Downtown New Orleans Players Watchlist

<p>Continuing our series on top ballplayers in New Orleans, we look at what I term the rest of Downtown New Orleans. I have also included Chalmette H.S. because there’s only one school in St. Bernard parish</p> <h5><strong>St. Augustine</strong></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="765928" first="Nassir" last="Degruy"] 2021</strong> 6’2” Point Guard In a tradition of wait your turn…. Now it’s his turn. The heady and savvy guard makes good decisions. Which is important for coaches at the next level. Degruy has great hands, on defense that can cause shaky ball handlers to turn it over. He also has grown in toughness over the years. Areas of improvement would be a steady jump shot and serious focus in the weight room.</p> <p><strong>Jason Malbrue</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 6’5” Combo Forward Malbrue has been displaying an explosive high-flying game and playing close to the paint, and he’s done well at it. But to garner the highest level offer possible he must display a face-up or wing game. Because of his explosiveness, working on 2-3 dribble combinations and perimeter shot will improve his stock.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="566550" first="Eric" last="Williams"] 2021</strong> 6’7” Combo Forward Williams is an interesting prospect who is playing close to the goal, but can step out and put it on the floor or can create for a teammate. Because of the lack of size on the teams he’s played on his perimeter game has been underdeveloped. With increased skill development, weight room, and time at the small forward position Williams would catch the eyes of many college coaches.</p> <h5><strong>Brother Martin</strong></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="970108" first="Corey" last="Skillman"]</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 6’3” CG If a surname is an indication of what a player can do, well Skillman is an appropriate one for Corey. This young guard is very proficient in his ball-handling and shooting, so much so he can stake a future claim to the number #1 spot in his class. However, for Skillman to place his stamp on the number #1 spot three things need to happen. Like all young players improving their strength and bodies is a priority, secondly, he must demand consistency of himself, and lastly he must become tougher and meaner.</p> <p><strong>Grant Delord</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 6’5” SF This jake of all trades was the #2 of a consistent 1-2 punch last season for Brother Martin. Delord did a good job of contributing to the team’s offense by slashing, popping for 3 pointers, or following up missed shots with put backs. This off-season’s focus should be agility and getting his shot off faster.</p> <h5><strong>Carver</strong></h5> <p><strong>Deion Ware</strong> <strong>2023</strong> 6’2” Point Guard Ware played back up last season, coming into games giving glimpses of the future to come. This smooth lefty reminds me of D’Angelo Russell as he navigates using ball screens and making reads. Unlike many of today’s guards he can create his own shot without the aid of a ball screen. If Ware is to meet or exceed his potential, he must become a more aggressive defender, plus an Alpha Dog on offense. If will be interesting to see how his game develops.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="937608" first="Dorian" last="Finister"] 2022</strong> 6’5” SG In one season this prospect went from 0-100 in terms of notoriety playing his first season with the Rams. Finister excelled and put his athleticism on display in open court or numbers situation. However, if he’s to be considered for a high-level scholarship he must show patience, toughness, and I.Q. in the half-court.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="937609" first="Solomon" last="Washington"]</strong> <strong>2022</strong> 6’7” SF Elite level basketball demand length, height, athleticism, and toughness. A game that consists of a variety of dunks, intimidating weakside dunks, and tough individual defense. In the 2022 class Washington has a higher ceiling because of these traits. However, two other traits are important in high-level basketball…I.Q. and skill. If Washington is to take his show on a national level it is a must that he works tirelessly in these areas if special is to be associated with his name.</p> <h5><strong>Chalmette</strong></h5> <p><strong>Frank Ceaser Jr. 2021</strong> 6’3” SG This slight of build rangy baller loves to let it fly. He has consistently depended on his perimeter game. When crowed he has the ability to put it on the floor and score at the second level. Ceaser must devote his offseason to weight lifting and finishing with contact and an array of finishes.</p> <p><strong>Ke’malice Anderson</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 6’0” PG Anderson is a two-sport athlete: football and basketball. On the court he’s a pass-first point guard… a coach and teammate dream. In an era of high scoring guards Anderson excels at bringing stability and balance to his team. He must revive his previous tenacious on-ball defense, and a consistent outside shot to catch the eyes of scouts.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>