Tarkanian Classic: National Underclass Evaluations (Pt. 2)
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LAS VEGAS — In our previous coverage of the Tarkanian Classic, we dove into the top players from California who performed well in Vegas, but in this piece we wanted to branch out a bit and take a closer look…
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Continue ReadingLAS VEGAS — In our previous coverage of the Tarkanian Classic, we dove into the top players from California who performed well in Vegas, but in this piece we wanted to branch out a bit and take a closer look at players outside the state who put together strong efforts at the event. Here are the standout freshmen and sophomores in this category.
John Mobley, Jr., 2024, Bishop Gorman (NV) – Perhaps one of the most elite shot-makers in the country resides in Nevada and plays at Bishop Gorman high school. The 6-foot combo guard has great feel on the ball when creating his own shot off the bounce. Mobley creates space with high level footwork and crafty hesitations and dribble move and can knock down perimeter jumpers from multiple spots and ranges on the floor. Mobley is one of those players who may take a bad shot or two, but he makes up for it at some point in the game with a scoring flurry that takes away any momentum the opponent had at that point in the contest.
Liam McNeely, 2024, John Paul II (TX) – McNeely has an advanced combination of basketball IQ, positional versatility and scoring ability that make him a national level recruit in the sophomore class. The 6-foot-7 wing is an efficient inside-out scorer whose ability to stretch the floor to the three-point line, attack driving lanes and create for himself and others off the bounce and score with his back to the basket or the mid-range level makes him a mismatch for most opponents.
Mason Brown Mason Brown 6'1" | PG Durango | 2025 CA-S , 2025, Durango (NV) – Brown is the other half of Durango’s talented freshman back-court and brings a different style than his teammate Jevon Yapi Jevon Yapi 6'2" | PG Red Rock Academy | 2025 State #379 Nation NV . Brown is an unconscious shooter who already has NBA-type of range and the freedom to pull whenever he has a beat to get a shot off. The 6-footer has a quick and repeatable release, doesn’t need much time or space to get his shot off and never lacks confidence even when he’s missed a couple in a row.
Micah Robinson Micah Robinson 6'6" | SF Oak Hill Academy | 2024 State #91 Nation VA , 2024, Greenhill School (TX) – Robinson has emerged as a legitimate Division I caliber guard/wing due to his ability to impact every facet of the game. The 6-foot-5 sophomore can used his size and athleticism slash and score in the painted area, but is most effective when playmaking for others with his high passing IQ and unselfishness. Robinson is always looking to make the extra pass to a shooter or one of his big men for an easy dunk. Robinson is also a very good rebounder on both the offensive and defensive glass.