Philadelphia Area Underclassmen Report: Part 2

PHILADELPHIA AREA UNDERCLASSMEN REPORT: FALL 2020 PART 2 By: Omar Richburg Thanksgiving time has a distinct aura. The passage to the holiday season, the aroma of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and the start of basketball season in Pennsylvania. But hey it’s 2020 so expect the unexpected. With virus cases on the rises again it looks like winter indoor sports will be suspended or possibly postponed in particular areas of the state. Philadelphia and surrounding southeastern counties, in particular, have been hit the hardest with restrictions on indoor activities and game play. And with the updated restrictions things will be on ice in the area until 2021. However, while things were active I had the chance to see some area underclassmen in live action. The future looks promising for this group of ballers. Hopefully they will get a chance to have a season to showcase their talents. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_20201114_170503.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1088837 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_20201114_170503.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="174" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="991263" first="Robert" last="Keys"], Paul Robeson (2022) – Hyper athletic is one way to describe Rob. Stop and start ability is off the charts and with explosiveness where he can and will dunk on you off the dribble, in traffic. Don’t sleep. Solid handle with both hands gets him easy pull up midrange jump shots. This lefty 6’0” combo guard is just as quick with ball as he is without it. He is unstoppable in the open court with a full head of steam. Rob plays the game with tons of energy and has a scholarship type motor. Relentlessly attacks the rim and will develop his range as he gains more confidence. The key for Rob and his future recruitment is he is #1 in his class at Paul Robeson with a 3.9 GPA. This Southwest Philly native is definitely on the correct path on and off the court. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_20201108_163035.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1088842 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_20201108_163035.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="173" /></a> Niymire Brown, Sayre (2023) – This 6’4” sophomore forward has a bright future ahead of him. He has a strong thick frame that allows him to play through contact in the paint. He also has the ability to finish with both hands at the rim and has a nice touch on his midrange shot. Very effective offensively in the lane and will extend his range as he gets more experience on the court. Defensively he is an excellent shot blocker and with his length and jumping ability alters opponent’s shots. Very strong rebounder on both ends of the floor. Understands help defense which is an important concept to grasp at his age. Niymire recently had a great showing at the Pangos Camp when he was one of the top performers in his class and position. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_20201030_180542.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1088849 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_20201030_180542.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="173" /></a> Saleem Payne, Cheltenham (2022) – Philadelphia is known for producing great guards, especially point guards, and Saleem does not disappoint. He is everything you would look for at that position. He is smart, very athletic, can play at various paces and is very patient. Knows how to use change of speed to keep his defender off balance. Superb court vision that can set teammates up for easy scores. Great at getting the defense off their feet to make the pass to teammates. He has an incredible feel for the game to stop at the foul line and not over penetrate when attacking basket or in transition, which is a lost art in today’s game. Solid three level scorer and proficient finisher at the rim with both hands. Although he is only 5’9” he is a quick jumper and has excellent hang time. He is receiving mild interest from local Division II schools. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_20201117_201958.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1088852 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/IMG_20201117_201958.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="173" /></a> Mike Varallo, String Theory (2022) – Even though he is small, standing at 5’6”, Mike makes a huge impact on the game. He is the table setter for up and coming String Theory program, who in recent years has entered the Philadelphia Public League. With magnificent floor vision and pinpoint passing ability, Mike is very unselfish and is always looking to make plays for his teammates drawing the defense and dishing. With excellent footwork and a flashy handle, he plays with tons of swag and bounce in his step as he surveys the floor. Although he is a lefty he can finish plays strong with both hands at the hoop. Crafty decision maker who always has his head and eyes up completes the skill set for this pass first guard. He started as a sophomore during the shortened 2019-20 season and also was a First Team All-League Soccer player his first two years in high school. The South Philly native wants to focus on his hoop game as an upperclassman to be a two sport athlete at the next level.