Prep Hoops Last Dance: Saturday’s Best (Part One)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the AAU season nears its conclusion, prospects were given one final chance to impress on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Several prospects took advantage of the opportunity on Saturday at the Romeoville Athletic Center. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2381436' first='Michael' last='Essoka'] -- CG -- Milwaukee Young Bucks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite being undersized at 5-foot-8, Essoka plays with no fear. The combo guard plays with effort and intensity that can't be matched. He drives into the paint often and is able to finish well amongst taller defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jerry Mccullum -- F -- [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' last='']' </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mccullum was no doubt one of my favorite prospects to watch on Saturday. The [program_tooltip program_id='2078449' first='[program_tooltip program_id='2076910' first='Meanstreets' forward is a jack of all trades. With good size and plenty of strength, Mccullum dominated all day on Saturday. He scored inside, made long range shots, and played sturdy defense. Mccullum's stock certianly boosted on at The Last Dance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2409258' first='Gabe' last='Jensen'] -- PG -- [program_tooltip program_id='2075622' first='M14' last='Hoops']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sometimes, you just know. I knew within minutes of watching Jensen play that the point guard was incredibly talented. First, as a passer, Jensen has touch that you don't often see. Often able to pinpoint passes on a dime, his ability to generate good looks is a valuable skill. Jensen's offensive bag goes much deeper than just passing, though. He also is a deadeye shooter with plenty of self-creation juice. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2395915' first='Luke' last='Roller'] -- SF -- M14 Hoops</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roller checks so many different boxes, especially on the offensive end of the court. First, Roller is a great shooter. He has a quick release and makes opposing defenses pay when left open. The small forward also can create his own offense off the dribble in isolation situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beckett Pfau -- SG -- ECI Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With shooting such a valuable skill to have at a college level, you can be sure coaches are on the lookout for sharpshooters. Pfau likely caused a few heads to turn on Saturday. The shooting guard is a player who opposing defenders must respect from deep. If given an opportunity to shoot, Pfau will step up and knock it down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isaiah Lucas -- F -- 7070 Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though he is no doubt still an unfinished project, Lucas showed some very promising flashes on Saturday. The 6-foot-5 forward is a gifted and strong athlete. Around the rim, Lucas does a great job capitalizing on these advantages. He finishes through contact with ease. Lucas also brings plenty of production as a rebounder and interior defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->