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AAU weekend: What we learned

This past weekend marked the first really big week of the AAU season, as the start of the evaluation period had elite players on display and college coaches racking up frequent-flyer miles. Here's what our team of RecruitingNation basketball experts learned while on the road this weekend at four big events, including standout performers and recruiting buzz from each venue.

adidas VIP Exclusive Run in Duncanville, Texas

Standout performer: Brandone Francis, a 6-foot-5 junior point guard and native of the Dominican Republic, was a revelation at the adidas VIP Exclusive Run. The MVP of the event won a title and a ton of incoming scholarship offers. Close your eyes and picture a guy who operates and models his game after Deron Williams. A unique blend of charisma, passing and scoring with toughness, Francis changed his body and his game has followed.