NW Live Recap: Next Up
One of the best parts of AAU ball is getting to watch freshmen and sophomores play more minutes and in critical situations than they probably did during the high school season. Even for guys who got meaningful minutes for their…
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Continue ReadingOne of the best parts of AAU ball is getting to watch freshmen and sophomores play more minutes and in critical situations than they probably did during the high school season. Even for guys who got meaningful minutes for their high school teams, spring and summer are an opportunity to expand their roles and handle new situations. Over the weekend I got an extended look at some underclassmen ready to make the leap and become key contributors. Here they are, a few of the players who’ve got next.
Ryan Mcferran 6’6 PF Jackson 2024 North City
If you are searching for an active big man, look no further. McFerran played with great energy this weekend, attacking both sides of the ball and flying around. He was getting boards and blocks above the rim, showing he can be a good paint defender with his long reach. Offensively, he was making smart dives to the hoop and receiving the ball low or high, using good hands to reel the passes in among traffic. He stepped outside to attempt a few threes but didn’t knock it down with the consistency you hope for. If he can improve that shot and draw bigs out of the key, he can really improve his impact offensively. McFerran also needs to get stronger to maximize his potential. There were times he got pushed off the ball inside or was just off on a look because of physical play. He has all the tools to be the next guy up out of the north and this summer will be key in his development.
Josiah Lee 6’0 PG Glacier Peak 2025 Seattle Select
Lee wasn’t relegated to junior varsity or a bench role during the high school season. He played meaningful minutes and got some attention for his play. During the NW Live event, Lee got to showcase himself as a legit point guard, which he didn’t get to do much last season. What jumps out is his long reach. This helps him be a tough on-ball defender but also impacts his playmaking on offense, and gives him the impression of being taller than 6’0. I knew coming in he could stroke the long ball but he got to showcase his playmaking ability and work on running an offense. He showed good toughness through a high-pressure defense, protecting the ball and still looking out over the floor with the defense right on him. He has some potential to bust out as a good assist man if he can keep his current trajectory going. Lee is also an exceptional athlete and I could see him working a lot through the pick and roll as he gets more comfortable at the point.
Ishe Kanhukamwe 5’9 PG Eastside Catholic 2024 FOH Seattle
I love this kid’s game. He always brings it defensively and that energy seems to spill over into the rest of his game when he’s on and making plays on defense. Kanhukamwe was one of the quickest players side-to-side and was like a fly buzzing around ball-handlers. He makes life difficult for opposing point guards and is a true pest. Of course, I already knew all this before the weekend. What I hadn’t seen was his aggressiveness on offense, looking for his shot and using his quickness to create space for his own looks. I knew he had a tight handle but there were times he was putting moves together that made the ball look like a yo-yo on a string. His jumper was on point, hitting from mid-range, three-point, and even once or twice extending out further. This was a new side to his game that was truly impressive. If he can keep improving the jump shot and getting it to fall consistently off the dribble, he will be a real problem as a two-way guy.
Levi Dorsett 6’0 SG Grandview 2024 Central WA Elite
Here was another guy that stuck out during the high school season, getting good minutes as a sophomore. Dorsett is an underrated athlete with great toughness that won’t shy away from a challenge even though he finds himself a bit undersized at the shooting guard position. He’s a solid all-around player that can chip in shots from outside, move the ball well, and be a key part of good team defense. What puts him on another level is his will to compete. Dorsett showed an impressive knack for hitting tough shots inside through multiple defenders. He can take contact, hang a little bit, and find the bottom of the net. This fighting mentality is applied to each area of his game and is a driving factor in his development.
Dane Gardea 6’3 PG Walla Walla 2024 Select Maroon
Gardea is a tall point guard who oozes poise. He was not easily shaken or hurried into mistakes against a tough Renton Select team and displayed an ability to score with fluidity from all three levels. He can knock down the trey, whether it’s on the catch, walking into it, or off a dribble move. At 6’3 he’s an athletic finisher from the point guard spot with either hand. It comes down to his base and strong legs. When he drives in from the wing, he keeps his base under him and is ready to launch off any step. He can absorb bumps, move at odd angles, and stay on balance, giving him a good shot at scoring in the paint. He could catch a lot of people by surprise after a productive summer.