Derby City Duel: Top Playmakers

Will Harrison June 8, 2022 @ 11:24 AM

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The Derby City Duel took place this past weekend in Louisville, Kentucky and there was a whole crop of young talent that came to make some noise. One of the most important abilities for any player to have, whether young or professional, is the ability to create and make plays. So, without further ado, here are your Top Playmakers from this past weekend!

1) Nyzir Mills | #1 FBA 2026

Mills has shifty handles and lighting quick speed that he uses to get through and around players. When he got to his spot, it wasn’t always about pulling up or finishing, it was about dishing out to teammates and finding them in better positions. He also created from the defensive end. He plays with his head always up, which is not something you always see on this level.

2) Andre Tyler | #2 Grind Family Chicago 2026

Tyler is just a straight up animal on the court. When the ball was in his hands, it’s like he was just toying with defenders at times. He had this strength that I wasn’t expecting with his smaller frame. This strength plus his ball handling ability made him the best playmaker on the court when I watched him.

3) Athens McGillis | #8 Midwest Basketball Club McGillis 2026

McGillis was so impressive to watch throughout the weekend. He weaved in and out of defenses at will and found players both in and outside the lane. He also knows how to takeover when it’s his time which is one of a few true indicators of a great playmaker. He has the ball on a rope out there and defenders can’t really do much about it.

4) Myles Howard | #10 Louisville Legends 2028

Howard was one of the craftiest players I watched all weekend. Of any 2028 player I saw, he had the best handles and the best ability to just blow by defenders. His change in speed is already at an elite level and he has a killer crossover that he used on more than one occasion to get his team a bucket.

5) Caleb Coolman | #4 Club 1 Prime 2028

Coolman was the main catalyst for Prime’s offense all weekend. He was making passes that players in high school can’t even make. More than once, he would fire the ball down to the block from almost half court. His vision and size made him a threat for any defense that came across him. He can pass, finish through contact, and pull up from mid-range and beyond the arc. There isn’t much more you can ask for out of your primary playmaker.

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