Pro Insight Pop-Up Run: Explosive Scorers

I was down at the Pro Insight Pop-Up Run last Saturday in Portland, scoping out some of the top prospects in the PNW as they went head-to-head in 3v3 drills and some fullcourt runs. These next seven guys stood out for their consistent scoring, but even more so for the way they incorporated change of pace, direction, and timing, to create opportunities and quality looks.    Haywood started out the day with some impressive playmaking, attacking angles, showing off his plus burst with the ball, and drawing defenders with the intention to set up his teammates. Regardless of whether he was scoring or diming guys up, he showed off some truly impression explosiveness which highlights his ability to score from all three levels. He can get separation consistently with his stop-and-go ability and his big bursts down gaps.     Paschal is just under 6-feet tall but it didn't stop him from playing above the rim and taking on much bigger players at the rim. His quickness and elusivity around the paint kept defenders a half-step behind and allowed Paschal to capitalize on his explosive athleticism by consistently finishing at the rim. He showed off some deep range at times too and really has that next-level athleticism that makes him look like a sure-fire high-level college prospect.     Bongen definitely showed off some explosivity to his play but he did it a little bit differently than most of the others on this list. While he surely has some quickness and impressive change of direction to his game, it's the power he brings to the floor that really separates him. He's got a solid base and is able to stay balanced and strong while quickly changing direction and driving inside. He was also a threat to score from behind the arc which helped balance his attack.     The older Paschal is a super athlete who was able to make plays all over the floor with his impressive body control and leaping ability. He had numerous follows for tip-ins on the offensive end, showed off incredible hangtime to absorb contact and finish at the rim, and played with pace in transition to attack slow setting defenses. He was a menace downhill and was able to get going from 3-point as defenders started to give him an extra step.     Ford is really a guy you have to try to get up into because he has shown time and again how he can abuse defenders who back off by getting downhill with his quickness and strength. All he needs is a slight edge to force his way to the hoop, and with his leaping ability there are not many guys who will shut him down at the rim. He continually wins with his first step, shot the three-ball pretty well too, and was able to show off some playmaking and vision off of his downhill attacks.     Barron was one of the most impressive performers at the pop-up because he's able to pair elite athleticism with a just as impressive motor. He showed an ability to hit shots in the midrange but almost all of his touches ended up at the rim. He can be an overpowering slasher and also has enough handle to switch directions and create some gaps from the perimeter. He was making plays at the rim all day, following misses, running the floor for dunks, rebounding at a high rate, and blocking shots around the paint. His strength, motor, and athleticism really stood out among a talented group of players.     Webster put on a complete scoring performance at the pop-up, showcasing his sweet shooting stroke from 3-point, off the bounce in the midrange, and with some high-level finishing and awareness at the hoop. While his outside shooting was pretty impressive, his ability to finish plays at the rim was even more eye-opening. It often wasn't anything fancy, but his late burst, timing to avoid shot-blockers, and ability to cash in from tough angles were real differentiators for the O'Dea guard.

I was down at the Pro Insight Pop-Up Run last Saturday in Portland, scoping out some of the top prospects in the PNW as they went head-to-head in 3v3 drills and some fullcourt runs. These next seven guys stood out for their consistent scoring, but even more so for the way they incorporated change of pace, direction, and timing, to create opportunities and quality looks.