremely physical with his penetration. He’s a crafty finisher around the rim, his physical driving style allows him to get his fare share of free throw attempts.
What makes Ross tough is his relentlessness. He’s a sore loser (in a good way) and he not only refuses to lose the game, he does not want to lose one possession. That focus and competitiveness is the standard he has set and his teammates have fed off of that the entire year. He plays with authority, when you watch him play you know he’s in charge.
About the Blogger: Nick Graham is the director of basketball for Chauncey Billups D1 Basketball in Highlands Ranch. Graham, who played collegiately at Washington State University trains basketball players of all ages and skill levels including many of the states top high school and collegiate players along with NBA players as well. In addition, Nick travels the country working with some of the nations top prep players. Along with leading D1 Basketball Training nationally, he also works with Spalding and many of the top trainers in the country including Johnny “Handle Life” Stephene. Through his partnership with Spalding Nick traveled to the 2016 NBA All Star game to provide youth players in the Toronto community with NBA All star training along with Stephene. Also, Nick and Stephene will lead regional All American camps this summer with D1 Basketball, Spalding and NBA players Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony amongst others. Nick’s passion is assisting Chauncey Billups in mentoring, developing and celebrating the young players and coaches along with educating and empowering parents of basketball players all over Colorado.
Follow Nick on Twitter @DreamLiveBall & on Instagram @DreamLiveBallNick
Find out more about Chauncey Billups Basketball Training with Nick Graham @ D1sportsbball.com/Denver
