Grassroots recap: Kansas standouts in EYBL Hampton, Va.
Session 1 of the Nike EYBL is in the books and several Kansas players stood out as MoKan Elite finished play in Hampton, Va. by going 4-0. Here we take a look at the top performers for MoKan Elite.
Cooper Kaifes, 6’2, SG, 2018, Mill Valley
After struggling with injury throughout much of his junior season, Kaifes showed why he is one of the top players in Kansas in the Class of 2018 in session 1 of the Nike EYBL in Hampton, Va. Kaifes was second on a 4-0 MoKan Elite squad in scoring, averaging 12.8 points per game, shot 67 percent from the field, was 10 for 19 from 3-point range and even threw down a spectacular dunk that had Twitter buzzing. Kaifes is shooting up the boards of Mid-Majors around the midwest and will likely start drawing offers soon.
Israel Barnes, 6’4, G, 2018, Wichita Southeast
Several college coaches we have talked to in recent days say it’s only a matter of time before Barnes begins to draw more offers. He averaged 9.5 points and was 5 for 11 from 3-point range while averaging 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game for a 4-0 MoKan Elite squad this past weekend.
Parker Braun, 6’8, 2028, Blue Valley Northwest
Braun is a player several college programs are keeping an eye on this spring and summer in the Nike EYBL sessions. He came out of nowhere this year at Blue Valley Northwest after playing JV basketball as a sophomore and put together a terrific season manning the paint. He is very bouncy, has good timing and instincts as a shot blocker and has a smooth looking perimeter shot. Still needs some work in the weight room but has a lot of upside going forward. Had
Malik Hall, 6’6, SF, 2018, Sunrise Christian
Wing player with good size and all-around skills who can handle the ball, shoot the 3 and put the ball in the bucket. One of only two 2019 players on MoKan Elite 17U squad this spring, Hall was fourth on the team in scoring in Hampton averaging 8.2 points per game and was an efficient scorer, shooting 73 percent from the field and was 3 for 6 from 3-point range. Finished second on the squad in rebounding at 5.5 per game.
UPlay standouts
Khaleem Bennett, 6’4, G, 2018, UPlay, Sunrise Christian
He is our No. 1 ranked 2018 player in the initial PrepHoops.com/Kansas rankings and was the second-leading scorer for a talented UPlay squad, averaging 13.2 points per game. Also a native of Hamilton, Ontario, Bennett shot 46 percent from the field and chipped in 3.5 boards. He had 19 points in a loss to Seattle Rotary
Isaiah Bujdoso, 6’2, G, 2018, UPlay, Sunrise Christian
A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Bujdoso is one of three Sunrise Christian products competing this spring for UPlay in the Nike EYBL session, a team made up of Canadian products who are mostly playing at US prep schools. He is an elite level passer with terrific athleticism and all-around skills.