EYBL Memphis: Wings and Things (Forwards)
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A busy spring was wrapped up for Team Griffin in Memphis with the final EYBL session before the Peach Jam in August. Putting a bow on coverage of Griffin this spring is a look at the Wings and Forwards that…
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Continue ReadingA busy spring was wrapped up for Team Griffin in Memphis with the final EYBL session before the Peach Jam in August. Putting a bow on coverage of Griffin this spring is a look at the Wings and Forwards that made big steps this spring.
Combs-Pierce was a steady grower for Team Griffin throughout the Spring session. Even though he did have experience on Nike E16’s last season, the jump in size and athleticism to the 17U EYBL is a steep learning curve. By Dallas, the 6 foot 7 wing/forward prospect was finding his stride, as he improved his efficiency around the rim, a communicator on defense and starting to rack up blocks. In Memphis, he looked more confident and decisive on the offensive end, playing with more fearlessness with attempting to finish at the rim. Which did produce some above the rim highlights on offense.
The defensive capabilities, the ability to cover guards while also battling around the rim, give Combs-Pierce D1 upside. This spring has shown the growth that is needed on the offensive side to become a fully well rounded prospect. And the way that he closed out Memphis hints that he could be close to turning a corner on the offensive end.
Another lanky wing-forward prospect, Rayfield also found his stride against the national competition and possibly is the most improved 2025 prospect in Oklahoma over the last few months. Always blessed with great size, wingspan and mobility, he has added more urgency to his game. Especially on the defensive end as a shot blocker. The urgency is also apparent on offense, where he’s now much quicker and decisive when given a lane to attack. Now often ending with a slam. Rayfield still has flashes as a catch and shoot option, which helped him average 14 a game in Memphis this weekend. With a productive spring in the books, the 405 based wing-forward prospect is now trending to having the production to match his potential as a Power 5 level prospect.
Kai Ellis
Kai Ellis
The Class of 2026 youngster is a defensive specialist with a strong frame and good lateral movement. This allows him to often do a great job in one on one situations. Along with using his physicality to disrupt offensive players, he can also sit down and move his feet to keep ball handlers in front of him. That quickness and instincts also translate into often being in good positions to take charges. On the offensive end, Ellis is becoming a quality finisher at the rim. With a good mix of power to finish in traffic or finesse to avoid defenders on drives.
After a hot shooting start in Atlanta, Gray was quieter for much of the spring. But after being challenged early in Memphis, he not only shot it better as a spot up threat, he also improved his rebounding and battling around the rim. His best game came with a 12 point and 6 rebound performance in a win over NW Rotary Rebels. Featured in the game was an impressive “head tap” dunk where his quickness off the floor allowed him to thread the needle between block attempts from taller defenders. If he can replicate that intensity, with his size and shooting ability, Gray could be headed for a huge boost in his recruitment in July.
And last but certainty least is the Mr Production, Dylan Warlick Dylan Warlick 6’6″ | SF Edmond North | 2024 State #226 Nation OK . This weekend featured two games where his last second heroics forced overtime and multiple 20+ scoring performances. It’s a broken record, but like Thanos he is inevitable. He is going to find a ways to get offensive rebounds, the opening on a drive or post up, or power through the contact at the rim and simply produce. He finished the 17 game EYBL regular season with a scoring average of 15.4 points on 53.8% shooting from the rim, while also grabbing 6.2 rebound a game. And it wasn’t easy looks at the rim, he’s often playing through contact, and not getting as many calls as he potentially could.
What’s his position? Yes it sounds corny, but his position is simply a winner. His physicality gives guards issues, and he’s quick, crafty and tough enough to find ways around and through taller players. The one lingering question mark is his still developing shooting ability. Warlick averaged under one shot attempt from three for the whole session (5-15 from three). On college scouting reports, he will need to be identified as a perimeter threat, or defenses will severely sag off him, clogging up driving lanes. Shooting just a tick under 80% from the free throw lane indicates there is the potential for his shooting ability to improve from the mid-range and beyond the arc.