SEPA Spring Grassroots Stock Risers: 2022

[caption id="attachment_1177602" align="alignleft" width="268"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Dereck-Lively-1.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1177602" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Dereck-Lively-1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="268" height="202" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="991185" first="Dereck" last="Lively II"] of Westtown School &amp; Team Final EYBL.[/caption] <p>Below is a look at 17U (2022) prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who played outstanding basketball during the Spring 2021 grassroots circuit and raised their stock with college coaches and in some cases, with NBA scouts.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>17U (2022)</u></strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1200775" first="Saraj" last="Ali"]</strong> <strong>– 6’4’’ / Loyalsock / Team Final Red / Wing:</strong> A long and athletic prospect with plenty of energy and bounce, Ali is a wing player built for the transition game. From Team Final Day in April through TFR’s last event in June, Ali had one of the most impressive stretches of play among 17U prospects. Ali is a wing who plays above the rim and he is a prospect to keep an eye on this summer.</p> <p><strong>Jay Bonnet </strong><strong>– 6’2” / Souderton / PA Running Aces / Combo Guard: </strong>Bonnet is a very talented backcourt player who can splash home the three ball at a high rate. However, this spring he proved he is not a one dimensional player. When defenses attempted to shut down his perimeter game, Bonnet put the ball on the floor and got to the rim. Bonnet’s high level play this spring put him on the recruiting map. With a strong July run, the offers should come pouring in for this combo guard.     </p> <p><strong>Jalen Duren </strong><strong>– 6’10” / Montverde Academy / Team Final EYBL / Center:</strong> It probably seems ridiculous to include a player of Duren’s caliber in an article about prospects who raised their individual stock this spring. But from Team Final Day (DE) to the Southern Jam Fest (VA) and from the KYDA Invitational (NY) to his dominating performance at the Pangos All-American Camp (CA), that’s exactly what Duren (Philly native) accomplished. His breath taking play this spring did more than cement his position as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2022 (By a wide margin.). This spring Duren proved to NBA scouts / front office types that he is absolutely ready to play in the League. One Western Conference scout was impressed telling me Duren is, <em>“an intimidating power with an evolving skill set.”</em></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1180429" first="Sean" last="Howlett"] </strong><strong>– 6’1’’ / Notre Dame Green Pond / LVBC Force National / Shooting Guard: </strong>During his runs this spring Howlett showed text book shooting mechanics and drained threes from all around the arc at a high clip. Howlett also owns solid ball handling skills that allow him create scoring ops for himself off the dribble. When he doesn’t have the ball, Howlett is in constant motion which makes him a tough cover. His ability to set up and execute a back door cut to the rim leads to countless easy baskets for this athletic two-guard.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991185" first="Dereck" last="Lively II"] </strong><strong>– 6’10” / Westtown School / Team Final EYBL / Center:</strong> During the Spring 2021 circuit Lively II continued to show that he is taking the rough edges off his game. He consistently finished alley oops and 2^nd chance opportunities with authority. He also flashed some mid-range game skills and displayed an improved ability to pass out of double teams. On defense Lively II remains an intimidating shot blocker and clears the defensive boards. However, this spring he seemed more disciplined at that end of the floor and thus less foul prone. Lively II is another prospect who caught the eye of NBA scouts.</p> <p><strong>Karron Mallory </strong><strong>– 6’0” / Northeastern / York Ballers / Combo Guard:</strong> Mallory registered an outstanding spring circuit where he proved he can score at all 3-levels. However, it is his money 3-point shot with range well beyond the college line that really grabs your attention. In addition to his shooting skills, Mallory is a very athletic guard who can play the point. At that spot he can attack off the dribble and score through contact or use his excellent court vision to distribute the rock. As a bonus, Mallory proved to be a menace as an on-ball defender.    </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1200771" first="Matt" last="Mayock"] </strong><strong>– 6’4” / Westtown School / East Coast Power-Rap / Combo Guard: </strong>Mayock’s reputation as a high level spot up shooter proceeds him, but in Spring 2021 he definitely showed that he is developing into a more complete player. He scored off the bounce and was very effective in pick-n-roll and pick-n-pop action. At the ultra-competitive Southern Jam Fest (VA) tournament he scored 20 points in a win over the Fairfax Stars (VA) and averaged 15 ppg. over that weekend (2-2). Mayock is a 2022 prospect we will be keeping a close eye on.</p> <p><strong>Jaden Workman </strong><strong>– 6’0” / Pope John Paul / PSB Philly / Combo Guard:</strong> Workman is an exciting backcourt prospect who posted a breakout season on the grassroots circuit where he was a No. 1 / No. 2 option on offense for PSB Philly. His ability to score at all 3-levels has become obvious. It has also become obvious that Workman possesses slick handles and next level court vision. When you pair those skills with his unselfish approach, that trifecta makes Workman a point guard who will grab the attention of many college coaches come July.  </p>