Fantastic 40 Recap: Top 5 Non 17U Prospects
There was so much talent at the Fantastic 40 last weekend that it would be easy to overlook some really good players. There are several guys I saw, that are going to have long careers playing the game of basketball.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere was so much talent at the Fantastic 40 last weekend that it would be easy to overlook some really good players. There are several guys I saw, that are going to have long careers playing the game of basketball. Many of the top underclassmen like Terrence Clarke, Jonathon Kuminga and Baye Fall played 17U. However some other underclassmen, used the event to make a name for themselves. In this article PH takes a look at the players from the 15 and 16U divisions with the most upside.
- Earnest Udeh 6’9 C Team Parsons (FL) 2022 – Udeh is a raw athlete. A banger that provides rim protection and rebounding. Post game is still unpolished, but he has decent hands, and can score over his left shoulder. His ceiling is so high because of his body. Udeh is a physical specimen that looks like he belongs in a college uniform right now. He runs the floor well, and plays with a terrific motor. His future depends on how quickly he can develop a consistent post game, and if he can stretch the floor.
Strengths: Rebounding, Upper body strength, Rim Protection
Weaknesses: Low Post Moves, High Screen Bball execution
- Jonathan Murray – 6’6 PF Nike Elite (Ala) 2022 – I slid Murray under Udeh only because Udeh was playing 16U all weekend. Murray has good hands. He’s able to catch in traffic, and on the move. The 6’6 forward is an excellent run and jump athlete. Most of his points come in transition and from offensive rebounds. Eventually I see him transitioning into more of a wing than a post. If he continues to grow, and can improve his shooting, then he will be a high major guy.
Strengths: Rebounding, Athleticism, Hands
Weaknesses: Shooting, High Ball Screen Defense
- Martavious Russell 6’3 G Nike Elite (ALA) 2022 – Russell is a walking highlight reel. He’s borderline must see basketball. Explosive run and jump athlete that creates electrifying plays. A prototypical slasher. Russell plays downhill and is relentless attacking the rim. Big time athlete with a quick second jump. He played above the rim so much, that I was shocked to find out that he is only 6’3. If he improves on his weaknesses, I could see him being the type of player that fans wait in line to watch.
Strengths: Elite athletic ability, Downhill slashing, Scoring versatility
Weaknesses: Outside shooting, Teammate play-making ability
- Anthony Swift 6’6 SF Las Vegas Knicks 2021 – For Swift, it’s a matter of offensive development. His strongest strength right now is the chip on his shoulder. Anyone who lines up against him better be prepared to compete. No coach will ever have to ask Swift to bring energy. Right now most of his buckets are a result of his activity. He has to improve his overall offensive game. He needs a consistent 15 – 18 footer, and he’s going to have to be able to create shots for himself off the dribble. If he can develop those two things, and he keeps the maniacal intensity he plays with, his ceiling greatly increases.
Strengths: Defensive Versatility, Rebounding, strong shoulder post moves
Weaknesses: Shooting, Ballhandling
- Damion Byrd 5’10 PG Nevada Hard 2 Guard 2022 – The more I see of Byrd, the more he starts to grow on me. He has the temperament of a great leader, and never gets emotionally invested into any one particular play. His game reminds me of a young Mateen Cleaves. Which unfortunately is a pro and a con. Cleaves was a great prep player and a National Champion in college. However he couldn’t shoot at all. While that style may have worked 20 years ago, it’s a different day. Byrd has all the tools, that you want in a young point guard. Great IQ, gets consistent lane touches, great passer and is defensively solid. Improving his outside shot will open up the floor, and allow him to play more to his strengths, and raise his ceiling.
Strengths: Basketball IQ, off the dribble play-making ,
Weaknesses: Outside Shooting,