Grind Region Kickoff: 17u Prospect Standouts

Ryan James April 6, 2022 @ 11:14 AM

Marzouq Abdur-Razaaq Marzouq Abdur-Razaaq 6'7" | SF Accelerated Prep | 2023 State CO of Pluto Prospects (6’6 2023 wing from Overland, CO). I’m glad that Marzouq’s last name starts with A because I wanted to get this out in the open quickly: Marzouq is a division one level talent in my eyes and when you talk PLUTO his name should come out as fast as some of the others. I was frozen when I saw him snap that crossover tripping up a defender getting into a comfortable jumper and then I saw him do it again in other games! At his 6’6/6’7 size I was really impressed how comfortable Marzouq was not only putting the ball down into a set defense, but getting to the cup and finishing as help defenders swarmed. He’s a good sized big wing that can play wherever you need him to. The jumper is very pretty and I loved how he finished with the right, and the left on his various basketball attacks against defenders.

Kadyn Betts Kadyn Betts 6'7" | PF Huntington Prep | 2023 #90 Nation CO of PLUTO Prospects (6’9 2023 forward from Pueblo Central, CO). I believe we are on the verge of seeing a massive four months of recruiting from Kadyn Betts Kadyn Betts 6'7" | PF Huntington Prep | 2023 #90 Nation CO . At his size Betts possesses so many qualities that the modern day big man needs: relentless rebounder, good defensive footwork closing out to shooters and to his deep help to contest/block shots, a comfortable perimeter touch with good footwork on the perimeter, the right size at 6’9 and a constant work ethic, and loyalty (yes loyalty which says something about his character and his work ethic). We believe this is a top 100 prospect and the way Betts played against Dallas Showtyme UAA and other teams in OKC leading his team to a 4-0 record, he backed that up and then some. Had 18 points and 12 rebounds in the Showtyme win but even bigger was the defensive rebounding domination at times and key scores (perimeter jumper and lob dunk finish) during a big second half run.

Donavan Gomez Donavan Gomez 6'2" | SG Converse Judson | 2023 State TX of Arnold Elite National (6’1 2023 guard from Judson, TX). The rim attacking playmaker from Arnold Elite National put together several big scoring performances for his team over the weekend including a 31 point game. He’s earned a reputation of being a scorer that once he gets two on you, three more could come in a hurry. That was seen over the weekend and in addition, Gomez is always setting up teammates for high percentage chances. That part of his game never stops making him an All District player this past winter.

Mekhi Johnson of Dallas Showtyme Black (6’6 wing from Heath, TX). Johnson helped Showtyme Black defeat teams with ease this weekend. His basket attack and lift to the rim was impossible for teams to move with and contest. May have led the event in And1 finishes. With a quick bounce and great height/length on the attack, the secondary defenders found the job of slowing Mekhi impossible. Very good offensive rebounder as well.

Quinton Perkins of Dallas Showtyme (6’0 2023 guard from Lake Highlands, TX). The first thing that caught my eye was the trapping, lateral pressuring defense of Perkins. He seemed to fly everywhere on the court getting to angles to harass the ball handler. Offensively when it was a transition spot, a ball screen attack, or a ball reversal into the attack, Perkins was so quick with that first dribble that it sent the defense into confusion and scramble. Really liked his touch on the floater.

Kordrick Turner Kordrick Turner 6'7" | C Sulphur Springs | 2023 State #296 Nation TX of Dallas Showtyme (6’7 2023 forward from Sulphur Spring). In the past two weeks Turner has played against some top teams and had high scoring double-double efforts leading Showtyme. The first thing to know is this is a strong, hard working big man that moves others with his leverage and gets ahead of opposing players because of his effort. Love how physically he plays and Turner is a seven low post basket a game guy who also gets to the foul line as teams have to foul him to slow him. Sets a mean screen as well.

Archer VanSickle Archer VanSickle 6'4" | CG Valor Christian | 2023 State CO of PLUTO Prospects (6’3 2023 guard from Regis Jesuit, CO). What does college want? Shooting. And every 17u season we see a run on shooters when they get hot during the AAU season. Confidence, good size, 40% Club consistency, that is what they look for. And Archer fits those categories. This young man has a zone that teams can not break when he gets comfortable. Dallas Showtyme has explosive, active lateral defenders who stepped into his shots but it didn’t matter: Archer’s great footwork and lift into the beautiful stroke weren’t phased but the defense as he continually hit and went back the other way with the type of confidence only the best have. This is a game changing shooter and I watched that touch change another game in Dallas over the weekend.