Difference Maker Elite Runs: Recent Standouts

When prospects from the southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond go looking for high level skill training and controlled runs, they drive across the river to Cherry Hill, New Jersey. There former Temple standout, Euro-baller and Jamaican National team member Julian Dunkley hosts his legendary Difference Maker Elite training sessions and scrimmages.   In a recent conversation with Dunkley, he and I discussed which area prospects impressed at the Difference Maker Elite sessions during August and September. Below is a review of eight prospects who stood out over the last two months accompanied by a skil set insight or two from Dunkley.   [player_tooltip player_id='1153953' first='Luke' last='Bevilacqua'] – 6'11” / Sophomore / George School / [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] National / Center: The 240-pound Bevilacqua is a high-level interior prospect who is steadily adding a consistent 3-point shot to his game. He possesses good footwork, can establish position on the low blocks and then score with either hand. His size combined with his tenacity make Bevilacqua a monster on the boards. Bevilacqua is a decent shot blocker as well. Holds an offer from UTEP.   Dunkley says: The Class of '25 will not know what to do with the skilled big who owns good hands and a soft touch. Future looks bright for this young man.   [player_tooltip player_id='1395940' first='Elijah' last='Brown'] – 6'4” / Junior / St. Augustine Prep (NJ) / [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] National / Shooting Guard: Brown is a slasher style perimeter prospect who excels at cutting to the basket, receiving a pass, andthen finishing with either hand. Out on the perimeter he can drains threes or use a smooth ball fake, then a quick dribble drive to get to the rim. His stop and pop jumper skills are extraordinary too. Brown holds offers from Albany and Radford.   Dunkley says: Elite defender with an explosive offensive game. Great in transition. He now has a much-improved jump shot.   [player_tooltip player_id='1187956' first='Aasim' last='Burton'] – 6'2” / Junior / Cardinal O'Hara / [program_tooltip program_id='2078692' first='Philly' last='Ballhawks'] / Point Guard: “Flash” Burton's physical attributes -- his athleticism, length, speed, fluidity, and quick first step – have earned him the reputation as one of the top scoring point guards in the region. “Flash” simply glides up and down the court. When you combine that asset with his elusive dribbling skills, you get a transition phenom. This attacking style guard can also drain mid-range Js and deep threes. He recently picked up an offer from UTEP.   Dunkley says: One word to describe this youngin' is PACE. He has the best pace I have seen in a long time. Polished 3-level scorer that gets others involved. D1s should buy stock now!   [player_tooltip player_id='1202039' first='Christian' last='Kirkland'] – 6'7” / Senior / Friends Select / We R1 / Small Forward: After missing the July circuit with an injury, Kirkland continues to fly under the radar. He is a tremendous mid-range to the rim scoring threat. Kirkland can use his dribble drive skills to go from either elbow to the cup for a bucket. Additionally, he knocks home 15–17-foot jumpers all day. Plus, Kirkland is extremely effective at scoring via the offensive glass. Defensively he is a shot blocking machine and can guard 1 through 5. Kirkland holds an offer from Fairfield.   Dunkley says: Lamar Odom type game. He does it all. A big lefty with great handles so he can go coast to coast. He has worked on three ball all summer so he will be more of a threat this year.   Deyishon Miller – 6'5” / Senior / Quality Academy Prep (NJ) / [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] Select / Small Forward: During the 2021-22 high school season Miller quietly registered 21 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game while leading West Philly to their best season in years (21-6). Then Miller posted a monster spring/summer circuit. Now the word is out about this 200-pound athlete's quickness, impressive vertical, ability to score off the dribble and his elite 3-point shooting. His ability to play a point-forward role is extremely unique.   Dunkley says: I think Miller could be a major steal in the Class of '23. He defends multiple positions and is extremely versatile on the offensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='1123937' first='Isaac' last='Moore'] – 6'7” / Junior / Friends Central / We R1 / Power Forward: Moore's offensive game continues to progress at a dramatic clip. His improved 3-point shooting and handles allow him to function effectively on the perimeter. However, Moore's imposing size and low post bag of tricks is still his calling card. This big fella possesses a high basketball IQ and plays with poise beyond his years. As his perimeter skills continue to develop, Moore will become a legitimate DI stretch-4 prospect.   Dunkley says: One of the most versatile players in the Friends League. He possesses a deadly 3-pointer and is set for a big year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1119114' first='Onyekachi' last='Nzeh'] – 6'10” / Senior / George School / [program_tooltip program_id='2078682' first='K-Low' last='Elite'] / Power Forward: This superb athlete with the 7'3” wingspan and ever-expanding offensive skill set now holds over twenty DI college offers. Obviously with his size and reach, “Kachi” can score on the interior in numerous ways. Additionally, he excels in transition where he can finish with an alley-oop. This summer, “Kachi” displayed consistent three-point range on his jump shot. Continued improvement in that area will really open the floor for him to attack the rack off the dribble. Committed to Xavier.   Dunkley says: One of the best, most versatile bigs in the country. Coach Miller got a great player and young man.   [player_tooltip player_id='1472575' first='Nasir' last='Washington'] – 6'2” / Junior / West Philly / SK Elite / Shooting Guard: Washington's game was on point during the spring / summer grassroots circuit, so it is no surprise that he is killing the DME runs. He is lightning-fast and can dunk on defenders' heads, so he thrives in transition. In the half court, Washington scores off the bounce, drains threes and pull up jumpers. Washington plays with a swagger of a pure scorer who believes he cannot be stopped.   Dunkley says: This young man plays hard. He continues to develop his all-around game to become a three-level scorer.

When prospects from the southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond go looking for high level skill training and controlled runs, they drive across the river to Cherry Hill, New Jersey. There former Temple standout, Euro-baller and Jamaican National team member Julian Dunkley hosts his legendary Difference Maker Elite training sessions and scrimmages.