Summer Challenge: Top Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which prospects were able to significantly boost their stock at the Summer Challenge? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157224' first='Mike' last='Jones'] -- F -- Mac Irvin Fire</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones had an awesome weekend in Chicago. The 2025 forward has solidified himself as one of the best prospects in Illinois, regardless of class. As a shot blocker, Jones is so, so good. He has almost perfect timing. Even when he doesn't fully swat his opponent's shot, Jones' presence is still enough to deter prospects from driving to the hoop. I thought that Jones also showed great improvements in his offensive game this past weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1284852' first='Chris' last='Riddle'] -- SG -- Mac Irvin Fire</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw Riddle play at a couple of tournaments last spring/summer. I really liked his game then. After watching him play at the Summer Challenge, I think that I like his game even more. The Mac Irvin Fire shooting guard could develop into an elite two-way talent. He pairs athleticism, size, and skill. When Riddle is dialed in, he becomes a major problem for opposing squads. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Liam Devine -- SF -- 24:Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Devine is a name to watch out for in the future. Even though he is still very young in his basketball career, Devine flashed some skills that you typically only see in older players. I really like Devin's defensive IQ. The small forward always seems to be in the right spot defensively. He boxes out well, rebounds, and can guard at all spots. Devine is also an opportunistic scorer. If left open, the SF typically makes opposing teams pay. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1561941' first='Jayden' last='Paul'] -- PG -- [program_tooltip program_id='2078838' first='World' last='Hoops Elite']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prior to this weekend, I hadn't had the opportunity to watch Paul. At the Summer Challenge, this point guard didn't miss an opportunity to make a good first impression. In a close game, Paul consistently made the right basketball play. Even with opposing defenders playing aggressively, Paul remained calm. He used his slick handle and speed to blow by defenders en route to easy layups or passes. Paul proved to be the engine of [program_tooltip program_id='2078838' first='World' last='Hoops Elite']'s offense in a big-time win at the Summer Challenge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142132' first='Aidan' last='Konop'] -- G -- 24:Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Konop has been an underrated prospect in Wisconsin's 2024 class for some time now. But I think that the Sussex Hamilton guard is starting to shed that label. The guard played excellent basketball this past weekend in Chicago. He scored and proved to be an elite passer/floor general. When Konop has the ball in his hands, good things typically happen. He creates open shots for teammates, which is a rare skill to have at the college level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Amari Allen -- SF -- [program_tooltip program_id='2076218' first='Wisconsin' last='Playground Club']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I really, really like Allen's game. The [program_tooltip program_id='2076218' first='Wisconsin' last='Playground Club'] small forward had a really strong spring and it looks like he will continue to play well this summer. Allen is a great athlete who is capable of throwing down some impressive dunks in transition. He also is dangerous in the halfcourt. The SF uses his combination of speed and size to attack the bucket and convert on difficult layups. If Allen continues to add new elements to his game, the PGC product is going to become a star. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->