Freshman Showcase: Prolific Downhill Scorers
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These guards did especially well at getting a high volume of touches in the paint, thanks to a well rounded approach of off-ball movement, transition hustle, and intuitive ball handling. Incredible future ahead for these perimeter prospects. Mateo Valencia –…
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Continue ReadingThese guards did especially well at getting a high volume of touches in the paint, thanks to a well rounded approach of off-ball movement, transition hustle, and intuitive ball handling. Incredible future ahead for these perimeter prospects.
Mateo Valencia – Rocky Mountain
Valencia was all over the glass on both ends of the floor, rarely staying put once the shot went up. The guard demonstrated above average athleticism as a backcourt prospect, boasting a quick first step while attacking downhill. This initial quickness set apart Valencia from many other guards, allowing him a comfortable baseline to take advantage of. Of course, the guard proved consistent at embracing contact on both ends, active as a rebounder and scorer around the rim. He proved himself among the scrappiest backcourt players, completely motivated to secure the loose ball no matter the opponent. His progression as a shotmaker will be intriguing, given his high motor baseline that is so hard to find among backcourt players.
Nate Susi Nate Susi 6'3" | CG Horizon | 2027 CO – Horizon
Susi brought a constant motor no matter the circumstances, utilizing his positional strength to impact the game. Displaying strong hands, the incoming freshman got quite a few steals when ripping away the ball from opponents. While attacking the paint, Susi did well managing contact from opponents, granting him additional fouls and opportunities for free throws. His impact as a slasher was valuable, filling space before making a quick decision within a couple dribbles. Defensively, the guard grabbed a few blocks at this event, having no trouble going head to head with an opposing guard.
Alphonso McDonald – TBD
McDonald boasts a very quick first step, capable of getting immediate access into the paint off the initial move. The guard was more than capable of leveraging his downhill scoring gravity for jumpshots, proving especially smooth stepping into mid-range jumpers. His passing accuracy and vision was on full display in transition, even throwing a couple behind the back passes to teammates on the dot. McDonald proved to be a natural playmaker in transition situations, dynamic as a scorer and facilitator.
Seven Akinyemi-Carter Seven Akinyemi-Carter 5'9" | PG Eaglecrest | 2027 CO – Eaglecrest
Akinyemi was among the most prolific transition scorers from this event thanks to his high volume shot attempts at the rim in those situations. Flowing off of a defensive rebound from a teammate, Akinyemi immediately sprinted out to become a threat. His transition volume continued to increase throughout the day, proving to have among the best endurance of perimeter prospects. Regardless of an incoming contest, he was effective finishing with either hand past an incoming contest, unfazed by pressure.
Noah Lucero Noah Lucero 6'2" | SG Roosevelt | 2027 CO – Roosevelt
Lucero proved to be especially proactive, filling open space, becoming an immediate threat thanks to his willingness to get into the paint. Especially active as a slasher and downhill scoring threat, the guard’s primary goal was to attack downhill, throwing the opposing defense into flux. There were few guards who read the floor as quickly as Lucero, especially while off the ball. He could score layups through pressure with either hand, certainly not easily deterred by incoming help rotations.