Tarkanian Classic Recap: Top Wings

Got a quick peak at Kazadi while I was watching another contest. The Canadian prospect passes the eye test, with long arms and a good frame. He’s a high energy, high activity guy that used his athletic ability to have an impact on the game.

Jester has the look of a traditional wing. The long armed shooting guard also has some of the skills. He was good when attacking the basket, showing off some advanced finishing moves on his way to the rim. Jester was able to use Euro’s and stepthroughs to avoid defenders and finish plays.

The sophomore was the best player for the Skyhawks. He’s always been a guy that attacked hard going downhill, however he showed an improved jumper, knocking down a couple of threes, and showing a sweet lefty stroke from mid range.

Degourville’s game has evolved so much over the last few year’s that it’s time for a new eval. An elite passer, he has terriifc instincts knowing just when and where to hit teammates with passes. He’s a versatile scorer that can be dangerous when left open from three, is attacking in transition or is isolated against defenders.

This was my first look at the talented freshman and there’s a lot to like. Besides from his physical gifts, Ariza has an advanced game, showing some nice transition finishing moves, to go along with some good 1 v 1 ability. Already on the radar of several schools, Ariza showed why he’s one of the top freshmen in America.

Saw quite a bit of Martin in the summer during the Prephoops Circuit, so it was great to see him during this event. I have him tabbed as a Swiss Army Knife type of player, but it was his grit and grind that was impressive to me. He made an impact on the game mixing it up for rebounds as well, as using his long arms to protect the rim on the defensive side of the ball. A high, high academic prospect, Martin is a player that will be on several radars.

Agu put together a stockrising performance this week. The senior guard came into the week as a top 125 player, but showed that he should be a lot higher than that. His best skill may be his toughness, as he showed the ability to get into the lane and finish plays. Agu is a high impact, transition slasher who was the most productive player for the Crusaders.

I really loved the grit and toughness that Toby played with. He was very active in Meadow’s full court pressure, getting his hands on a ton of balls, causing deflections and steals. When he wasn’t turning his steals into transition layups, you could find him getting to the hoop on tough slashes to the rim.

This was one of the best performances that I saw from Bey. He was his normal stalwart self on the defensive end, however I thought it was his offense that showed the most improvment. Bey was effective when given the opportunity to play in 1 v 1 situations, and he used his R&J ability to finish plays with thunderous dunks. His size, pedigree and production probably earned him some additional looks this week.

I’m sure most people view Meadow as more of a four, however I’ve always felt his skill-set translated more to the wing. Meadow is a good at every not great at any type. Against high level competition he showed that he was athletic enough to finish above the rim, and skilled enough to shoot, handle and pass it at a high level. The Platinum bracket MVP is a big time get for Boise St.