Top Underclassmen – Hoop Mountain Fall Showcase
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Following up on our article from earlier in the week, today we want to recap the top underclassmen in attendance at the Hoop Mountain Fall Showcase. Prospects came to the Mass Premier Courts from as nearby at Foxborough and as…
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Continue ReadingFollowing up on our article from earlier in the week, today we want to recap the top underclassmen in attendance at the Hoop Mountain Fall Showcase. Prospects came to the Mass Premier Courts from as nearby at Foxborough and as far away as New Jersey, with players from everywhere in-between impressing. Here are a few that caught our eye:
Channer Duke
Channer Duke
The lead guard did exactly what a coach wants his lead guard to do, he made winning play after winning play. Duke is a lanky, athletic guard that can play at either spot in the backcourt. He was particularly effective in isolation situations, using a quick first step to get by his defender and making the right decision after that. He should be a good defender at the next level as he moves well laterally and uses his length to create deflections.
Ryan Kelley
Ryan Kelley
One of the breakout prospects of the event, the local big man showcased incredible touch around the rim and a solid shooting stroke from behind the arc. His game is a bit unorthodox, think of the modern European big, however on this night he was not only effective, but also incredibly efficient. If there was a better shooter in the gym, I didn’t notice him. Kelley also did a good job defensively guarding in the post.
Arguably the best long-term prospect in attendance, the smooth wing showcased an ability to score at all three-levels while making good decisions with the ball in his hands. He has the prototype wing build; he’s long and lean, but has wiry strength. He made some really nice plays with the basketball in his hands, getting to the rim with little to no wasted movement. His jumper was clean and defensively he gave consistent effort. Smooth is probably the perfect word to describe how Pierce plays.
The East Providence product, who recently transferred to Tabor Academy, was dynamic with the ball in his hands. Elite in the open floor, Rezendes is adept at both facilitating and scoring over bigger defenders in the paint. He has the ball on a string offensively and was able to get wherever he wanted off the bounce. After a couple of really solid years in the RIIL, this winter should be a good indicator of just how much his game has progressed.
Joan Vidal
Joan Vidal
A throwback lead guard in the mold of guys like Stockton, Kidd, and Nash; Vidal is a pass-first, pass-second, and pass-third guard. Although the lefty’s jumper needs some refinement (he did make a handful of 3’s, so his shot isn’t broken), his vision and passing were 2nd to none at this event. While guys typically look to get their own in these settings, he repeatedly set up his teammates for easy baskets. Defensively, Vidal was active in passing lanes and gave tremendous effort, his compete level was as high as anyone I saw at the event.
Among the more advanced big man products in the field, Webb has a prototypical college forward body and should be able to continue adding strength to it. He showed flashes of floor spacing ability, at one point knocking down two 3’s in three possessions. With great length and solid mobility, he should be a switchable defender at the next level. As he continues to develop his body (athleticism), Webb should see his recruitment take off.