UMSL Shootout Recap (Class of 2020 Standouts)
Here is a look at some of the top Class of 2020 players who were at last Friday’s University of Missouri-St. Louis Shootout:
Guards
Jordan Nesbit 6’5″ Lutheran North: A big combo guard with a versatile game, Nesbit is capable of causing all kinds of matchup problems with his combination of size and offensive game. Nesbit plays with the ball in his hands much of the time, but he has the ability to make plays off the dribble as he can get to the basket and score at the rim. He can also knock down 15 to 17 foot jumpers off the dribble to set up his drive game. Jordan also has a very nice post up game as he got several buckets inside against smaller guards. He’s one of the top young prospects in the state.
Caleb Love 6’3″ CBC: A talented combo guard with good size and the ability and willingness to get buckets. He was at his best when he was attacking the basket and getting into the lane, which he did on a consistent basis. He scored many tough buckets in the lane where there was a lot of traffic, absorbing the contact. He also had a nice pull up jumper, which was a good compliment to his aggressive drives to the basket.
Rashad McDaniels 5’11” Trinity: A thick guard who can play either guard spot comfortably with his ability to get buckets and also facilitate. He has a real knack for scoring as he can use his strength to power to the basket or pull up for mid-range jumpers. Rashad can also knock down an open 3-pointer. He was strong with the ball and he did a nice job of involving his teammates with excellent passes to set them up for open baskets.
Dylan Branson 6’3″ Chaminade: The big point guard was very good in the Red Devils’ game against Lutheran North has he racked up lots of buckets and assists. He is a good ball handler who doesn’t mind pressure defense as he wards off potential ballhawks with his physical strength. He can also get to the basket and score through contact. Dylan also knocked down several open 3-pointers in the process. What I liked most about his game is his court vision. He has the size to see over defenders and his head was constantly on a swivel looking for open teammates.
Jairus Maclin 5’10” Kirkwood: A potential Division I football prospect, the quick guard was the top defensive player that I watched during the day. He was so disruptive as an on-ball defender or someone who could also shoot into the passing lanes and create turnovers. In one game, I counted at least 10 steals. On offense, he is tough to keep from getting to the basket as he is quick, low to the ground and he can change directions with a cross over.
Adam Sommer 6’3″ Parkway South: A solid shooting guard with size and a strong build, Adam displayed a good set of offensive skills throughout the afternoon. He is a capable 3-point shooter who can also get buckets on the drive as well. He also did a nice job of moving without the basketball and scoring off hard cuts to the basket. When needed, he is also able to take care of the ball handling responsibilities.
Terrell Rush 6’1″ Trinity: The young shooting guard displayed the ability to score in a variety of ways. He was very good in the transition game where he could get out and really make things happen on the break. He also scored on several acrobatic drives to the basket in the halfcourt with reverse layups and double pump shots. He also knocked down several 3-pointers during the day.
Forwards
Ryan Kalkbrenner 6’8″ Trinity: A big young post player who is fundamentally sound around the basket. When he got the ball inside, he did an excellent job of keeping the ball high as he converted several offensive rebounds for buckets. He moves well around the basket and he has a nice shooting touch. He will also step out to the 12-15 foot area to knock down jumpers from the high post. Ryan is also a defensive presence with his size and length and he blocked and altered many shots during the day.
Harrison Vickers 6’3″ Chaminade: A versatile southpaw forward who did an excellent job of working the baseline throughout the day. I was impressed with his turnaround jumper in the lane, which looked like a real nice go-to move for him. (Every young player should have one). He is a good ball handler who can also get to the rim and pass the ball. He’s slim, but he is very agile and quite versatile.