SEPA July Stock Risers: 2023s
In this article:
[player_tooltip player_id="1188210" first="Alassane" last="Amadou"] of SCHA & Philly Pride. Photo: Philly Pride Below is a review of 2023 (16U) prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who played outstanding basketball during the July 2021 grassroots circuit and raised their stock with college coaches…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBelow is a review of 2023 (16U) prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who played outstanding basketball during the July 2021 grassroots circuit and raised their stock with college coaches as well as scouts.
Alassane Amadou Alassane Amadou 6'9" | PF SCH Academy | 2023 State #188 Nation PA – 6’9” / SCH Academy / Philly Pride National UAA / Wing: One could argue that no prospect (regardless of class) posted a bigger breakout on the July circuit than Amadou. Last winter Amadou was an athletic, high energy reserve (4 ppg. & 4 rpg.) on a deep Bishop McDevitt roster. He showed enough during last high school season that he received offers from a couple of Big 5 schools. Then in July 2021, thanks to improved perimeter shooting and a new fearless style of attacking play, he simply went off. This wiry and long athlete proved repeatedly he can shoot the three (40% on 3PAs) or score off the bounce. At the UAA Finals in Indiana, Amadou posted a ridiculous near triple-double — 15 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks — against Texas Impact. For July he averaged 10 points, 12 boards and 3 blocks per game. He led the UAA circuit in rebounds and blocks. Maryland, VCU, Marquette, Dayton, Cal-Poly and others have now joined the parade of offers for Amadou.
Marcus Branker, Jr. – 6’5” / West Catholic / BW Elite / Wing: Branker was a key player on a BW Elite 17U squad (Branker “played up”) that came out of nowhere this summer to become one of the most talked about teams in the region. He is a very active super athlete who excels in the transition game and can play above the rim. In the half court he is a slasher style wing who moves well without the ball and is very smooth when scoring off the dribble. This young gun helped BW Elite win the 17U platinum division of the Spooky Nook Jam Fest. During the July live period LaSalle sent an offer his way and we expect more will come rolling in for this high level wing prospect.
Adam “Budd” Clark – 5’10” / West Catholic / BW Elite / Point Guard: After running with the Sharon Knights and Philly Pride in the spring, Clark’s first ever action with BW Elite came in July. To say he had an amazing debut BWE season is an understatement. Clark received minutes with both the 16U and 17U teams during last month’s events. In Mid-July Clark helped the 17s win the Spooky Nook Jam Fest (PA). Then at the end of the month, during the Atlantic City Jam Fest (NJ) his floor general style of play was phenomenal all weekend as Clark (10 ppg.) pushed BW’s 16s to their division title at that event. In addition to his wicked handles and ability to score at the cup frequently, Clark is an elite on ball defender. This summer he scored repeatedly by stripping his man of the rock then racing down the floor for lay-ins. This undersized lead guard can also hit jumpers in the half court and used his drive and kick skills to set up teammates for wide open scoring opportunities. Clark is the type of point guard who makes every player around him better.
Cameron Jones – 6’0” / Wilson / Philly Pride Gold / Combo Guard: A freak athlete (He also is an outstanding football player.) with a relentless motor, Jones is that “glue guy” every college basketball program covets. He is a tenacious on-ball defender who tortured opposing players during the month of July. After a steal / deflection, Jones blasts down court in transition for easy lay-ins or to drop a dime on a teammate. Jones also has the handles and court vision to run at the point guard spot. As a bonus, he owns a good jump shot that with a little work could become a legit weapon for him. Jones flashed that jumper throughout July, but especially at the Spooky Nook Jam Fest when he knocked down timely treys all weekend including 3 in one game. The upside on Jones is tremendous, so he is a prospect we will definitely be keeping an eye on this winter.
Aris Rodriguez – 6’3” / Reading / Reading KTB / Shooting Guard: Rodriguez is a knock down shooter who can drain threes and pull up mid-range jumpers all day. He was a nightmare to defend throughout July (20 ppg. across all contests), but especially at the AAU DII World Championships in Orlando, FL where he was age group Co-MVP of the event. In one game during the trip to Florida, Rodriguez posted 25 points on 5 made threes. Rodriguez helped Reading KTB win the 16U/10th grade division at the AAU DII World Championships. A natural scoring / shooting guard, Rodriguez plays with pace and thus puts consistent pressure on defenses. The attention he draws creates space for his teammates and Rodriguez will not hesitate to move the ball to an open shooter. Rodriguez is also a solid defender who if he continues to develop on that end could be a lockdown guy.
Zion Stanford Zion Stanford 6'5" | SF West Catholic | 2023 State PA – 6’5” / West Catholic / K-Low Elite / Wing: Stanford is a long, versatile and athletic prospect who can play multiple positions. This do-it-all player can fill the lane in transition or push the rock up the floor himself. His jumper has range out to the three where he hits at a high percentage. However, if a defender closes out on Stanford too quickly, he is also very comfortable putting the ball on the floor and playing downhill. Stanford tipped off July with some very impressive individual play at the Battle for the Bell event. During K-Low’s upset victory over Team Final EYBL he posted 26 points. Then in their win over Philly Pride National he scored 20 pts. Stanford’s exceptional, attacking style of play continued throughout July as he helped lead his K-Low team to a 15-3 overall record. The squad made title game appearances at the adidas 3SSB Championships as well as the Hoops Group Jam Fest (playing up in 17U).