PrepHoopsTN Summer Combine Evaluations: Part X

Andrew Force July 17, 2022 @ 01:33 AM

Akard showed up with a nearly-healed ankle injury and still recorded nice sprint and agility times. The first skill that leaps off of the page with Alex is his shooting touch. He can and did hit both the 8-12' jumper with ease and even made the three-point shot look convincing. He may never be asked to shoot beyond 18', but he appears to be a strong shooter for everything inside that range going forward.

Akard is all of 6-foot-9 with some inherent toughness. Some grit. This is the area he needs to address long-term though. Rather young for his grade, Alex has probably not been asked to batter dudes on the blocks too often. As he enters the second half of his varsity career now is the perfect time to adopt a more bruising style of play. The low blocks at Maryville's level and at the college level he eventually will belong are no home for the timid and Alex looks like he has a little of that currently. So often it takes bigs like him a little bit of time to embrace their size and fearlessly throw the weight around for lack of a better phrase. He will get there and considering his advanced shooting touch and unteachable height "there" will be a lofty place.

Judah Sault Judah Sault 6'5" | SF Cleveland | 2023 State TN | 6'5” SG/SF | Cleveland

How did he measure against the competition?

Class of 2024
6'5"
Wingspan -- 6'2"
Shuttle Run -- 3.2, 3.5
3/4-Court Sprint -- 3.9, 3.8
Lane Agility -- 10.92, 10.45
Camp Ranking -- #9
State Ranking -- #41

NBA Stylistic Comparison: 2001 Bucks Darvin Ham
College Projection: Low-Major D1

The game of Judah Sault Judah Sault 6'5" | SF Cleveland | 2023 State TN was similar to his game three years prior, in that Judah is still a wonderful post defender with quick finishes in traffic, and above average speed at 6-foot-5. What frustrates is his inconsistent outside shot.

Judah Sault Judah Sault 6'5" | SF Cleveland | 2023 State TN (2023)

Despite standing among the trees of the event, Sault recorded the fourth best shuttle time (3.2) in a drill that perfectly measures the lateral mobility. Sault could be a college wing defender, but can he score as a small college wing? Probably? The event did not give him enough perimeter touches to show off his handles, but they are better each year. He does not have much trouble getting to the basket and nobody makes the defense pay more often around the basket. It is just that unreliable three-pointer that snags him. Sault is bouncy and active around the rim, a plus rebounder.

Incredibly powerful legs. Judah is fantastic at changing direction and getting around the court. His 10.45 Lane Agility time ranked among the best of the entire event, staggering considering most of the top lane agility guys stood under 6 foot-2. Playing as a slashing, rebounding, and defending wing looks to be his pathway to college success.

Caiden was just outside the All-Star selections from the day, and in all honesty in two years his omission will look absurd. Botts did not have his best day, and looked more effective during his April/May AAU runs.