Shaw's Storylines: What you need to know from EYBL Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky – This weekend Session three of Nike’s EYBL. Teams showed up trying to qualify for Peach Jam and keep their seasons alive.

On3 was in the building, taking in all the action. Here are the storylines from the weekend.

DJ Wagner drew a crowd

On3’s No. 3 player in 2023 brought out the Louisville and Kentucky faithful. Every game the 6-foot-2 guard played was standing-room-only with an equal split of Kentucky blue and Louisville red.

While the NJ Soldiers program would not allow any of their player to talk to the media, there was a line of kids ready to take pictures after each game.

DJ Wagner did not disappoint with his play either. Wagner started off the EYBL weekend with a 29-point show, and he followed that up with a 14-point outing in the showdown against Bronny James.

Wagner is clearly in the top tier of players in the 2023 class.

Curtis Givens has a star quality

As you look through On3’s 2024 rankings, you will not find Curtis Givens. At least for now. The 6-foot-3 guard will assuredly be someone added during out next go-around.

There is a smooth quality to his game. A lead guard who is comfortable passing, shooting, and handling with pressure. In Sunday night’s EYBL game, Givens showed the full arsenal, going for 26 points on five made threes.

Givens recently announced his transfer to Montverde (FL) Academy.

Tyler Bey put on a show

Tyler Bey’s Sunday performance was probably the best I saw this weekend. The 6-foot-7 wing finished with a 17u session high 35 points in the win.

Bey’s game has been on an upward trajectory this entire fall period. He has a smooth, slippery way of getting to the rim. He is best in transition but was also three for three from beyond the arc.

There should be a recruitment bump coming.

Quick-hitters

*On3’s No. 15 player in 2023, Gavin Griffiths, returned to the court after a scary eye injury that had him out for a couple of months. Still getting his sea-legs under him, Griffiths shot the ball at a high level and was still getting up on the rim. He scored 18 and 23 points in the two games we watched, respectively, showing high-level shot-making. (Click here for intel on Griffiths upcoming commitment)

*2024 On3 Consensus No. 2 Tre Johnson is one of the premier shot makers in the country. His ability to create space and get his balance is impressive. While his body still needs developing, his talent level is through the roof. Only in the class of 2024 watch as Johnson continues to develop physically; he has some special qualities to his game.

*Devin Royal quietly goes about his business and produces each time he steps on the floor. The 6-foot-6 four-star All Ohio forward finished his weekend off with a monster 29-point performance against Team CP3. He is a skilled scorer with long arms and a physical frame.

*Joseph Tugler committed to Houston a couple of days before the start of this session. He celebrated that commitment by walking away with nine offensive rebounds. The 6-foot-6 forward is a hustle guy, the glue guy who makes the plays that win games. His toughness will get him on the floor at Houston, and he showed that in spades in Louisville.