Hilltopper Basketball Club/PPA Elite Media Day Standouts

<p>The spring basketball season is right around the corner and AAU teams are preparing themselves for events all over the area. Hilltopper Basketball Club and PPA Elite had their media day yesterday and players had standout performers at the media. Here are the top standouts from the Hilltopper Basketball Club and PPA Elite Media Day.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153277" first="Peyton" last="Seals"], 6’3 SG Ramapo 2024</strong></p> <p>Seals had a standout performance as he showed his ability to run the offense throughout the media day. The 6’3 guard used his handle and change of pace to get into the lane and finish around the basket. Seals has a smooth release on his jumper and shot the ball with confidence from behind the arc. He made good passes in the halfcourt and slid his feet on defense. Seals is a talented guard prospect who should continue to make plays throughout the spring and summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1400494" first="Brandon" last="Rodriguez"], 5’11G West Side 2023</strong></p> <p>Rodriguez had a strong showing at the media day as he was able to score in bunches. The 5’11 guard has a good shooting stroke and was comfortable shooting either off the catch or bounce. Rodriguez also has a nice handle, which he used to get into the paint and finish. He made solid passes and showed the ability to run the offense in a pinch. Rodriguez’s ability to play on and off the ball is something that will help his stock in a big way this spring.</p> <p><strong>Saif Al-Deen Saleh, 6’7 PF/C Clifton 2024</strong></p> <p>Saleh had a breakout performance at the media day as he stood out on both ends of the floor. The 6’7 post player ran the floor hard, creating easy opportunities for himself around the basket. Saleh knows how to get position in the post as he was able to consistently put his man on his back down low. He was tremendous in the pick and roll on defense as he hedged hard on screens and recovered back to his man. Saleh should see his stock rise during the AAU season if he continues to play like he did at the media day.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1411626" first="Zayier" last="Dean"], 5’10 PG Ocean Township 2025</strong></p> <p>Dean had a good showing at the media day as he controlled the flow of the offense during the 15U games. The 5’10 guard used his handle to break down the defense and get into the lane. Dean was able to finish nicely around the basket and drew contact with consistency. He pushed the pace in transition and was able to get deflections on the defensive end. Dean is a scoring lead guard prospect who should have big scoring games this AAU season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1400500" first="Tarik" last="Bicic"], 6’5 PG Rutherford 2023</strong></p> <p>Bicic carried over his success from the high school season into the media day as he had a good showing. The 6’5 guard was not rattled by on-ball pressure and was able to use his size to see over his defender. Bicic ran the offense effectively and was able to find his teammates in good spots in the half court. He shot the ball with confidence from deep and was able to make plays on the defensive end. Bicic’s ability to control the flow of the game is something that will be key for him during the spring and summer AAU season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150278" first="Sutan" last="Fitzpatrick"], 5’10 PG Newark East Side 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>Terrance Wood Jr., 6’6 SF/PF Union Catholic 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1413217" first="Nasir" last="Hudson"], 6’1 G Hackensack 2025</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150532" first="Hazir" last="Lee"], 6’2 CG Newark Central 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1394461" first="Raymond" last="Ezike"], 6’8 C West Side 2022</strong></p>