Freshman U Camp Showcase: Top Wings and Forwards
- Miokaye Grant (Eastside)
- When searching for a kid with big time upside in Georgia’s 2022 class, Grant may be the prospect you’re looking for. Standing every bit of 6’6” Grant put the entire offensive package on display at Freshman U. His ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim at that size and height was impressive and he did a good job of mixing in some interior play as well. He was impossible to stay in front of offensively, as he was too skilled and quick for bigger defenders or too tall and strong for smaller players that tried to defend him. His shot is good enough to keep defenders guessing and he remained on the glass on both ends of the floor. With continued growth and development, we could be talking about Grant for the next few years as the top in his this class coming out of Eastside high school.
- Chance Thacker (Lambert)
- If you had to give an award to the most consistent shooter at the second annual Freshman U Showcase, it would probably go to Lambert freshman Chance Thacker. The off guard looks like he has put in a lot time in the gym, displaying a smooth release from the three-point line. He made a habit of getting open without the basketball and that IQ allows the offense to flow more smoothly in the half court and transition. Although Thacker’s perimeter shooting ability is what allowed him to fill the score sheet, his competitive spirit on both ends allowed him to stand out even more. On one of the more impressive plays of the day, Thacker sprinted the floor for a sensational come from behind block off the glass to give his team the possession back after an initial turnover. That play specifically along with his rebounding, made him one of the more productive players regardless of position and will be a reason he makes a name for himself throughout his four years for the Longhorns.
Chance Thacker
- If you had to give an award to the most consistent shooter at the second annual Freshman U Showcase, it would probably go to Lambert freshman Chance Thacker. The off guard looks like he has put in a lot time in the gym, displaying a smooth release from the three-point line. He made a habit of getting open without the basketball and that IQ allows the offense to flow more smoothly in the half court and transition. Although Thacker’s perimeter shooting ability is what allowed him to fill the score sheet, his competitive spirit on both ends allowed him to stand out even more. On one of the more impressive plays of the day, Thacker sprinted the floor for a sensational come from behind block off the glass to give his team the possession back after an initial turnover. That play specifically along with his rebounding, made him one of the more productive players regardless of position and will be a reason he makes a name for himself throughout his four years for the Longhorns.
- Domonik Henderson (Monroe)
- When you are playing the game the right way, the ball has a funny way of finding you; this was the case for Henderson during his Freshman U performance. He ran the floor and was on the receiving end of a lot fast break lay-ups, crashed the glass for numerous second chance points, and even led breaks as ball handler for impressive above the rim finishes. There is simply a lot to like about this slender, athletic slasher from Monroe. He has long limbs to create havoc in passing lanes defensively and those arms allow him to finish on both sides through traffic once he has gotten by you off the dribble. Henderson is another kid that “gets it” on the floor and is one of those players that you would expect to see as a major contributor to whatever team his is playing with.
- Fabian Desilva (Woodland)
- Big time size, strength, and skill are qualities that breakdown Desilva’s game. He was a grown man among boys that has it figured out for the most part physically. I was most impressed with the body control he possessed when finishing at the basket, as that aspect of his game was evident all afternoon. The Woodland freshman has that doggedness you look for in leader out on the floor but with finesse to wow you when he has the ball in his hands in any situation. He can fill up the scoring sheet quickly and is one that can be really good going moving forward as he undoubtedly makes the 2022 class better as a whole.
Fabian Desilva
- Big time size, strength, and skill are qualities that breakdown Desilva’s game. He was a grown man among boys that has it figured out for the most part physically. I was most impressed with the body control he possessed when finishing at the basket, as that aspect of his game was evident all afternoon. The Woodland freshman has that doggedness you look for in leader out on the floor but with finesse to wow you when he has the ball in his hands in any situation. He can fill up the scoring sheet quickly and is one that can be really good going moving forward as he undoubtedly makes the 2022 class better as a whole.
- Chauncey Wiggins (Eastside)
- Chauncey Wiggins is another prospect with a lot of upside, and another Eastside prospect, that has all the length you are looking for in a legitimate wing at the varsity level, let alone coming in as a freshman. The 6’6” hybrid forward was smooth in one on one activity as he got to the lane when he wanted and was able to get his shot over any defender he wanted without even taking a dribble. Wiggins can handle the ball from the perimeter to get to where he wants on the floor and can take a bump, finishing through contact on his way to the rim. His shot making ability stretches out to the three-point line and creates lanes to where an opposing team’s top shot blocker is irrelevant when he decides to put his head down. I loved what Wiggins brought to the table the entire day and he is worthy to be on this list after his performance at Freshman U.
Honorable Mention: William Banks, Toby Abiola, Caleb Lesch, Jalen Carruth, Grady Bynum