Swag Air Showcase Recap
The Swag Air Showcase is in its 5th year hosted by former high school basketball talent evaluator Dan Poneman. Poneman Showcase is viewed as one of the top events for unsigned seniors in the Chicagoland area. This year’s group was…
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Continue ReadingThe Swag Air Showcase is in its 5th year hosted by former high school basketball talent evaluator Dan Poneman. Poneman Showcase is viewed as one of the top events for unsigned seniors in the Chicagoland area. This year’s group was maybe one of his best yet. Here’s a look at some of the players who stood out on Sunday.
Christopher Lester 6’8 F Standard of Excellence Academy
In an event normally dominated by guards Chris stood out with his play. At his size the former Barrington high school player showed what a prep year can do for one’s game. Lester played with a continuous motor. He excelled on both ends of the court. Rebounds turned into fast breaks with him pushing it or out letting to his teammates. In the post he looked polished and never rushed. He made several jump shots off pick and pop plays and occasionally making drives to the rim. Chris has the look of a Low Division 1 prospect.
Marcus Hussey 6’1 PG Thornwood
Hussey was lightning quick with the ball and had it on a string. He’s so talented that at times he tried too hard to make defenders look crazy guarding him. Marcus was superb at getting to the rim and finishing through and around contact. His second speed kept defenders on their heels and he shot it really well. Hussey is high juco prospect that should be D1 when he’s done.
Darnell Latham 6’3 G Prosser
Not sure what I can write about Latham that I haven’t said in other articles but Sunday he showed his talent again. At stages he was doubled teamed but every time he seemed to make the right play. Darnell shot it pretty well from three and was successful with his pull up shot throughout the day. His struggle is with physicality; he is very thin and will need to bulk up at the next level. Already hearing from a few D1 schools he can benefit from a prep year.
Joshua Roberts 6’3 G Westinghouse
Joshua may have benefited the most from Swag Air showcase being held in his own gym. He made nearly every shot he put up. Roberts has built a reputation as a shooter in and out of Westinghouse gym. His size and poise on the wing stood out the most to coaches. Joshua has a solid handle that’s needs some improvement and he defended pretty well on the wing. Roberts is a solid juco prospect.
Terrell Phipps 6’8 F/C Simeon
At times Terrell went through huge scoring stretches on Sunday. The stretch forward scored in many ways at the showcase. Phipps is excellent in pick and pop situations often putting opposing big men in bad matchups. He also shot it well from mid-range as well as in the post. Still very thin Phipps knows how to be crafty around the rim. Terrell isn’t the fastest or the most athletic big around but he knows how to take advantage of his matchup. He is a Juco prospect that needs to gain strength.
Austin Trice 6’8 F Hales Franciscan
Austin is super athletic and has the physique of a college player. He played well in spurts with thunderous tip dunks and strong finishes inside. Trice showed why he had a breakout season this year at Hales. He played with a motor during most of the session and showed good hands and some ability to handle the ball. Still raw inside with moves he overcomes that with his physicality and athleticism. He’s currently looking at high level Juco programs
Jamal Burton 6’4 F Morgan Park
Jamal has created a name as a defensive terror but this Sunday he showed other aspects to his game that coaches didn’t normally see. Burton was aggressive in his two games at driving to the rim and making outside shots. Jamal covered the court defensively getting steals and chase down blocks it seemed every 2 minutes during his games. Burton is still looking at D1 schools but would be really good at a D2.
Sidney Mason 6’5 G CVS
Sidney bullied defenders again on Sunday. The highly coveted wing slashed his way to the bucket at will bouncing hands out of his way with strong finishes. He created opportunities for his teammates by drawing doubles at times and he did a good job at finding the right guy every time. Sidney is receiving a lot of attention from many juco programs and after the Swag Air Showcase he is sure to gain more options.
Antonio Williams 6’0 G Proviso East
As an all-state player it’s not surprising that Antonio dominated every time he stepped on the floor. Williams is a special athlete. At 6’0 he plays above the rim. During the day he showed his improving jump shot as well as his relentless effort to get to the rim. One of his major attributes is his ability to cover all grounds on the defensive end like a defensive back in football. Williams took over games by playing the passing lane, getting blocks all turning into fast break dunks or assists. He is going to be an instant impact at the next level. Antonio is a high level Juco prospect that’s still open in his recruiting.