BSN Summer League Final Four Preview
After four weeks of regular season play, and two days of playoff action, four teams remain alive at the ultra-competitive BSN Summer League. One thing all four teams have in common is strong point guard play. Check out our preview below. In the event that you aren’t able to make it out to DeMatha, click here to view the live stream.
SCHEDULE
2PM: #1 BISHOP O’CONNELL vs. #5 St. JOHN’S
3:15PM: #3 ST. VINCENT PALLOTTI vs. #7 GEORGETOWN PREP
BISHOP O’CONNELL
X-FACTOR | ’18 XAVIER JOHNSON
Johnson has been able to get wherever he wants to on the floor at any given time. He is so good at finding, and delivering accurate passes to open teammates. His assist numbers are through the roof this summer, and so are his scoring numbers. Johnson has proven that he can be a threat from beyond the arc, but understands that his bread and butter is getting into the lane where he continuously wreaks havoc.
GLUE GUY | ’19 CHARLIE WEBER
All Weber has done since we’ve first seen him is impress. Not only is he an excellent shooter at 6’7+, but he also plays extremely hard at all times. One thing we notice about Weber is that he’s an intelligent passer. On numerous occasions, we’ve seen him execute a controlled tip to find an open teammate.
SLEEPER | ’18 MATT BECHT
Is there a better shooter in the region that Becht? Not only does he get his shot off with extreme quickness, but he has limitless range. Becht is the type of player that can wreck a game plan if you aren’t adequately prepared, and he’s always making high IQ, fearless plays on both ends of the floor.
ST JOHN’S
X-FACTOR | ’18 TRE WOOD
Wood is obviously one of, if not the most dynamic playmaker in the region. He’s a strong competitor, an exceptional defender both on and off the ball, and a sneaky explosive athlete. Wood plays with tremendous pace, and can switch gears in an instant. He quite clearly enjoys making others better, and is really good at it.
GLUE GUY | ’18 RICHARD NJOKU
Njoku is the centerpiece of this team defensively. He is the emotional, and vocal leader. Njoku doesn’t take plays off, and has an edge to him. One thing we know well is that when Njoku has the ball under the basket and goes up with two hands, it’s not a good idea to jump.
SLEEPER | ’19 CASEY MORSELL
It’s been quite remarkable to see the evolution of Morsell in recent months. In a very short time, he has gone from a defensive specialist to a major two-way impact player. Morsell is a go to option off of pin downs and curl actions. He has become a much more comfortable ball handler, and attacks the rim with fearless aggression. Not only is Morsell still playing high level defense, but he is giving maximum effort at all times.
ST. VINCENT PALLOTTI
X-FACTOR | ’18 STEVE CANNADY
Cannady is one of the most reliable lead guards you will find. Not only is he a knock down shooter, but he can make shots off the dribble as well as from the catch. Cannady has a blend of elite ball handling skills, quickness, and a tremendous basketball IQ. Cannady might not be the biggest guard we’ve seen, but he’s certainly one of the toughest.
GLUE GUY | ’19 KARIM COULIBALY
Coulibaly is quickly evolving into a big time matchup nightmare. The 6’9 lefty can score with his back to the basket, and while facing up. Coulibaly is known to step out and hit threes, but is at his best down low. He definitely still has plenty of room to grow, but there’s no question he’s improving and becoming more consistent.
SLEEPER | ’18 AMIR WARRICK
It seems like whenever Pallotti has needed a big play this summer, Warrick has been able to deliver. Not only is he a versatile defender, but he plays with a high motor. Warrick can make shots from the three, mid range, and has showcased his athleticism with some nice finishes in transition.
GEORGETOWN PREP
X-FACTOR | ’18 JARED BYNUM
Last year’s BSN Summer League MVP is picking up right where he left off. Bynum has significantly improved as a defender, and it could be because he’s gotten stronger. He anticipates the passing lanes so well, and sees the floor. One thing we really like about Bynum is how well he finishes in traffic with either hand. Bynum can be equally effective in transition as he is in half court with his ability to control pace, and make others better.
GLUE GUY | ’18 IKE NWEKE
You know what to expect each time Nweke hits the floor. Not only can he hit shots, but Nweke is a monster on the boards. He’s a threat to go for a double-double every game, and is converting around the basket at a high rate.
SLEEPER | ’18 MEZIE OFFURUM
Offurum still hasn’t had the monster game that we know he’s capable of, but he’s definitely put together a string of productive games heading into the final four. He’s poised to break out soon. Every now and then, Offurum will make you ask yourself “how did he do that?” Not many possess the unique blend of elite athleticism, to go along with a high basketball IQ and advanced skill set.
ADDITIONAL PLAYERS TO WATCH
’20 JAHMAL BANKS | BISHOP O’CONNELL
’19 SAM VOGT | BISHOP O’CONNELL
’19 JALIN ABBOTT | ST JOHN’S
’19 DEVON DUNN | ST JOHN’S
’20 ISHMAEL LEGGETT | ST JOHN’S
’18 QWANZI SAMUELS | ST JOHN’S
’21 DEVIN SAVAGE | ST. JOHN’S
’18 ZACHARY SPOONER | ST JOHN’S
’19 RONELL GILES | ST VINCENT PALLOTTI
’19 GILBERT OTOO | ST VINCENT PALLOTTI
’19 KAMDYN CURFMAN | GEORGETOWN PREP
’19 DEJEAN DESIRE | GEORGETOWN PREP
’18 WILL MULQUIN | GEORGETOWN PREP