DBA Elite: Top Standouts

<p>The first week of October is coming to a close and AAU teams around the state are getting ready for fall competitions. DBA Elite are a new program, but it is filled with talent across all levels. The players have the ability to make an impact during the season. Here are the top standouts from the DBA Elite practice session.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012988" first="Ali" last="Ahmed"], 6’3 SF Hightstown 2021</strong></p> <p>Ahmed had a strong practice session as he showed his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. The 6’3 forward can put the ball on the floor and is athletic enough to finish above the rim. Ahmed moved well off the ball and knocked down several jumpers. He fought for rebounds on both ends and dove on the floor for loose balls. Ahmed is a tough forward who will help the Rams win a lot of games in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>Joshua Okocha, 6’5 SF/PF Monroe 2022</strong></p> <p>Okocha had a good session at DBA Elite and his success there should carry over into the varsity season. The 6’5 forward can handle the ball on the perimeter and get to the rim. Okocha has a nice touch around the basket and drew contact throughout the night. He used his length to alter shots around the basket and was tough to box out throughout the night. Okocha is a versatile forward prospect who should have a strong season for Monroe.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045873" first="Keenan" last="Reiss"], 6’0 PG Hightstown 2023</strong></p> <p>Reiss may have been the youngest player at the second session, but he proved he was more than up for the task. The 6’0 guard is crafty with the ball in his hands and is hard to keep out of the lane. Reiss is a good finisher around the basket, but is also capable of making opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. He has the ability to run the offense and is a solid defender. Reiss is a talented guard prospect who should be one of the breakout prospects in the CVC this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1064514" first="Anthony" last="Lanza"], 5’10 PG Elizabeth 2024</strong></p> <p>The Minutemen lost guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850354" first="D.J." last="Watkins"] </strong>and <strong>Jayden Pierre</strong> in the offseason, but they got a good freshman guard in Lanza. The 5’10 floor general was flying up the floor in the full-court drills and made solid passes throughout the session. Lanza has a good handle and has the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers. He was talking throughout the session and played tough on-ball defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016639" first="Evan" last="Perez"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900321" first="Al-Fatir" last="Connor"]</strong> will get the main minutes at point guard, but Lanza’s toughness and talking should get the freshman a shot at the rotation.</p> <p><strong>Antonio Del Vescovo, 6’2 SG Mount Olive 2022</strong></p> <p>Del Vescovo started the session slow, but ended it as well as anyone. The 6’2 guard has a good frame which he uses to finish shots through contact. Del Vescovo can handle the ball on the perimeter and is capable of running the offense in a pinch. He is a tough defender and fights for rebounds on both ends. Del Vescovo is a tough guard prospect who is ready to carry the scoring load for Mount Olive.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1027935" first="Ayden" last="Hogan"], 6’2 SG Hightstown 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Jaden Barnett, 5’10 PG Elizabeth 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017709" first="Spencer" last="Kenny"], 6’4 SF Hightstown 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Jake O’Grady, 6’5 PF Hopewell Valley 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>Jack Rial, 5’11 PG Manalapan 2024</strong></p>