Hidden Gems Showcase Top Performers

<p>I closed out a busy September by taking in the Hidden Gems Showcase in Columbus last Saturday. Lucius Jones puts on this event and allows multiple players from Central Ohio to be seen by several attending coaches. This being my first time attending, I was impressed with guys I’ve seen before as well as some new names worth watching in the future.</p> <p><strong>DeAndre Gaines</strong> (2023) 5’8 Akron Firestone</p> <p>Saturday served as my first time evaluating Gaines as he was one of a few Akron area players competing in Columbus. Gaines has great quickness and explosiveness on the drive. Utilizes his speed and dribble to get by guys on the perimeter. Makes an impact on both ends of the floor as he is a great on-ball defender too. Pest with his active hands and footwork to stay with attackers. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921797" first="Sohn" last="McGee"]</strong> (2022) 6’4 Central Crossing</p> <p>McGee debuted with Central Crossing after transferring over from Westland this offseason. McGee was one of the more athletic players in the gym. Great finisher around the rim and had several crowd energizing dunks during the game I watched. Great frame and combines that athleticism with the size to be a true mismatch for opponents. I think McGee could be a solid D3 level prospect.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1090154" first="Caleb" last="Miller"]</strong> (2023) 6’2 Thomas Worthington</p> <p>Miller did something you don’t see often in showcases. He showed unselfishness consistently and was a GREAT passer. Facilitates an offense and can create opportunities for himself and others with his passing. Miller broke down defenders off the bounce and showed he could beat guys on the bounce. Great at getting penetration and distributing to one of his teammates on the perimeter. Miller is bound for a breakout season for Thomas Worthington as they graduate a ton of talent from last season’s team.</p> <p><strong>Isaiah Jackson</strong> (2023) 5’10 Pickerington Central</p> <p>Speaking of guys that do things not often seen at showcases, let me tell you about Isaiah Jackson. The Pickerington Central product played with passion in two games I watched and really showed a focus and desire to play defensive basketball. Hustled after loose balls and attacked the glass. Turned defenders and competed for boards with bigger guys. Very unknown due to the depth at Central, but his focus on defense could allow him the chance to see some decent minutes.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921757" first="Jerry" last="Saunders"]</strong> (2022) 6’1 Pickerington North</p> <p>Saunders was one of the better put-together prospects I evaluated. By that I mean he had the most complete set of skills in terms of talent. Controls his dribble and plays bigger than his actual size with his toughness. Unselfish and crafty as a passer to set guys up. Good scoring potential with confidence to shoot from the perimeter or off the bounce.</p>