Pango’s All-East Frosh/Soph Camp: Day 2 Takeaways
The Pango’s All-East Frosh/Soph Camp is in the books. Over 200 players showcased their talent in front of media and scouts alike, hoping to make the camp’s two All-Star games. With that being said, here are five takeaways from the…
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Continue ReadingThe Pango’s All-East Frosh/Soph Camp is in the books. Over 200 players showcased their talent in front of media and scouts alike, hoping to make the camp’s two All-Star games. With that being said, here are five takeaways from the second day of the Pango’s All-East Frosh/Soph camp.
1. Kyle Cuffee Jr. may be the most athletic sophomore guard in New Jersey
There were a lot of high fliers throughout the event, but no one stood out more than Cuffee Jr. The 6’2 sophomore had numerous high-flying dunks, but his pre-game miss before the Top 30 game might have been more impressive. Cuffee Jr. attempted a between-the-legs dunk, but was unable to complete it.
The Blair Academy product was able to get so many dunks because he was constantly beating his man off the bounce. Cuffee Jr. did not only showcase his hops on the offensive end as he tried to pin a couple lay-ups against the backboard. Zion Cruz is one of the top athletes in the state, but he has serious competition in Cuffee Jr.
2. Lual Manyang has all the tools to be a high-major big man
Cuffee Jr. was not the only Blair Academy player who had a good showing over the weekend. His teammate Manyang was on the same Top 30 team as him, but his best work came in the morning session. The 6’10 forward ran the floor as well as any big man at the camp, hustled for rebounds and influenced shots on the defensive end.
He showed a soft touch around the basket and knocked down several three-pointers in warm-ups. Manyang may not have the strength of some other big men in his class, but make no mistake. The Blair Academy forward is tremendously skilled and should have his choice of high-major schools to choose from in his senior season.
3. Akil Watson is ready for high school basketball
The majority of the freshmen who participated in the camp are ready for high school basketball. With that being said, Watson flashed the ability to be a key contributor right away. The 6’7 forward showed an all-around game at Pango’s and was rewarded with a place in the Top 30 game.
Watson ran the floor well, grabbed rebounds and showed the ability to attack the basket. He has good handles for a player his size and has a good-looking jump shot. Don Bosco Prep needs someone to replace Victor Konopka’s production and Watson looks primed to do just that as a freshman.
4. Mark Armstrong is a pure scorer
Armstrong may have struggled to shoot the ball at times over the weekend, but that does not takeaway his potential to be a high-volume scorer. The St. Peter’s Prep guard was able to create his own shot at will with his elite first step and good handles. Armstrong is also a good shooter as he punished defenders for giving him space.
His ability to score the basketball is almost unmatched in the class of 2022. Armstrong will average at least 20 points per game as a sophomore, while he continues to rack in the high-major offers.
5. Dionte Johnson is still the biggest stock riser
Yesterday’s article highlighted Johnson’s strong performance in the opening day of the camp. He continued his strong play on day two by making the Top 30 game. Johnson was relentless as he attacked the basket at will.
He played under control and also showed an ability to finish through traffic. Johnson made smart decisions with the basketball and has good handles. The Patrick School freshman was one of the top players at the camp and improved his stock dramatically over the weekend.