Under the Radar Unsigned Seniors at Mayhem in the Plex

<p>This group of athletes showed their age through high IQ and using their bodies to the fullest extent. On both ends they displayed versatility and were competitive not simply due to their skills, but their drive to impact winning plays off the court. I have no doubt all of these athletes can carve out respectable college careers, just a matter of where.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4645-rotated.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1453355 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4645-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="213" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1284438" first="Matt" last="Yost"] - Hoops Academy </p> <p>The 6’6 shooting guard out of Colorado was dependable on all three levels while having to matchup against opposing bigs each game. Possessing a high release point, Yost was more than capable hitting pull-up shots in the mid-range while stepping out to the three point line with ease. While he could get to rim either direction, he was most effective with the left hand, doing well using his strength to push opponents around. Although Yost is a heavy perimeter threat, he was more than capable posting up on mismatches and finding ways to grab fouls. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4597-rotated-e1652310026590.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1453356 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4597-rotated-e1652310026590-300x279.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="186" /></a>Victor Mogaji - Just Play Elite</p> <p>Mogaji was a freight train getting downhill, thanks to his low center of gravity and developing offensive skillset. Standing at roughly 6’4, the combo forward did well leveraging his size to create disadvantages on drives, typically with the right hand. On multiple occassions he used the shoulder to bump the opponent away, where he capitalized through making mid-range pullups off the dribble. Although he was at times out of control on the perimeter, when locked in Mogaji showed flashes as a dependable defender 2-4. The forward we easily one of the most unique prospects, from a skillset standpoint this past weekend.</p> <p>Chibueze ’Precious’ Otiocha - Just Play Elite<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4596-rotated-e1652310114817.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1453357 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4596-rotated-e1652310114817-300x259.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="165" /></a></p> <p>The 6’5 forward was another notable athlete due to his defensive versatility and rebounding aggression. He was more than capable out muscling opponents around the rack, as well his long arms allowed him a steady rebounding advantage over similar sized opponents. While he was typically used as a roll man, Otiocha did display a few wing flashes while attacking closeouts.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4644-rotated-e1652310174798.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1453358 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG-4644-rotated-e1652310174798-295x300.jpg" alt="" width="185" height="188" /></a>Jay Sanders - Hoops Academy</p> <p>At 5’10, Sanders was a bulky guard capable getting to rack where he could finish through contact with either hand while also serving as an excellent drive and kick guard. Sanders and Yost were the two vocal leaders of the group, commanding both the offense and defense. Weighing roughly 170 pounds, the guard was a tough matchup one on one, as he was rarely run off the line by opponents. When locked in, Sanders was an excellent weakside rotator who could get up block guys multiple inches taller.</p> <p>Johnny Salazar - Beast Elite</p> <p>Salazar was a crafty 5’11 guard capable getting to rim through IQ and ball-handling acumen, although he was more than capable stretching the floor. He was excellent moving off-ball, making the most of the his cutting along the baseline. Salazar made some waves through his offensive creation off the bounce, primarily out past the three point line. When talking about well-rounded perimeter threats Salazar fits as an elite shooter off the bounce or catch, while doubling down on defense as an instigator despite his size.</p>