PPA Elite Media Day Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The spring AAU season is right around the corner and teams are preparing for the upcoming season. PPA Elite had its media day on Thursday night and players had strong performances throughout the night. Here are the standouts from the PPA Elite Media Day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411626' first='Zayier' last='Dean'], 5'10 PG Ocean Township 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dean missed most of the warmup drills, but he made it count during the game sessions. The 5'10 lefty used his quick first step to blow by defenders off the bounce and get to the rim. Dean finished nicely around the basket and played with composure with the ball in his hands. He pushed the tempo in transition and did a good job on the defensive end. Dean is a speedy lead guard prospect who should have a strong spring AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1775139' first='Zaim' last='Barnes'], 5'10 PG Science Park 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnes had a standout showing at the media day as he showed his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. The 5'10 guard has a tight handle, which he used to beat his defender off the bounce and made plays in the paint. Barnes finished nicely around the basket and showed off a nice release on his jumper. He moved his feet on the defensive end, creating deflections and run outs. Barnes is a shifty floor general whose ability to get into the lane is something that will be key for him this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1773119' first='Jesus' last='Koudou'], 6'4 SF West Caldwell Tech 2024</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Koudou had a strong showing at the media day as he affected the game sessions in a number of ways. The 6'4 wing was constantly moving off the ball, creating open layups for himself in the half court. Koudou showed off a nice touch around the basket and rarely forced bad shots throughout the game. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and showed the potential to defend multiple positions on the floor. Koudou is a lanky wing prospect who should have a breakout spring AAU season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Jali Whitney, 6'4 SF Montclair 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitney made an impact throughout the media day as he was constantly making plays. The 6'4 wing attacked the basket with a purpose as he was able to get to the rim consistently and finish. Whitney was able to get to his spot on the floor throughout the night and rose up nicely on his jumper. He moved well without the ball in his hands and rebounded the ball well. Whitney will be one to watch this spring with his ability to get to the basket and finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557545' first='Cameron' last='Mcrae'], 5'9 PG Elizabeth 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mcrae had a good showing at the media day as he showed his ability to light up the scoreboard. The 5'9 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and made opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. Mcrae did more than just shoot as he used his quick first step and good handle to blow by his defender and get to the rim. He ran the offense at times during the game sessions and moved his feet on defense. Mcrae is a scoring lead guard prospect who has the potential to explode for big games at any point during the spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1775075' first='Ja'Quis' last='Davis'], 5'11 PG Newark Collegiate 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1456846' first='Rasul' last='David'], 6'5 PF 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213571' first='Elijah' last='Butler'], 6'5 SF Linden 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1853445' first='Ali' last='Kelleh'], 6'2 SF Newark Collegiate 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taj Carter, PG Northstar Academy 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->