NOE Showcase: Most Underrated Prospects
In this particular recap of Saturday’s Northern Ohio Elite (NOE) Showcase, we’ll take a look at the prospects who assured us of their underrated status. We’re using a simple definition of “underrated” here: their scholarship offers and/or recognition doesn’t line up with their production on the court.
Myles Belyeu (2018), 6’3” G/W/F, Trotwood-Madison
Offers: Ashland
Belyeu told us on Saturday that Ashland has offered him, but we’re not quite sure why they’re the only one. The position-less freaky athlete will have a huge impact on the Division II level, and we can write that without any doubts. We’ve seen Belyeu defend the rim against elite competition at the Bill Hensley Run n Slam in the spring (which should erase any concerns about his height). Yesterday, Belyeu showed signs of development on his high arching three-point jumper. Per usual, he was finishing with a high vertical on strong attacks. While a Division II offer from Ashland is something to be extremely proud of, after this month with C2K Elite, Belyeu should certainly have more than a single offer.
Dalen Solomon (2018), 6’5” W, John Hay
Offers: n/a
It’s simply unlikely for someone as athletic and built as Solomon to not play college basketball. On a court with true Division I prospects, Solomon was as explosive as anyone. He has a solid feel for the game also, which shows itself mostly in transition. Don’t be surprised if a Division II school who plays a fast tempo or runs with smaller lineups becomes interested in Solomon. At the very least, Solomon will be a stud at the Division III level.
Darweshi Hunter (2018), 6’4” G, Cincinnati Princeton
Offers: n/a
Despite being Cincinnati Princeton’s leading scorer last season and having a productive spring with All Ohio Black (he’s since moved over to VCC Ohio Warriors Pro Bound for July), Hunter doesn’t hold a single offer. We believe Hunter can score the ball at any college level, which was proven time and again by his scoring against elite players. This month is a time where we expect someone to make their move on Hunter, especially if he impacts the game by rebounding and defending the way he did on Saturday.
Drew Bench (2019), 6’5” F, Genoa
Offers: n/a
While it’s still a bit early for Division II schools to offer a 2019 prospect, Bench’s game is worthy of one whenever. On Saturday, he established as someone who should be a stud at that level. A few of us thought he was clearly the best true big man in the gym. Any worries about Bench’s height can be quickly forgotten about because of his athleticism and strength. Watch out for Bench the rest of July with All Ohio Gold 16U.
Mike Bothwell (2018), 6’3” G, Cornerstone Christian
Offers: Furman, Longwood, Duquense, Wofford, Kent State
If Bothwell continues showing the offensive versatility that he displayed on Saturday, expect him to turn heads on the UAA Circuit with C2K Elite. They start in Atlanta this week, and he looks to have some momentum heading in there after a strong NOE Showcase. We believe a couple more low- to mid-major programs should take serious interest in the northeast Ohio prospect, and eventually extend a scholarship offer.
Keedrick Cunningham (2018), 6’1” G, Proctorville Fairland
Offers: n/a
Cunningham may top off at the Division III level. However, that doesn’t mean he’s not extremely underrated. Cunningham is mainly a first-level scorer, but he gets to the cup nearly every time he wants to. While his size might be a question for an off-ball guard at the next level, he makes up for it with strength and speed. We’d also encourage local Division IIs to, at least, watch some film on him.
Brendan Lamb (2020), 5’10” PG, Lebanon
Offers: n/a
Lamb is an underrated kid whose buzz doesn’t match him game. We don’t expect a 2020 kid to have an offer. However, Lamb is a name that should be marked down by scouts, even this early. He could potentially spend the next three seasons as Lebanon’s best player. We actually left their first round playoff exit pretty convinced that he was their best guy during that game, as he was their starting point guard and leading scorer against Miamisburg. He shoots the ball rather well from deep. Also, Lamb isn’t tall but he can get his matchup off balance with his strength and driving ability. Lamb certainly projects as a college hooper, but at what Divisional level remains to be seen. He runs with Ohio Knockout 2020 for AAU.