NERR Unsigned Senior Showcase Standouts: Part 3

NERR held an event on Monday, April 21st, at Emmanuel College in Boston, MA for seniors and post grads who are currently unsigned to a college roster. There was tons of talent in the gym and a plethora of coaches from all levels on hand to watch.   Below is part three of my standouts from the event. <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/04/nerr-unsigned-senior-showcase-standouts-part-1/">Here is part one if you missed it</a>. <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/04/nerr-unsigned-senior-showcase-standouts-part-2/">Here is part two.</a>    Upchurch Jr. was one of the most explosive athletes I saw at Monday's showcase. He's only 6-feet but can get above the rim for dunks and is a complete menace while attacking downhill. He's lightning quick when it comes to getting my defenders but also has the handle necessary to be under control while under tons of pressure. I was also super impressed with his passing ability; he was throwing one-handed live-dribble passes with both hands and really understands how to manipulate the defense with his eyes. Upchurch Jr. seems like an excellent D3 player who could probably play at lots of D2 schools.     Benjamin is a known shooter around the area, and he showed it off in a showcase setting on Monday. He has a quick release and lots of range, and he has the confidence necessary to be a big-time shooter; even if he misses a few shots in a row, he's ready to pull the next one and doesn't hesitate at all. He also had some nice moves to the hoop using slow euro-steps and nice finishing touch, as well as some midrange fadeaways which he can get off with his length and size. Benjamin has some D2 offers, and I think that's probably the level that is the best fit for him -- he could have a wonderful D2 career somewhere.     Sylla is a true, 6-foot-11 big man who really impressed me with his ability to rim-run and do all of the little things. He's an excellent rebounder on both ends and plays with great toughness in the paint, something pretty rare for a near 7-footer who's still in high school. He's also a really solid athlete who gets off the ground and runs the floor well. I was especially impressed, though, with his ability to rotate on the defensive end and protect the paint with his IQ and positioning. I could see Sylla finding a D2 fit or maybe even playing at the low major D1 level.     Raffa is a slow-burn type of player. Nothing jumped off the page to me initially, but after watching a couple of his 5v5 games, I began to really understand his value on the court. Firstly, he's a knockdown shooter; he can shoot off the catch and off the dribble and is always on balance and ready to stroke it. Secondly, though, he has a great feel for the game and is a really solid floor general. Even in a showcase environment, he was content to make quick decisions and extra passes rather than dribbling into two people and throwing up ill-advised shots. I could definitely see Raffa finding a D3 fit, but coaches will have to watch him for a bit to really comprehend what he brings.     I really enjoyed watching Lukman play the game of basketball. Like Raffa, Lukman plays the game the right way and is willing to make the simple pass rather than the showboat layup attempt or three. He's a great passer who has an excellent feel for the game, and he's always looking to relocate on the perimeter for easy threes once he gives up the ball. Lukman also has some on-ball chops, though; he looked comfortable and confident handling pressure and didn't have too much trouble dribbling against small, pesty guards. He'll be an excellent D3 player somewhere if I had to guess.

NERR held an event on Monday, April 21st, at Emmanuel College in Boston, MA for seniors and post grads who are currently unsigned to a college roster. There was tons of talent in the gym and a plethora of coaches from all levels on hand to watch.