NY2LA Next Level Saturday Standouts
PrepHoopsIllinois was in the gym for another full day of action from the NY2LA Sports Next Level Invitational. Here we break down the standouts from Saturday in Mequon, Wisconsin. PG Aundrae Williams (Illinois Irish 17U) Williams played his best…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois was in the gym for another full day of action from the NY2LA Sports Next Level Invitational. Here we break down the standouts from Saturday in Mequon, Wisconsin.
PG Aundrae Williams (Illinois Irish 17U)
Williams played his best game of the event in the Irish’s final contest. The Springfield Lanphier product got to the basket consistently with his athleticism off the bounce. Also hit a couple jumpers. Defensively he was effective trapping and getting steals starting the break the other way.
PF Jameel Alausa (All-In/Young & Reckless 17U)
Alausa is making a strong case for the #2 power forward in Illinois especially with what he did Saturday. The Chicago U-High product has a great frame with broad shoulders and big time athleticism. When he locks in and uses those physical gifts he is a problem. Quickness around the hoop finishing offensively and dominating the glass defensively made him a standout on Saturday. Jumper needs some work. Mid-major to low-major target in 2017.
SF Nana Akenten (Illinois Celtics/Hoopers 17U)
Another day, another monster performance from Akenten. The Bolingbrook 6’6” small forward is the top Illinois prospect at the event. Although he can go in and out of dominating the game at times when he is on it is scary. Akenten is an athletic wing scorer that has a plus jump shot with an effortless release. Mid-major plus prospect.
PF Connor Niego (Chicago Lockdown 17U)
Another strong day for Niego on Saturday. The 6’8” power forward had 21 points in their morning contest. He did it by drilling a variety of jumpers from all areas including several threes and multiple mid-range jumpers. Showed grit and toughness on the glass and on some finishes inside. Plus passer out of the post finding shooters. Needs to be more heavily considered by low-major programs.
SG Jordan Irving (All-In/Future Elite 17U)
Irving put on a show in their win over Chicago Lockdown. The 6’0” shooting guard from Maine East hit threes and jumpers from deep two consistently throughout the contest. Every now and then will slip in a drive to the hoop. High D3/NAIA prospect.
SG Zion Young (SYF 16U)
Young is a physical shooting guard from Merrillville, Indiana that flat out gets buckets. The wing is an effective scorer at all three levels. He can finish at the rim with strength, hit pull up mid-range jumpers, and is lethal from three off the catch. Just a born scorer and potential mid-major prospect.
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.
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.
SG Cardell McGee (Yanders Law 16U)
McGee had another strong outing for his new travel 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. Mid-major to low-major prospect.
PG Jalen Hughes (Illinois Stars 16U)
Hughes put himself on our radar this weekend for Illinois Stars. The Hillcrest guard stands at 5’10” with slick handles and the ability to get to the rack. Solid passer, but is definitely more of a scoring lead guard at this stage in his development.