5 X-Factors in the ISL
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The Independent School League (ISL) is one of the most competitive high school basketball leagues in New England, with prospects ranging from the D1 to D3 levels. There are far more than five X factors in the ultra-talented league, but…
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Continue ReadingThe Independent School League (ISL) is one of the most competitive high school basketball leagues in New England, with prospects ranging from the D1 to D3 levels. There are far more than five X factors in the ultra-talented league, but these are just some players whose skills and IQ really jump out.
Mullin is well beyond his years skill-wise. The foundation of his offensive game is his exquisite ball-handling ability; he’s got the ball on a string and has a large bag of tricks off the dribble to blow by his opponent. He can go both ways, finish with both hands, and has a variety of ways to finish around the rim. He also boasts excellent shooting ability with a lighting-quick release, and that forces defenses to play him tightly. He brings it all together with a solid feel for the game and passing ability, which he uses to create easy looks for his teammates. Mullin should be able to step in right away and be an impact player for Yale next season, especially once he gets on a college weight program and improves his strength and size.
AJ Dybantsa
AJ Dybantsa
Mullin’s teammate AJ Dybantsa is, barring a serious injury or lack of desire to play basketball, a shoo-in for the NBA. The lengthy 6-foot-7 guard has basically no offensive weakness. He uses his jab series to glide by opponents, and he’s got great athletic ability once he gets to the hoop. He also lights it up from three and has a sustainable, pretty release that’ll only improve with age and experience. Defensively, he uses his god-given tools and great instincts to act as a very solid rim protector. The ceiling is quite frankly limitless, and that’s assuming he doesn’t continue to grow vertically. Keep your eye on AJ… you’ll be watching him on TV someday.
Ferdinando has one of the best feels for the game in the ISL, and he’s only a Sophomore. He’s excellent at moving off the ball and really understands how to use his body and angles to create space off screens. He also doesn’t get tired despite running around like Steph Curry. Once he gets the ball, he has a really solid handle and an unbelievably quick release. He can get into the lane and make plays for himself or his teammates as an on-ball pick-and-roll guard, but he can also work off the ball as more of a role player and ball mover. His versatile offensive game and seemingly pre-developed body make him an extremely intriguing prospect for years to come.
One of the more vocal players I’ve seen at the high school level. He’s constantly letting his teammates know where he is on both ends and communicating about what the opposing team is doing — he’s a real coach on the floor. At this level, the Umass commit uses his strength to bully opponents in the paint. However, he also possesses a fantastic vision and will be an impact passer at the next level right away. Perhaps his most translatable skill, though, is his chaotic yet controlled on-ball defense. He gets into his opponent without fouling, making it difficult for them to get anywhere on the court, and he’ll be able to do that right away for the Minutemen.
Mukisa Mubiru-nkugwa
Mukisa Mubiru-nkugwa
The lefty-guard is one of the most athletic sophomores in the ISL. He has a lightning-quick first step which he uses to get past his initial defender, and then he can elevate with the best of them at the rim. Governor’s runs a Spain pick-and-roll set with him that results in a lob, so he’s a definite vertical threat off the ball as well. He’s also a very capable shooter and can defend players larger and (seemingly) stronger than him. If he continues to grow and get stronger, which he probably will, he could be a high-major prospect. He’s also gone toe-to-toe on the defensive end — and held his own — with many of the top players in the ISL, which is not something many players can say.