PTP Combine: Top junior performers

We are continuing our review of Saturday’s competitive Prep Hoops Colorado Prime Time Prospects Combine with a look at some of the top performances by the juniors in attendance. Some of the top outings came from players we know well, like top-ranked 2017 player D’Shawn Schwartz, while other players put themselves on the map with strong showings.

Here’s a closer look at some big performances from the Class of 2017:

DShawn Schwartz, 6-foot-6 forward, Sand Creek

At 6-foot-6 and a toned 213 pounds, Schwartz has the look of a Division-I prospect. Then he gets on the floor, and you can quickly see the game to match.

Schwartz has a very smooth, left-handed stroke, and he can hit from the outside with consistency. Schwartz handles the ball well, can run offense in transition and has a good post-up game.

Schwartz, who already has an offer from Weber State, could project as a solid mid-major player. He should get plenty more looks beginning Friday, when he begins his participation in the three-day USA Basketball Men’s Junior National mini-camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

James DeHart, 6-foot-7 forward, Fossil Ridge

DeHart was the tallest player in attendance on Saturday, along with Legend senior Connor McCord. DeHart is still growing into his frame at 170 pounds, but he demonstrated solid coordination, running the floor well and catching equally well in traffic while finishing through a crowd.

DeHart tied for the best performance in the elbow-shooting drill with eight drained. He has a smooth stroke on that shot and could make it a big weapon for Fort Collins, which has several talented drive-and-dish guards.

Michael Vrabel, 6-foot-2 guard, Chatfield

At first glance, the sturdy, broad-shouldered Vrabel resembles the linebacker of the same name. But Vrabel is fluid on the court, releases his shot quick off the catch and displays good range. Vrabel was among the top three shooters in each discipline.

Vrabel has good lateral quickness and can match up well defensively. He has the potential to be a solid Division II, Division III prospect.

Austin Remus, 6-foot guard, Valor Christian

Remus was one of the top players regardless of class on Saturday, performing well in each drill and opening eyes during the games.

Remus is an excellent ball-handler and can run the break with speed. Only one other player at the combine had a first three-quarter-court sprint with the ball than him. He has some nice flash to his game in that he uses his eyes to look off defenders before making a pass.

Remus made several pull 3-pointers on Saturday, both in transition and initiating offense in the half court. There’s no doubt Remus could be a productive player at the Division II level.

Cory Seng, 6-foot-4 guard, ThunderRidge

Seng is simply one of those players who can do everything on the court. He has great versatility to his offensive game, with great footwork in transition and an ability to finish through contact. He can also nail perimeter shots in bunches.

Most impressive is how Seng uses his suffocating defensive skills to create opportunities. His long arms – Seng has a 6-foot-8 wingspan – combined with athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing guards on the perimeter. Seng has the ability to be one of the best defenders in the state this season, and it’s a major reason why he’s a Division I prospect.

Nick Holmes, 6-foot guard, Overland

Holmes is a player who brings great energy to the floor. He is very athletic – among the best verticals and sprints at the combine – and he can stroke it from long range (tied for fourth-most 3-pointers made).

Holmes’ aggressiveness on defense makes him an intriguing player who has the potential to play a role in Overland’s backcourt. Holmes still has some raw elements to his game and he needs to make improvements to his ball-handling, but with some growth he could be an intriguing small-college prospect.