Nike Spring Showdown: 2019 Scouting
PrepHoopsIllinois spent this past weekend at Nike Spring Showdown in Romeoville. We extensively evaluated prospects in all classes from the state of Illinois. Take a look at our scouting report of the event. Here are our evaluations of the 2019 prospects in the event!
SF Terrence Hargrove (Illinois Hoopville 16U)
The best prospect this past weekend at the Nike Spring Showdown was East St. Louis 2019 SF Terrene Hargrove and it wasn’t really close. The top 5 2019 prospect had a breakout sophomore campaign at East St. Louis and is looking to continue that for Illinois Hoopville this spring. He uses his athleticism to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively he was a beast! Dominated inside when they played zone and in man he locked down on the perimeter and contested every jump shot his man took. Hargrove swatted a few jumpers along with more in the paint. Has the chance to be a big time defender if he wants to consistently lock in on that end. Offensively he had multiple high flying dunks. One he grabbed a defensive rebound and took it coast to coast for a monster two handed slam. Got on the offensive glass for a put backs. Extremely bouncy athlete that is a monster offensive rebounder. Also flashed a sweet right handed jump hook. Perimeter skill set is still evolving including flashing a jumper. Could definitely improve consistency there. Handles have gotten much better in the last six months as he looks more comfortable attacking off the bounce.
SF Deng Reng (ET21 Buckeyes 16U)
Reng stands at 6’6” out of Wheaton North. The forward has a lot of intriguing qualities in his game. The first is his size, length, and athleticism for the wing position. Definitely will need to add strength going forward, but the 2019 prospect has time for that. At times he struggles finishing at the rim through contact because of his lack of strength. On the plus side he can handle it for a wing being able to put it on the deck a few times slashing from the wing. Flashes a feathery jump shot that he can stretch out to three on occasion. Quality free throw shooter. Defensively has the ability to defend multiple positions and moves well laterally. Areas to work on are strength and consistent aggressiveness. He is going to be a scholarship player. Development over next two years will determine if that is D1 or D2. Went for 13 points.
SF Martin Macenis (ET21 Buckeyes 16U)
The 6’5” small forward has a European type game on the wing. Smooth handles with long strides. Likes to use euro step in the lane to finish. Very skilled wing that works well around screens as a passer, driver, and jump shooter. One of his more impressive plays was a shot fake, allowing his man to fly by, and then finished with a one dribble pull up. Ability to knock down threes off the catch with a bit of a long release. Lots of arc on shot. Defensively he is an underrated player. Moves well laterally and his length allows him to get deflections. Had a few impressive blocks recovering. Macenis is a low-major prospect with mid-major upside. Great weekend for Stagg junior.
PG Matas Masys (ET21 Buckeyes 16U)
Matas can really let it fly from the perimeter! The 6’2” Willowbrook point guard is best utilized as a three point shooter. Sound mechanics from deep. Plus shooter off the catch. Can also drill them behind a screen pulling up. Struggled a bit from deep in the second game we saw him. Team first guy. Would like to see more lead guard skills and passing out of him, but with his shooting he will find a nice home at the small college level.
PG Christian Davis (ET21 Buckeyes 16U)
Davis intrigued us with his play a few weeks back at Swish N Dish. Showed more of the same at Romeoville. The 6’1” St. Ignatius point guard is a high IQ point guard that has a good feel for the game and likes to get others involved. Pushes the tempo with the ball in his hands, but makes quality decisions with it. Active defender that had several steals against opposing point guards that he took the other way. Pass first point guard for D3/NAIA programs.
SF Kendall Kennedy (Illinois Hooperville 16U)
Kennedy is a 6’2” wing with broad shoulders and upper body strength. Solid mid-range shooter as he hit a couple of key 15 foot jumpers including the game winner. Not a great athlete. Possible small college or JUCO kid.
PG Tyler Cochran (Hoopers Basketball Club 17U)
Outstanding weekend for Cochran! The 6’2” Bolingbrook point guard plays on both the 16U and 17U squads for Hoopers Basketball Club. He is effective on both. Shot the ball the best we have ever seen him consistently do it. He drilled catch and shoot threes for days! Also hit a few pulling up. Smooth mechanics and when he is rhythm is a major weapon with his three ball. When scoring off the bounce is best on straight line drives to the hoop. Pushes it in transition with the ball in his hands and can score filling the lane as well. More of a combo than a refined point at this stage. Does flash drive and kick ability. Defensively really gets after it and competes on that end of the floor. Elevated his stock a lot in our eyes this past weekend. Should be monitored by low-major/D2 programs.
PG Deejay Holmes (Hoopers Basketball Club 16U)
The Joliet Catholic 5’10” point guard offensively can attack the hoop a little. Stands out more in other areas with his defense at the point of attack and rebounding for a lead guard. Holmes rebounds well for a small point guard.
PG Demari Grant (Hoopers Basketball Club 16U)
Grant is an athletic point guard out of Bolingbrook that showed in limited minutes for his high school team this past season he has some tools to work with. Grant can shoot it on occasion from three and likes to attack in the open floor. Pesky defender. One to watch over the next two years.
PF Khalid Herron (RAW 16U)
We came away very impressed with this 6’5” power forward in the fall. Herron is a physically built post with an extremely strong body. He is a strong rebounder. That is what he is best doing at this stage. Sound screener that sets crisp screens for his guards to get open. Not much of an offensive player at this point.
SG Aiqujuan Bates (RAW 16U)
Bates emerged with a strong opening half for RAW. The 6’0” Hubbard guard showed good athleticism and playmaking in the open floor. Hit a couple mid-range jumpers. Long release on shot.
SG Marquise Kennedy (Chicago Raptors 16U)
Kennedy is a 6’1” shooting guard that has a long and angular frame. Plays bigger than his height with his length. Like what he brings to the table on the defensive end. Active hands and is a good help defender. Blocks shots well for a guard. Offensively the long guard has an explosive first step. Struggled finishing mightily when we watched him. Only got one bucket. The Crete Monee guard has scholarship type talent though.