Freshman Showcase: Dependable Perimeter Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These perimeter prospects brought value through their defensive motors, constantly active on that end of the floor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2393695' first='Montae' last='Johnson'] - TBD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson brought impressive quickness and foresight on the defensive end, capable of reading opponent tendencies before taking place. When motivated, Johnson was effective at fighting through screens, staying with his man like glue. The guard proved to be among the most refined perimeter prospects, capable of getting to shot attempts on all three levels. Effective rising up into his floater or mid-range pull-up, he was among the most consistent shotmakers on all three levels. Equally effective scoring around the immediate contest at the rim or spacing the floor through a triple off the catch, Johnson was nearly unguardable along the perimeter. An area he excelled was through his live dribble passing, oddly effective at mid-air passing reads, garnering a high assist to turnover ratio on those instances. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2120985' first='James' last='Huff Jr.'] - Regis Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huff Jr. was among the most impactful defensive prospects at this event, playing much bigger than his 5'10 height would indicate on paper. The guard embraced contact on either end, complemented by above average athleticism. Among quite a few occasions, the guard was the first to get up for a rebound or tip, granting additional shot attempts for his teammates. Huff was effective guarding perimeter opponents out from distance or rotating downhill to bump around with opposing forwards. He was among the versatile prospects from a defensive perspective, proving wiry yet mobile. His continued growth as shotmaker will be imperative to his long term upside, although he already boasts a positively impactful playstyle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2257266' first='Chukwudi' last='Megafu'] - Grandview</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Megafu was another athletic defender who proved effective as a two-way rebounder. Standing right around 6'1, the guard got up higher than most opponents for rebounds, boasting a wide reach and great timing on rebounding opportunities. There were few backcourt prospects at this event with his vertical bounce and reach. Megafu proved efficient as a slasher, getting a variety of layup attempts following baseline cutters.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2057083' first='Jai' last='Jegede'] - Smoky Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jegede did well keeping active hands in passing lanes, alongside his willingness to crash the defensive glass. Standing right around 6'2, the guard was constantly seeking out rebounding opportunities, notably finding box outs at a high rate on the defensive end. The guard has quick feet, capable of flipping hips when reacting to opposing drivers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Darian Proctor - TBD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Proctor will be among the most intriguing prospects in the 2028 class, given his positional strength and notably advanced footwork. There are few prospects who bring Proctor's efficiency coming off the pivot foot, capable of getting up scoops and floaters around contests. THe guard also brings a low center of gravity, allowing him to receive or dish out contact while maintaining crucial balance needed. There is no doubt that Proctor brings notable quickness both laterally and straight on, capable of blowing by opponents with the first step. Even when Proctor is unable to get the immediate advantage, he can bully opponents and turn the corner with his strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->