Top athletes from the SIAA Crossover

<p>Whether you're flying high above the rim or possessing elite quickness, athleticism is a necessary part of next-level basketball. Several players stood out during February's SIAA showcase due to their athletic gifts. Here are five players with the tools to play at the next level.</p>    <p>Gatewood has garnered attention for his athleticism since hitting the varsity stage as a sophomore. As a 6'5 senior, he's putting his gifts to use on both ends of the floor. With the length and development of his frame, he's become a switchable defender who can chase perimeter players around, defend on an island, and excel as a weakside shot blocker. Offensively, he's a lob threat, and with a quick first step, he uses it as a slasher. He's a great finisher in transition with breakaway speed and the bounce to entertain on the break. His court vision and ability to find teammates on the break impressed me. Gatewood is a high-upside prospect with physical tools and raw athletic potential to help a program.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arlindo Bernardo</h2>   <p>Central Pointe Academy's newest player infused energy, athleticism, and size. The 2025 prospect is listed between 6'6 - 6'8 with a wingspan that could measure close to 7 feet. He runs the floor hard, is an aggressive rebounder on the offensive end, and finishes well through contact. He's raw but shows a solid feel for the game and uses his motor to produce. Highlights from his previous team and touch on the line hint at traits that could give him wing-like skills at four.</p>    <p>The Oregon commit came alive in the second half of the first game. The 6'9 big is equipped with a college-ready body and a nose for making plays around the rim. He's an explosive vertical leader with the strength needed to carve out space. Traore has a ridiculous second jump that allows him to affect shots and keep rebounding battles alive.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_4692.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_4692.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-2356087" /></a></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Carlos Damata</h2>   <p>Damata is an athlete who can affect both sides of the court with his motor alone. At 6'8, he has the speed to leave other bigs on the break. He has the foot speed to mirror perimeter players on an island. He covers a lot of space with his size, length, and athleticism.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_4690.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_4690.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-2356088" /></a></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2626716' first='Traevon' last='Koch']</h2>   <p>Koch flashed next-level speed with the ball in his hands. He's an athletic combo guard with the bursts to push the ball in traffic and finish around the rim. Has a nice athletic pop on the break. Has the speed to close passing lanes. Koch has a Muscular frame for 6'1 2025 prospect. He uses effort and athletic tools to make impressive defense plays, including blocking shots from behind.</p>

Whether you're flying high above the rim or possessing elite quickness, athleticism is a necessary part of next-level basketball. Several players stood out during February's SIAA showcase due to their athletic gifts. Here are five players with the tools to play at the next level.