AP’s Notebook: The Last Dance Day 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we wrap things up in Chicago, it's time to look back at day 3 standouts. We had a Wisconsin Playground 2025 game show off their talent, a set of prospects with high upside, and the emergence of a 2024 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wisconsin Playground 16U</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best team performance on Sunday was from this group of 2025 prospects. Everyone knows how to play and has the tools to develop into good players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1525071,"width":120,"height":160,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0549-rotated.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0549-rotated.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='2416564' first='Terrance' last='Spinks Jr.'] | The Traveling Hoopers" class="wp-image-1525071" width="120" height="160" /></a><figcaption>[player_tooltip player_id='2416564' first='Terrance' last='Spinks Jr.']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their top guy may be [player_tooltip player_id='2416564' first='Terrance' last='Spinks Jr.'] He affects the game, whether he has the ball or doesn't. He can knock down the three, push it in transition, and rebound for the position. At 6'1 he has the IQ and feel to make plays all over the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marquell Robinson is one of the better isolation creators out of the group. He can get downhill and finish through contact. Robinson flashed good instincts when operating the pick and roll.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":1525073,"sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0553-rotated.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0553-150x150.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1525073" /></a><figcaption>Cardyaire Simmons</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cardyaire Simmons went for 24, showcasing his ability to slash and hit the outside shot. He's a good straight line driver with a quick first step. His athletic burst helps him make plays on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mahkye Futch showed fundamentals when scoring on the break. He uses jump stops, two foot takeoffs, and high finishes to avoid the defense. Futch finishes well through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hniluo Emerges</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":1525074,"sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0548-rotated.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0548-150x150.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1525074" /></a><figcaption>Anthony Hniulo</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anthony Hniulo had a big shooting game, posting 24 points in a close match. When he gets in a rhythm, he can knock down shot after shot from deep. Hniulo dropped five threes and hit several midrange jumpers. The 2024 prospect controls an offense when he has the ball in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>High Upside Picks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Terrance Smith</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'4 with a good athletic package, there's a lot to like about Smith's future. As a shot blocker, he has good timing. He flashes a handle on the perimeter and can rebound for his size. He can score on putbacks in the halfcourt, make smart cuts, and make tough layups. The defensive tools are there, especially when he's at the top of the press.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1142141' first='Derrick' last='Johnson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As hard as Johnson plays and as hot as his motor runs, he has a chance to be a good two-way player. He has the speed to take guards off the dribble and the strength to convert and1s. The 2024 prospect played intense defense at the point of attack, leading to deflections and steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2815604' first='Andrew' last='Hill']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hill is 6'5 wing with a frame that can hold some weight. He has a consistent stroke from outside, can push it in transition, and defend multiple positions. As his handle tightens, he'll be able to use his size and shooting score in the half court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->