Adidas 3SSB Central Region Top Performers

<p>Continuing my Adidas 3SSB coverage takes us to Central United States. Midwest prospects typically are more fundamentally sound and have the college ready bodies to take the leap in college. Many of these prospects fall into this category as they impressed myself and likely others throughout action last weekend.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="977576" first="Jerome" last="Beya"]</strong> 6’8 C (2022) <em>Wildcat Select (Sunrise Christian Academy)</em></p> <p>Beya was another unsigned 2022 competing in Indianapolis last weekend and used the live period to show his skillset for college coaches. Beya impressed me with some put-back dunks against Team Loaded who has some size themselves. His spin move off the block was tough to defend as he has a firm body and quick feet. Beya brings some athleticism to the table as well which makes him intriguing at 6’8. Will likely have to play the PF position at the next level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962198" first="Taison" last="Chatman"]</strong> 6’4 PG (2023) <em>D1 Minnesota (Totino-Grace)</em></p> <p>Chatman entered the weekend as Minnesota’s Top Player in the 2023 class. The guard demonstrated in several games I watched. First, his size is solid at 6’4. Big enough to be a mismatch for opposing guards. Second, Chatman’s demeanor on the floor is that of a patient, experienced guard as he was not quick to release the ball and actually made some really swift passes. Finally, he can be the guy to get the ball to the bucket if absolutely necessary. Otherwise, he will get it to whoever is supposed to be getting the ball.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1241383" first="Eddie" last="Ricks III"] </strong>6’8 SG (2023) <em>EAB (Clarksville Academy)</em></p> <p>Ricks mainly impressed me with his shooting capabilities as he has solid fundamentals when it comes to his shot and shot selection. Demonstrated he could knock down shots in both a catch-and-shoot setting or more pull-up off the bounce. Patient getting his shot up and keeping focused on the fundamentals while in-air. Ricks can be a fun prospect to watch when he is consistently knocking down shots, which appears to happen often.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1039192" first="Jarred" last="Hall"] </strong>6’8 SF (2023) <em>EAB (Lebanon)</em></p> <p>From watching in warmups, I didn’t expect Hall to be such a difference maker for EAB. The 6’8 wing plays with a chip on his shoulder and makes the needed hustle plays. While he lacks the quickness of other wings, he plays with a certain toughness that allows him to defend the perimeter exceptionally well. Uses that same toughness and discipline to get by quicker defenders by using his body. I like Hall’s upside and think he could be a player worth following for college coaches in the Midwest.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962212" first="Boden" last="Kapke"]</strong> 6’11 C (2023) <em>D1 Minnesota (Holy Family)</em></p> <p>Kapke rounds out the top performers after being a key secondary piece to D1 Minnesota. The senior big man has great movement for a near 7-footer and demonstrated an ability to be a two-way capable big. Offensively stretched the floor out with some quick feet and ball control. Defensively can be a true post defender with his size and quickness. Having a teammate like [player_tooltip player_id="962198" first="Taison" last="Chatman"] means Kapke can settle into a more secondary role. However I am interested to see what the rest of AAU brings and if a college likes his size and versatility enough to make an offer.</p>