CGM Academy–Phoenix, Arizona
During the summer leading into its inaugural season, CGM Academy generated instant buzz by picking up a potential future lottery pick in 7-foot-3 Cheshire Academy (CT) transfer Chol Marial.. Marial’s stay at the Phoenix-based program was short-lived, as he fled to IMG Academy (FL) in an 11th hour transfer.
Despite this, CGM actually wound up benefitting from the frenetic, unpredictable transfer market. The program acquired an intriguing young high-major prospect in 6-foot-9 Class of 2019 forward Abdou N’Diaye.
Bolstered by the skill development focus of legendary Marquette guard Tony Miller, CGM ushers in the 2017-18 season with an array of unsigned prospects.
The program will entertain a highly-competitive schedule which includes the likes of Hillcrest Prep (Az.), Bella Vista Prep (Az.), Prolific Prep (CA) and a handful of others.
With a high order commitment to competitive academics and high caliber training, the program could eventually gain Montverde-esque national clout. With the program expanding its campus to nearby Arizona State, there is plenty of upside.
Abdou Ndiaye, 6-9 Class of 2019
In his lone sophomore season at the Master’s School (N.Y.), Ndiaye showcased elite level passing and ball handling ability for a big.
His advanced defensive aptitude has made him appealing to programs such as Cincinnati and UNLV. With an all three levels scoring ability, Ndiaye has the tool set to potentially become a transcendent talent at this level.
He turned in a triple double in his first-ever game with Masters, with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 12 blocks in a 46-28 win over Hopkins.
Ndiaye’s 22+ PPG and active defensive presence had many envisioning him as the next best prospect in a suburban New York City area that’s produced the likes of Ben Gordon (UConn/NBA), Sean Kilpatrick (Cincinnati/NBA), and Donovan Mitchell (Louisville/NBA). Under a national schedule and with around the clock devotion to skill development, Ndiaye will likely be sifting through high-major offers very soon.
Deondre Bourne, 6-4 Class of 2018
High-scoring guard piled up 2,000 career points at Leman Prep in New York City. The lack of competition in this particular division has left Bourne with something to prove in this post-graduate season. His ability to create offense and free up space off the dribble makes has enabled him to attract Division-I suitors. Bourne’s impressive grades and test scores have garnered interest from Cornell, Columbia, and Yale.
Alec Bryan, 6-6 Class of 2019
Strong on the glass and a versatile piece with a steady 15-20 foot jumper, Bryan is flushed into a significant role for the high school team this season. He’s currently adapting to the small forward position and will be tasked with guarding bigger foes in the post.
Jerome Sims III, Class of 2018
A heady player and a knockdown specialist, Sims III is another Ivy League caliber player with his academic reputation. He’s shown poised play during heightened pressure and should be a calming influence with the ball in his hands. Has the skill-set to play both backcourt positions in college.