Preseason Warmup: Sleepers

For a lot of teams, tournaments are the only preseason warmup, they have before the games start to count towards their record. As the season approaches, the standouts and sleepers at these preseason warmup contests should be on everyone's radar throughout the year. From, the emerging big men, to the established guards, there is a plethora of talent in NYC. Now, let's examine players that did not earn, All-Tournament accolades this preseason warmup, but are worthy of watching closely this season.    Josiah Davis is long athletic and plays above the rim. At City is Mine preseason tournament, Davis took defenders off the dribble. Using his strength to get to the rim and athleticism to convert the basket. But, Davis also has a nice midrange jump shot, that he was able to shoot when the paint was clogged. And easily rose above defenders, when he chose to stop on a dime and shoot. On defense, Davis was the lone big for DeWitt Clinton, and used his size to intimidate everyone entering the lane. Garnishing a few blocks in every game played during the preseason warmup.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961414-crop-1365x897-1730238339.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961414-crop-1365x897-1730238339.jpg?w=800" alt="Kaleb Popotte driving to the basket during City is Mine preseason warmup." class="wp-image-2629364" /></a></figure>    Kaleb Popotte has a quick handle and uses it to get exactly where he wants on the basketball court. As a guard, Popotte consistently knocks down the outside shot. Because of his prowess from long range, Popotte opens up a lot for his teammates. And Popotte has the vision, dishing to the open man during drives or swinging the ball to the weak side of the defense. After a tough loss in the preseason warmup final, Poppotte and Lawrence Woodmere will look to correct mistakes, while making noise in the city.     Kyler Emmanuel is a smooth point guard who keeps his head on a swivel at all times. During preseason warmup action, Emmanuel was looking to get guys involved and breakdown the defense with his dribble. As a passer, Emmanuel is excellent at timing, hitting cutters, and finding open seams. And Emmanuel's quickness allows him to get around defenders to create plays in the middle of the floor. Emmanuel is a player to keep your eye on, if you need a pass-first point guard, who can keep the defense honest.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961455-crop-1365x897-1730238788.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961455-crop-1365x897-1730238788.jpg?w=800" alt="Kyler Emmanuel defending a jumpshot during preseason warmup." class="wp-image-2629369" /></a></figure>    Dior Legore plays both sides of the ball and never gets too high or low when playing. We love Legore's, business-like, demeanor when he's out there on the floor. As a shooter, Legore is solid from the corner 3 and midrange. When Legore has the basketball, he can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim using a combo of length plus athleticisim. Because of his tenacity on defense, Legore is a complete prospect and still looking for a home next season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2770642' first='Elijah' last='Jenkins'] is an athletic guard with a smooth jumper. At City is Mine preseason warmup, Jenkins couldn't miss from any where at times. During one sequence, Jenkins took his defender off the dribble for a midrange shot. On the very next play, after using his anticipating a pass to create a steal. Jenkins, darted to the wing, and converted on a three-point attempt with a defender flying by at the last minute. Defenders will have to keep an eye on, Jenkins the entire season.     Caleb Origou is a big body with strength and bounce. In the paint, Origou looked virtually unstoppable during City is Mine preseason warump. When Origou catches the ball on the low block, teams have to decide to foul or give up two points. While this is his first year with Lawrence Woodmere, Origou showed an improved turning hook shot and drop step in multiple contests. Both moves, coupled with Origou's athleticism will lead the big to greatness in the near future. And as he continues to add to his outside game, Origou will only continue to be dangerous.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961469-crop-1365x897-1730240143.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961469-crop-1365x897-1730240143.jpg?w=800" alt="Caleb Origou working in the post." class="wp-image-2629378" /></a></figure>

For a lot of teams, tournaments are the only preseason warmup, they have before the games start to count towards their record. As the season approaches, the standouts and sleepers at these preseason warmup contests should be on everyone's radar throughout the year. From, the emerging big men, to the established guards, there is a plethora of talent in NYC. Now, let's examine players that did not earn, All-Tournament accolades this preseason warmup, but are worthy of watching closely this season.