NY2LA Next Level Invitational: 2018 Scouting
PrepHoopsIllinois was in the gym all five days at the NY2LA Next Level Invitational. Here we break down our scouting report of the class of 2018 prospects that impressed. C Ben Wolf (Mercury Elite 16U) At 6’9” this Naperville…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois was in the gym all five days at the NY2LA Next Level Invitational. Here we break down our scouting report of the class of 2018 prospects that impressed.
C Ben Wolf (Mercury Elite 16U)
At 6’9” this Naperville Central center in the 2018 class presents great size for the position to go along with good upper body strength. Not overly explosive vertically and was a bit mechanical, but you have to like how he runs the floor for his size. He is a quality rebounder particularly on the offensive glass where he grabs boards and keeps it high to finish. Hit a baseline jump shot. Defensively his length and potential as a shot blocker has an effect on the game in the paint. Potential D1 prospect down the line especially if he continues to develop.
SF Ethan Schuemer (Mercury Elite 16U)
Schuemer put himself on our radar with his play. The Willowbrook 6’5” combo forward plays with a tremendous motor and was always around the basketball. His activity level and length helped him blocking a few shots on the defensive end. The forward got on the offensive glass for multiple put backs. Played mostly inside, but showed he could put it on the deck a couple times from the mid-range.
SG Ryan Cicenas (Mercury Elite 16U)
Cicenas had quite a day! The Riverside Brookfield wing can flat out shoot the basketball. During July Cicenas is playing with a new Mercury Elite team at both the 16U and 17U levels. In a 16U game Cicenas caught fire from three hitting four of them in the first handful of minutes. He can really shoot it from deep and even step in to hit a one dribble pull up. He went for 18 points.
SG Lacey Watson (Quad City 16U)
The Rock Island 6’3” 2018 shooting guard has great acceleration with the ball in his hands. Quick first step and consistently wins off the bounce. Was inconsistent finishing through contact at the rim, but even if he misses the first he has a quick second jump to get his own rebound for a put back. Didn’t shoot it particularly well, but got in the lane scoring. Shot selection needs some refinement. Mid-major to low-major prospect.
SG Devynn Wakefield (Quad City 16U)
Wakefield was hurt for part of the spring so it was great to see the United Township wing back out on the floor. At 6’3” the wing is smooth with the ball and a slick passer. He is light on his feet gliding on the floor. Hit a few jumpers including a fade away and three. Like his projectablity as a potential low-major prospect.
PG Aaron Shoot (Quad City Elite 17U)
Shoot was a new addition to Quad City Elite and the 2018 prospect played up on the 17U level where he saw considerable playing time. The rising junior is a tough guard that plays with swagger. He is a solid athlete that can let it fly from deep. Quincy product is new name to add to radar.
F Donita Johnson (All-In/Young & Reckless 16U)
Johnson is a supremely physically gifted combo forward with great size and strength. He is best using his quickness and strength on the interior for scores. Not a true back to the basket game at this stage and is still evolving in his skill set, but he played with a better motor and more production in the event. Tons of upside.
SG Robert Harvey (All-In/Young & Reckless 16U)
This was our first chance to see Harvey after a strong June where he picked up his first D1 offer. Harvey is a 6’4” wing from Hillcrest having good size and athleticism. He is at his best attacking in transition where he can use his explosion and burst of speed with the ball in his hands. Volume scorer that can hit a three on occasion.
SG Cardell McGee (Yanders Law 16U)
McGee had a strong debut with his new team. The Springfield Lanphier 2018 shooting guard showed off a versatile offensive game including a passing feel from the off guard spot. His perimeter shooting really stood out which has been considered a weakness in the past. As always he was slippery through traffic using his quickness and long strides to get in the lane for scores. Major potential defensively. Mid-major to low-major prospect.
PG DeAndre Heckard (Hoops4Health 16U)
Have a week DeAndre Heckard! The Romeoville 6’1” point guard lit it up in a trio of games. Heckard has great size for position along with broad shoulders and strong arms. Totally looks the part along with quality athleticism. Has a nice feel for the game and is a plus passer with the ability to find teammates in the open floor as well as dish it off on the interior in the half court. Explosive off the bounce slashing to the basket where he is slippery through traffic getting to the rim. Powerful finishing at the paint. In the afternoon he didn’t shoot it much, but displayed that part of his game at night drilling multiple pull up mid-range jumpers. Really competes and has a passion for the game. Should be monitored by LM and MM programs.
SG Ryan Saunders (Hoops4Health 16U)
Saunders is a 6’3” shooting guard that is very athletic. Was effective in one game we saw getting on the offensive glass for second chance points. Plays well in the open floor. One big game and was quiet in the other two we saw.
SG Eddie Creal (Hoops4Health 16U)
Creal is a wing from Joliet West that is emerging on our radar. He is a power two guard that excels using his strength and physicality around the basket. Gets on the offensive glass and plays above the rim in the transition game. Solid passer and quality on ball defender that locks in on that end. One to continue to track.
PG Ahmad Muhammad (Kessel Heat 16U)
Muhammad put himself on the D2 and low-major radar with his play Saturday. The point guard from St. Joseph’s plays with a high basketball IQ and knows how to run a team. Also shoots it well from both mid-range and three which was on point at Homestead this weekend. Defensively is a pressure on ball defender that is active at the point of attack.
SF Ryan Kutsor (Kessel Heat 16U)
Kutsor is a strong wing that is usually a reliable three point threat. He was a bit streaky shooting it, but when he is really rolling the rising junior can carry his team offensively. I was really impressed with what he did on the defensive end. Kutsor moved well laterally and got up into his man causing havoc.
PG Brandon Simberg (Kessel Heat 16U)
Simberg is a lead guard that plays off the ball a big portion of the time. When off the ball his primary focus is to shoot it and he flat out did that Saturday afternoon hitting three after three after three. The tough, small, and stocky guard wants to take the shot and steps into it confidently.
PF Orlando Allen (SYF 16U)
This Thornton 6’7” power forward flashed during the high school season and that continued on Sunday to close out the event. He is a four man that excels using his quickness especially getting on the offensive glass for second chance opportunities. Makes his living doing that. Also effective attacking when facing up from the mid-post and taking a couple dribbles to get to the rim. Shoots a high percentage on the shots he takes. Low-major prospect in 2018.
SF Devonire Glass (SYF 16U)
The Simeon 6’6” small forward has significant potential. It is now about turning those flashes into consistent production. Glass has a long and rangy frame with broad shoulders. Totally looks the part of a big time small forward prospect. Flashes that ability with transition drives using his long strides getting to the hoop. Even passed it well from the wing. Defensively has potential as a shot blocker. Consistent production with his jumper and finishing better at the rim will be the key for his development.
PG Chase Adams (SYF 16U)
Adams is a small point guard, but he has a great feel for the game. Works well in the pick and roll and finds teammates while on the interior whether it is shooters or big men down low. Pressures the ball at the point of attack. The Marian Catholic guard actually shot it pretty well from three off the catch.
PG Jalen Hughes (Illinois Stars 16U)
Hughes put his name on our radar with his play in Milwaukee. The Hillcrest scoring combo guard stands at 5’10”. He has slick handles and often gets loose in transition. Sound passer especially in the open floor.
SG JJ Flores (Illinois Stars 16U)
The Huntley 6’3” shooting guard is a wiry and athletic two guard. He glides to the hoop off the bounce and in the open court. Flies with his speed and gets to the rim.
C Jalen Shaw (Illinois Stars 16U)
High ceiling 6’9” center from Larkin. Shaw is a long and lanky post that is still pretty raw, but is learning the game. He high points rebounds and keeps it high before outletting to a guard. Will flash a post move every now and then. Teases you with a spectacular move and then will disappear for several minutes. Scored the game winner in one game on an offensive rebound put back at the buzzer. D1 potential.