Summer Stock Risers: 2023 Wings (2/2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out my analysis on the kids who have really popped this summer off of their downright dominant performances at tournaments all across the state of Texas. I got a chance to travel all around Texas in search of the next great prospects all summer, and I am excited for you guys to follow along and check out my analysis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Will Cole </span></strong>2023 6'5 Rouse High School (ATX Wolves)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will is an intriguing wing prospect with his ability to affect the game on the interior, while also handling the ball and initiating offense for his team. He has natural point guard instincts with his ability to pass the ball, but also control the tempo of the game. He never seems to be sped up, even despite intense defensive pressure. He can easily dictate what happens whenever he has the ball and wants to create out of the pick and roll. His versatility always kept the defense on its heels, even when he did not have the basketball. His natural ability to rebound and fight in the paint allowed him to get up easy second chance points, as well as easy looks down low off of quick post spins. I would like to see him work on his ability to move without the ball, and use backdoor cuts to free himself up. I would also like to see him focus on his defensive awareness, and sliding over quicker to protect the paint. He has a great motor and works hard to defend on the ball already, so it should not be a big ask!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">[player_tooltip player_id="1471671" first="Ismael" last="Smith-Flores"]</span> </strong>2023 6'7 James Martin High School (Dallas Mustangs 17U)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ismael is an athletic wing who moves very well up and down the court and can handle the ball and create opportunities for his teammates in the full court and the half court. He was easily one of the best players in attendance with his ability to score across all three levels off the bounce. His confidence is growing at a tremendous rate, and is now hunting for his shot in the midrange and beyond the arc. He is eager to get into the paint every chance he can, and knows how to quickly attack smaller defenders before they get a chance to bring a double team. He has an extremely large catch radius which allows his teammates to throw him any sort of entry pass into the post. With his back to the basket he is good at using his size and strength to back his opponent down. He is good at using his size to his advantage, but is also smooth enough to hit turn arounds and use his length to create separation. I was blown away by his ability to hang in the air and release the ball as he is fading away from defensive pressure. Ismael stock is beginning to take off with how easy he can do everything on the offensive end. I am eager to watch his senior year campaign!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nicholas Buffalo</span></strong> 2023 6'5 Deer Park High School (C3 Basketball)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Erik Seghers</span> </strong>2023 6'3 Westlake High School (TWE 2023)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Erik is a high level wing who can play the small ball 4 role if necessary who displayed an ability to rebound, defend on and off the ball, and finish down low. Where I was most impressed with his game was his ability to defend any position on the floor. He has active hands to poke the ball free from guards and their live dribble, but also can bait his opponents in the passing lanes with his long arms. He is great at using his length to his advantage to really affect the game with his aggressiveness on the defensive side of the ball. In the paint, he is a willing rebounder who is good at using his frame to seal off his opponents. He always has his head up and keeps the ball high and out of his opponents reach, and then quickly make the right outlet pass. In the half court, he routinely made the extra swing pass to set up a teammate for a better shot. He made good decisions out of the high post and found cutting teammates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Keandre Jones </span></strong>2023 6'5 Port Arthur Memorial High School (Texas Future Basketball)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keandre is a high level wing who showed an ability to routinely beat his opponent off the bounce and get into the paint. He is a three level threat to score with his ability to catch and shoot and score from the wings and corners with consistency. He is a confident player out of the triple threat and also displayed an ability to back down smaller defenders who get switched onto him. He can screen an on ball defender and slip to the basket for easy looks at the rim. His best skill might be his ability to defend positions 1-4 with ease. He has incredibly active feet that allow him to stay in front of his opponent or chase them down from behind on the break and send their shot off the back board. He anchors his team on the defensive end, and his switch-ability allows him to take on the best matchup. He has very explosive legs that allow him to contest any shot in the paint but also finish with ease. I was not surprised to hear he was the Texas 5A State Champion in the high jump as well!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->