Robbie's Northeast Top 50 Standouts: Part 1

On Friday night, I attended the Northeast Top 50 at The Mill Works in Westford, MA. About 25 players showed up for drills, 3v3 play, and 5v5 scrimmaging. There was some solid talent in the gym.   Here are my part 1 standouts! Part 2 will be coming tonight!   If you'd like to read our articles but aren't currently subscribed, use the code “Hodin30” for 30% off any annual subscription!    Bellot was probably the most impressive player at the showcase, getting to the rim at will and finishing well above it with ease. He's got a shifty handle and some really good touch in the paint, but the jumper from both the mid-range and three is a work in progress. Defensively, he's incredibly versatile and can slide his feet with anyone. He's also got excellent hands and is willing to mix it up in the paint. Definitely a D1 prospect, potentially at the highest level if he can figure out his stroke.     Smith is an intriguing long-term prospect with some really impressive tools on both ends of the ball. Defensively, he's able to slide his feet well and can elevate at the rim for blocks, using his 6-foot-7 frame to swallow opponents. Offensively, he uses his incredible length to glide to the rim for easy finishes and dunks. He can even step out and hit the three on occasion. Smith should be getting D1 looks as a prospect who can develop greatly with time.      Depina is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and excellent offensively from all three levels. He couldn't be stopped from getting downhill, and his pull-up jumper was cash from the midrange. He also stroked it from three and made some really impressive finishes at the hoop with his off hand. Size will always be a factor for Depina, but the 5-foot-9 guard can definitely find a D3 fit somewhere. Very fun to watch.     Hanavan is a sneaky athletic wing who can do a whole lot on the court. He can finish above the rim with both hands and can also knock down shots from the midrange and three. In a showcase environment where everybody is looking for their own shot, Hanavan is a willing passer who showcased some impressive vision. He's got a great feel for the game and really understands how to play -- I would imagine he can find a high level D3 fit as a result of his well-rounded skillset.     Fosu is a strong-bodied, score-first point guard who can punish defenses from all three levels. He gets great elevation on his three-point and midrange shots, and he can score at the rim with athleticism and control. He has some passing vision, but still needs a push to make those passes consistently and willingly -- that'll come, though, because he's only a sophomore and appears very eager to learn and improve. Too early to say what level he can play at in college, but he'll find a fit somewhere.

On Friday night, I attended the Northeast Top 50 at The Mill Works in Westford, MA. About 25 players showed up for drills, 3v3 play, and 5v5 scrimmaging. There was some solid talent in the gym.