Tony’s First Team All-Freshman Showcase
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The first ever Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase took place in Des Moines on Sunday afternoon, with 64 players from the Class of 2027 competing. Throughout the next few days, myself and Jeremy Brooks will be running through some of…
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Continue ReadingThe first ever Prep Hoops Iowa Freshman Showcase took place in Des Moines on Sunday afternoon, with 64 players from the Class of 2027 competing. Throughout the next few days, myself and Jeremy Brooks will be running through some of the standout performers from the event, and providing full evaluations of all 64 players who were in attendance. This article touches on the five best players that I saw among the teams I was tasked with covering – Teams 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7.
Darren Grandon Darren Grandon 6'4" | SF Johnston | 2027 IA
Darren Grandon Darren Grandon 6'4" | SF Johnston | 2027 IA
Grandon was the best player I saw this afternoon, a dominant two-way player who can do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor. He’s a long, lanky, and bouncy 6-2 wing who can defend multiple positions and contest shots at a high level. He attacks hard off the bounce and gets to the rim for finishes or can find open teammates. He’s a great rebounder on both ends of the floor and is a good enough ball-handler and passer to lead the break after pulling down a defensive rebound. He showed that he can step out and knock down 3s off the dribble or the catch, and that he can play in some ball screen action, as either the screener or the ball-handler. Simply put, he was dominant, played hard, and was a joy to watch throughout the afternoon.
Charlie King Charlie King 6'4" | CG Roosevelt | 2027 State IA
Charlie King Charlie King 6'4" | CG Roosevelt | 2027 State IA
King was dominant in the two games that I saw of his, particularly with his work on the offensive glass. An athletic 6-3 combo forward with good length, he’s extremely active on the glass on both ends, showing great hands and a quick second jump. He’s relentless as a rebounder, simply working harder than most of the other players on the floor. He showed the ability to create with the ball in his hands, showing good court vision and passing instincts, as well as a willingness to post up smaller defenders and initiate offense from the post. He has great touch around the bucket, and while his jumper is a little bit flat right now, he showed that he can step out and stretch the floor.
Michael Joyce Michael Joyce 6'1" | CG Bishop Garrigan | 2027 State IA
Michael Joyce Michael Joyce 6'1" | CG Bishop Garrigan | 2027 State IA
An active 6-0 guard who competes hard on both ends of the floor, Joyce is going to make an immediate impact as a freshman at Bishop Garrigan. He’s a high IQ player who can do a little bit of everything on the offensive end. If you need him to take over as a scorer, he can do that, either attacking off the dribble and getting to the rim or knocking down shots. If you need him to be a facilitator, he can do that, showing great handles and court vision. He can play with or without the ball in his hands, defend multiple positions, and he crashes the glass hard on both ends of the floor. He was among the best players in the gym, without a doubt.
Jerimiah Washpun Jerimiah Washpun 5'10" | PG Liberty | 2027 State IA
Jerimiah Washpun Jerimiah Washpun 5'10" | PG Liberty | 2027 State IA
A quick-twitch athlete who changes directions without losing any speed, Washpun does a great job using ball screens to create offense for himself and his teammates. He turns the corner tight and can get downhill and to the rim for finishes, but he also showed a solid mid-range game, especially off the dribble. He’s a talented passer with good court vision who gets others involved. He showed some ability to play without the ball in his hands, knocking down a few catch-and-shoot 3s with a quick, repeatable release. Defensively he has quick hands and feet, and when he’s engaged, he can be a really good on-ball defender.
Mack Heitland Mack Heitland 6'0" | SG Waukee Northwest | 2027 State IA
Mack Heitland Mack Heitland 6'0" | SG Waukee Northwest | 2027 State IA
A 6-0 combo guard who was very impressive in both games that I watched of his team, Heitland is always under control, despite playing at a breakneck speed most of the time. He is quick with the ball in his hands and looks to push the tempo whenever the opportunity arises. He excels playing downhill and getting to the rim, but he’s a good shooting threat as well, especially off the dribble. He sees the floor well and is a skilled passer. Defensively he’s a strong all-around player, playing solid on-ball defense, showing quick hands. He’s a good team defender who understands how to rotate.