Scouting Report: Freshmen Standouts
The conclusion of the Ball Dawgs All-Star game also marks the conclusion of the High School season. It was a tremendous year for the class of 2023, with several young players talented enough to contribute right away. In this article,…
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Continue ReadingThe conclusion of the Ball Dawgs All-Star game also marks the conclusion of the High School season. It was a tremendous year for the class of 2023, with several young players talented enough to contribute right away. In this article, we take a scout’s look at some of the top players from the class of 2023.
Sebastian Mack Sebastian Mack 6'4" | CG Coronado | 2023 State #58 Nation NV 6’1 SG Durango (#1)
Strengths: Shooting,1st step
Weakness: Undersized for natural position
Scouting Report: It took me less than 5 seconds to understand what Mack is about. Shooter, with a quick first step. You’re going to have to make him play D. If for no other reason than to tire him out. You have to run him off the line, but you can’t over close. I would have someone deny him off the ball immediately once he crossed half court. If he beats you backdoor then it’s better than letting him get an open look.
Ceiling: Lou Williams
Osiris Grady 6’7 PF Silverado (#3)
Strengths: Size, rebounding
Weakness: Post moves
Scouting Report: Has the size and frame to dominant the glass. No putbacks, no transition buckets. He’s still raw in his post ability so you can play directly behind him for now. Make him complete his post move by finishing over the top of a defender.
Ceiling: Donny Marshall
TJ Brown TJ Brown 5'10" | CG Las Vegas | 2023 NV 5’10 PG Las Vegas (#5)
Strengths: Ballhandling, Quickness
Weakness: shooting
Scouting Report: Brown has the potential to have a major impact in the next 3 years of his career. Like a lot of young players, he still needs to work on his shooting. Brown shot under 50% from the free-throw line, this isn’t good considering a player with his quickness is probably going to get to the rim a lot. Because of his free-throw shooting, I wouldn’t allow him layups. Sag off and when he drives, you can afford to be physical, but clean and force him to make them at the line.
Ceiling: TJ Ford
Jordan Morency Jordan Morency 6'4" | PG Bishop Manogue | 2023 State NV 6’2 PG Silverado (#6)
Strengths: Shooting, ballhandling
Weakness: Ball Security
Scouting Report: Good competitor that plays with confidence. Be physical with him when defending. I would make him chase screens when he’s on defense. Has a good IQ, but will take risk with the ball in search of the spectacular play. Stay sound in defensive shell and make him think. Have help defenders use bluff and recover techniques, and see if he can consistently make the correct read.
Ceiling: Chris Herren
Jake Bevacqua Jake Bevacqua 5'10" | PG The Meadows School | 2023 State NV 5’10 PG The Meadows School (#9)
Strengths: Shooting, basketball IQ
Weakness: upper body strength
Scouting Report: He’s a pure PG that can serve as a floor spacer off the ball. He understands how to play the game. Good feel for time, score and situation. You have to make him defend. I would look for direct post-up situations as well as putting him in pick and rolls when he is defending the screener. You have to run him off the line and double back because he will drag the defense with his penetration and hold the ball until the last second.
Ceiling: Matt Farell