Check out my scouting reports and analysis on some of the top prospects in attendance at the GASO (Great American Shoot Out) in Bryan/ College Station, Texas! These guys really popped on the first full day of competition, expect them to begin to garner some real attention!
Magoon Gwaith 2023 6’9 Euless Trinity High School, TX (EAD Mid Cities 2023)
Magoon has been raising his stock through his production on the court this weekend, showing an ability to do it all in the paint. He is an elite rebounder on both ends of the court, who maintains good positioning and always seems to be fighting for the right spot to grab a board. He has a real nose for the ball and makes quick decisions and keeps the ball high to either make an outlet pass or quickly turn and finish in the paint. He has a great face-up game and knows to go quickly to avoid double teams. He showed an ability to really operate out of the triple threat or with his back to the basket. He put the ball on the floor and got into the paint from the wings with ease, using his length to out step his opponents and keep them on his hip. I would like to see him get more aggressive and demand the ball, as well as continue his development with his decision making out of the high post and on the fast break.
Nicholas Buffalo 2023 6’5 Deer Park High School (C3 Basketball)
Nicholas is an athletic lefty who use his frame well to finish down low, but also has a tight handle and an ability to score off the bounce in the midrange. He is a very confident player on the offensive end of the court, he is aggressive when he puts his head down to get into the paint and finishes through contact whenever necessary. The most intriguing aspect of his game is his ability to defend multiple positions and switch onto anyone he needs to. He showed an ability to take on skilled wings and shut down guards with his length and harassing on ball defense. He is an active player who is always moving around on both ends of the court. On defense I was blown away with his ability to slide over to cut off driving angles and still getting out to contest a shot in the corner. He tipped one jump shot in the corner after he had gotten two feet in the paint to defend a shot down low. Buffalo has all the tools to become an effective wing at the next level with his ability to defend whatever position is asked of him.
Ziyan Ali 2023 6’2 2023 Spire Academy, OH (ADV4NCED Hoops)
Ziyan is a high level point guard who not only facilitates for his teammates, but does all of the little things necessary to help propel his team to success. He is a willing rebounder who loves to push the pace after defensive rebounds. He always has his head up to make the right decision on the fast break, and showed an ability to make some high level passes. His basketball IQ was on full display as he forced the attention of a second defender and routinely made the right reads. He whipped high level passes across his body to the back side of the court that found his teammates right in their shooting pocket. I was very impressed with his passing ability out of all aspects of the game, especially the pick and roll and on the fast break. On the offensive end of the court, he is a complete three level scorer with his ability to catch and shoot, put the ball and the floor and get into the paint or score in the midrange. I was very impressed with his confidence and how well he attacked the defense time and time again. He always took whatever the defense gave him which allowed him to shoot the ball at a very high clip. He is a good teammate who always looks to keep his teammates heads up, and leads by example with his non stop energy on the court. I was selfishly disappointed to hear he is leaving Texas high school ball, as I will miss opportunities to see him, but is sure to be facing top competition at Spire Academy and I am excited to keep tabs on his development!
Cole Andrews Heitz 2023 Rouse High School, TX (ATX Lockdown 17U)
Cole is a sharpshooting combo guard who can do it all on the offensive side of the ball. He displayed aggression when driving with a live dribble. He is an elite finisher in the lane and displayed crafty euro steps and finishes to evade defenders. I was very impressed with how well he attacked the rim and turned the corner on his opponents. He is a confident player with the basketball and is not afraid to score it on all three levels. He is great at drawing attention and dishing out to his open teammates. He displayed natural point guard instincts in the open court with his decision making and handle. I was very impressed with the change I have seen in him defensively over the last year. He has active hands that poked the ball free from his opponents, allowing him to come up with multiple steals on ball. He baited his opponents into mistakes by playing the passing lanes and angling them towards a second defender.
BJ Stewart 2023 6’5 Lee’s Summit High School, KS (M.L. Elite)
BJ is a high level athlete with his ability to seemingly do it all on both ends of the court. He can easily defend positions 2-4 and holds his own against dominant bigs. He showed an ability to slide over and protect the paint when playing small ball center for his team, but also was a confident defender on the perimeter when playing alongside a true forward. I was very impressed with his overall frame and how well he moved up and down the court to wreak havoc. He is a monster in the full court, when he gets a full head of steam you do not want to be in his way. I was very impressed with his overall offensive game as well, he showed an ability to back down smaller opponents on switches, put the ball on the floor from the top of the key and get to the rim, or stop on a dime to score in the midrange. He is comfortable at all three levels, and knocked down shots from beyond the arc at a high clip when given an opportunity to catch and shoot off the catch.