Colby's Fall Workout Tour: Paul VI

Yesterday I made the trip down to South Riding, Va. to visit one of the top programs in the country in Paul VI Catholic. The Panthers have been a factory in producing high major talent and the 2023-24 roster is no different. In fact, this group has a strong chance of being special. For this workout tour article, I'll break down thoughts in categories.   Departures:   DeShawn Harris-Smith (Maryland) had a strong argument as being the best prospect in the DMV last season. The 6-foot-5 southpaw guard was a nightmare to defend once he got downhill and the intense competitive edge that he brought to this team was a critical aspect in finishing with a 33-4 overall record while partaking in a national schedule.   2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1409272' first='Christian' last='Gurdak'] made the move from PVI to Gonzaga (D.C) and will be the featured big man in the paint for head coach Steve Turner.   Key Senior Returners:   Duke commit [player_tooltip player_id='1259620' first='Darren' last='Harris'] is coming off a Peach Jam performance that will not be forgotten anytime soon as he scored 28 points for Team Takeover in the championship game while taking home MVP honors. Harris is one of the best shooters you'll find in the country, but he's much more capable and it will show with his improvement on the defensive side of the ball this season.   Five-star center Patrick Ngongba has surfaced in the conversation as the nation's top big. Since spring, the 6-foot-11 center has improved his body and as a result, has expanded his game exponentially to impact at both ends. He does most of his work in the post where he scores over either shoulder or feasts on the offensive glass, but is a high-level passer and can step out beyond the arc to knock down three's with time and space. His length comes into play defensively protecting the rim, hedging ball screens and closing down possessions as a rebounder with tremendous instincts.   UConn commit [player_tooltip player_id='1259618' first='Isaiah' last='Abraham'] is one of the more explosive athletes that you'll find at 6'6-6'7. His versatility at both ends is what made head coach Dan Hurley prioritize him to help continue their national championship hopes moving forward. Abraham brings energy, a threat to break the rim in the open floor and a guy who can legitimately defend four positions at the high school level.   Rhode Island commit [player_tooltip player_id='1259542' first='Ben' last='Hammond'] is going to prove his value this season as a point guard. Not that he didn't already start this movement last season, but heading into his senior year, the 5-foot-10 floor general is dialed in with becoming more of a verbal leader. His ability to adjust and contribute in several ways is what makes him so valuable, but adding the intangibles that come with being the leader of a team is what will help this team reach their potential.   Notre Dame commit [player_tooltip player_id='1259630' first='Garrett' last='Sundra'] is yet another high major commit that will receive a boost in role as a senior. He has the skill set to play next to Ngongba if needed or be featured as the five where he can score on the block or in the short corners. Like Ngongba, Sundra's length is pivotal in situations at the rim as a defender and has improved his toughness in rebounding both in and outside of his area.   Special Underclassmen:   2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2148767' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] checks all of the boxes when evaluating future high major prospects. He has a chiseled frame at 6-foot-2, plus wingspan that measures 6-foot-9 and athleticism that allows him for above the rim finishes whenever he pleases. Most importantly, he has the mindset to be great and the competitive edge to never give anything less than 100 percent. He wants to win every possession, every drill and every game. On a court infested with some of the best players in the country, Smith was the most impressive.   2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1782683' first='Anthony' last='Brown'] will take on a bigger role this season backing up Hammond at the point guard slot. The duo's skill set even offers head coach Glenn Farello to play both at the same time for stretches. Brown has an advanced feel for the game at this stage and understands how to control pace, make split-second reads with either hand off the live dribble or put the ball in the basket himself when his number is called.   2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1782691' first='Jordan' last='Hunter'] will have a chance to have an impact on the rotation this season as well. His end-to-end speed is extremely impressive and the burst that he plays with off the catch makes it tough for any defender to stay in front of. The key for Hunter will be knocking down open jumpers, staying dialed in on the defensive end and being willing to do all of the little things that contribute towards winning.   New Faces:   2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1956071' first='Adlan' last='Elamin'] is one of the more intriguing prospects in the DMV because of his size and length. He stands 6-foot-8 with a slender frame, but can shoot the cover off the ball especially from the corners. One aspect of his game that is underrated is his passing. He uses his size to see over the defense for good finds and once he becomes comfortable operating off 2-3 dribbles on drives, his value with increase. Another versatile option defensively, Elamin can be disruptive both on or off the ball.   2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2612817' first='Colin' last='Byrd'] makes the move to varsity after being the go-to option on JV last season. The 6-foot-3 guard is another option in the stable and the safe long-term bet to be a productive player as he adjusts to the level, speed, etc.   Two freshmen that are next in line include [player_tooltip player_id='2353620' first='Troy' last='Tomlin'] and NaVarro Bowman. Tomlin is a 6-foot-2 guard with explosive athleticism that allows for poster finishes at the rim while Bowman is a tough-nosed point guard that uses his blazing quickness and speed to create advantages both for himself and others.

Yesterday I made the trip down to South Riding, Va. to visit one of the top programs in the country in Paul VI Catholic. The Panthers have been a factory in producing high major talent and the 2023-24 roster is no different. In fact, this group has a strong chance of being special. For this workout tour article, I'll break down thoughts in categories.