Evaluation Methods and Stock Risers

August 7, 2019

by Jason Key and Shane Laflin

JASON KEY:

I’m often asked what it is I’m looking for in a particular player when watching games. This is such an interesting question that I never know just quite how to answer. First and foremost, I’m a lifelong basketball head. I hear the word “evaluator” as the definition of what I do and sometimes chuckle because I’m more of a fan than anything else. I LOVE the game, l LOVE the lifelong opportunities the game represents & presents to so many young kids, and I LOVE the people that are as passionate about the growth of women’s basketball from the grassroots to professional levels as I am. When “evaluating”, the truth is I am watching to find out a player’s measurables (they DO matter), their athleticism (it DOES matter), their skillset (OF COURSE it matters), their IQ (the most underrated aspect of any player), and lastly their competitive feel for the game – which I probably value more than most. I’m watching to get a real feel for who a particular player truly is at their basketball “core”. The truly competitive players who value winning/competing with their team over individual stats and accolades invariably become the most productive collegiate and professional players. I also greatly value context – meaning whom a player is playing with and against, what (if anything) is on the line - it all matters to me. Please don’t take that as meaning I only value “high level” club games. I value a true leader attempting to overcome the odds while playing with an overmatched team just as much if not more. I certainly value High School basketball production more than most. Something Shane Laflin said to me years ago that always sticks with me and explains my basketball “values” the best in one phrase – “The game is played in fives, not ones”. The players that play the games in “fives” particularly stand out to me.

Shane Laflin and Oregon State freshman Kennedy Brown at the 2019 McDonald's All-American Banquet.

Premier Basketball's Shane Laflin and Jason Key eye the floor and inevitably discuss and debate what they see. It's the Premier way!

SHANE LAFLIN:

Echoing a few of Jason’s opening statement sentiments, I get asked quite frequently what I look for in a players as an “evaluator”. I’m not much for “labels” I guess, because my experience is more than one who evaluates, but I understand the responsibility and influence that can come with the label, so I’m not saying I fight it either.

First and foremost I’m a fan of the game and have pretty much been a basketball junkie since I shot my first shot at the age of five at Estrada Park in Tempe, AZ (you’re damn right I remember it..). So, early on, those are the eyes that I watch through. Who here loves the game? As I watch, simply who stands out? Why?

I was fortunate enough to work hard, meet the right people, and spend 10 years coaching at the Division 1 level before working for Premier Basketball, so those are the eyes that I watch through second. I watch thinking about recruitment, different program systems, and potential of winning.

Lastly, I watch through the eyes of an evaluator. We have a private ranking for our subscribers and for ourselves with The Premier Basketball Report, so that is generally in the back of my mind at some point during the experiences at all of these events. Question: Should we make them public?(Topic for another day.) We serve all levels of programs, so I am always thinking about “level” and potential based on class, age, etc. Finally, I evaluate based on the honor and responsibility of being on the McDonald’s All-American Committee.

Some Elements of My Evaluation Methods (no particular order):

Context– When, where, against whom? Etc.

Skill– They translate. Period. Tells a lot about projection to the next level. Where are they now? What is best? What lacks? Do they improve over time?

How do they play the game?– In other words: motor, team play, overall game, decisions, awareness, attitude, etc. Can they help a team win?

Defensive Awareness– HUGE for me because they will be expected to play on both ends at the next level and there are a lot of systems to learn out there. With no foundation, the learning is really hard.

Physical Shape, Durability, Athleticism– College basketball can be grueling.. If the first time they are really expected to get in shape is their freshman year – it’s going to be a long year. Toughness is huge – mentally and physically. Athleticism does matter – but it’s not the end all, be all in WBB.

Coachability– Says a lot about your ability to grow and play at higher levels in basketball. Period.

Improvement Over Time– We ultimately see these players several times. This is just huge for me.. Basketball is a game in which you can always improve. Are you?

Scorer? Shooter? Specialty Role?– Scorers are a premium. Shooters are at an all time premium right now. Contrary to popular belief real basketball people value role players too – lock down defenders, screeners, rebounders … even if those new to the game (and social media) don’t realize it. Teams need more than the starting five and even starting fives need these roles filled. They help TEAMS WIN.

Game in 5’s– This is how the game should be played and ultimately is the way to win (still) in WBB. If a player is out there to only “get theirs”, I recognize the talent, but quickly move on because they don’t help teams win at the highest level when it matters most.

Projection and Translation– This is an inexact science and takes a feel for all of the above. There is a balance between production and potential. Context helps define the likelihood of translation to the next level. Things like that.. Ultimately, I’m big on the question “Will they help you win?” because if they will, then they’ll play. If they play and help you win, you are a happy coach and they are a happy player. If they don’t help you win and are not playing and are not happy … Well, we all know where that goes.

2020 Stock Risers

Hailey Van Lith  |  Tree of Hope  |  Cashmere HS
Natalija Marshall  | Exodus  |  Christ the King HS
Sydney Parrish  |  Indy Gym Rats  |  Hamilton Southeastern HS
Mir McLean  |  Team Takeover  |  Roland Park HS
Treasure Hunt  |  FBC United  | Hamilton Heights
Olivia Cochran  |  FBC United  | Carver HS
Madison Hayes  |  FBC United  | East Hamilton HS
Jana Van Gytenbeek  | CBC  |  Cherry Creek HS
Te-Hina PaoPao  |  San Diego Waves  |  La Jolla Country Day
Lauren Ware  | North Tartan  |  Century HS
Elauna Eaton  |  DFW Elite  | Nettleton HS
Kateri Poole  |  New Heights  |  Scanlon HS
Jerkaila Jordan  | Texas U  |  John Curtis HS
Maliyah Johnson  |  Cy Fair  | Summer Creek HS
Gabby Elliott | Michigan Storm  |  DEPSA
Taylen Collins  | Arkansas Banshees  |  Muldrow HS
Sakima Walker  |  All Ohio  | Africentric
Aubrey Joens  |  All Iowa  | Iowa City HS
Alyssa Ustby  |  MN Fury  | Our Lady of Lourdes
Cali Clark  | CBC  |  Cherry Creek

2021 Stock Risers

Talia Von Oelhoffen  |  NW Blazers  |  Tri-Cities Prep
Shayeann Day-Wilson  | Sister’s Keeper/Uplay  |  Crestwood Prep
Caroline Ducharme  | Exodus  |  Noble and Greenough
Shyanne Sellers  | SMAC  |  Aurora HS
Aaliyah Moore  |  Cy Fair  | Moore HS
Laila Phelia  | Cinci Angels  |  Mt Notre Dame
Raven Johnson  |  FBC United  | Westlake HS
Jersey Wolfenbarger  | Arkansas Banshees  |  Fort Smith Northside
Meg Newman  | Indiana Elite  |  North Central HS
Paige Bradley  |  SA Finest  | Bishop Lynch
Makayla Timpson  |  GA Jaguars  |  Early County HS
Avery Van Sickle  | Hardwood Elite  |  Regis Jesuit
Katie Borowicz  |  MN Stars  | Roseau HS
Payton Muma  | CBC  |  Highlands Ranch HS
Allison Weidner  | Nebraska Attack  |  St. Francis HS
Megan Norris  | Peninsula Elite  |  Sacred Heart Prep

2022 Stock Risers

Timea Gardiner  | NWBA  |  Fremont HS
Raegan Beers  |  Hardwood Elite  | Valor Christian
KK Bransford  | Cinci Angels  |  Mt Notre Dame
Ashlon Jackson  |  HTX Fire  | Hardin Jefferson HS
Ashlyn Watkins  |  SC 76ers  | Cardinal Newman
Zyanna Walker  |  KS United  | Wichita Heights
Alexia Mobley  | Cinci Angels  |  Reynoldsburg HS
Alyssa Crockett  | Indiana Elite  |  Westfield HS
Christeen Iwuala  |  SA Finest  | Reagan HS
Carleigh Wenzel  |  SA Finest  | O’Connor HS
Tabitha Amanze  | NJ Demons |  Blair Academy
Hadley Periman  |  Team Lex  | Tuttle HS
Emily La Chapell  |  WI Flight  | Appleton East

Premier Basketball's (from left) Jason Key, Joey Simmons, and Shane Laflin in Atlanta.