EYBL Session 2 (Memphis): NJ 17U Standouts

Nike's EYBL circuit made its second stop of the spring in Memphis this past weekend with hundreds of college coaches converging on Bluff City for the only AAU "live" period of the spring. With prospects from across the country showcasing their talents, the following group of Jersey-based prospects stood out among the rest in the 17U division.    Part of a three-headed monster of top-75 recruits leading Team Final to a 3-1 record on the weekend (5-2 overall), Derkack was arguably the most consistent performer while stuffing the stat sheet with his typically high-octane two-way play. He was both consistent and efficient, averaging 17.5 points on 57% shooting while scoring 14 or more in every game. Derkack showed a blend of craft and athleticism while working his way downhill off the bounce, also showing his nose for the ball with six boards a game and flashing an improving perimeter stroke to the tune of 6-for-18 from 3. His nonstop competitive fire provides a consistent boost on both ends of the floor and made him a popular name among high-major coaches looking on throughout the weekend.     It was a huge weekend for Hines, finally getting to showcase his ability in front of a large contingent of college coaches after generating national buzz seemingly out of nowhere this winter having switched focus from football and dominating the state. As he did all season, he answered the bell again in Memphis with 3 double-doubles in four games as the Rens remained undefeated with a 4-0 record. Continuing a theme from the winter, Hines was often a man among boys in the paint, averaging 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 4.25 blocks while showcasing a high-level blend of power, explosiveness, and underlying skill. His weekend was highlighted by a 17pt-15reb-9blk outing in an OT win against regional rival PSA Cardinals. With high-majors beginning to increasingly vie for his services, it just remains to be seen whether Hines goes to school this fall or elects to take a post-grad year to continue to add seasoning before enrolling with the class of 2026.     Continuing to acclimate himself to EYBL play, Chatman looked increasing comfortable across the weekend while thriving in his typical combo guard role. Splitting time both on and off ball, the dynamic two-way guard was a consistent complement to five-star Dylan Mingo while averaging 11.75 points for the weekend. Known for his downhill play, Chatman showed his consistently improving perimeter stroke while converting 6 of his 13 attempts from beyond the arc, including a handful of key shots in a regional battle with the Rens. A high-level competitor with an innate nose for the ball, he was also active on the glass with 4+ boards in 3 out of 4 games as PSA's frontcourt was depleted by injury. Chatman's ability to impact winning from a variety of roles has made him a hot name among mid and high-major coaches heading into the summer.     One of the hottest teams all weekend was Team Final Red's 17U, which cruised to a 4-0 record to position itself as one of the top contenders for an EYCL title come July. Part of a well-oiled returning core, Spross was a consistent standout with his dynamic play in the backcourt. Spross showcased a well-rounded offensive arsenal, as he's highly polished attacking off the bounce to either side for skilled finishes with either hand but also displayed a dangerous catch-and-shoot stroke from 3 highlighted by a handful of converted attempts on the move. He was effective in keeping the game simple and playing efficiently alongside other playmakers, which was key for college coaches to see given his ball-dominant role in college. Spross has cemented himself as a scholarship-level guard and is gaining traction with D1 programs as he continues to prove himself on the national stage.     A look at the stat sheet would do a grave injustice to Hornberger's level of impact on the Rens' 4-0 weekend, as the Lehigh Valley native went scoreless in half his games. Watching the games, it was clear why the Swiss-army guard was on the floor for almost 30 minutes a contest, tapping into a new dimension in his game as a defensive stopper while taking on some of the toughest assignments the country has to offer. Matching up with three top-5 prospects in Tyran Stokes, Dylan Mingo, and Baba Oladotun, Hornberger was made each of them work as a consistent pest with his strength, competitiveness, and deceptive quickness. In games littered with high-major recruits, his presence was consistently felt in a way that earned major points among coaches looking on from low and mid-major programs. Hornberger got going in the final game of the weekend with a pair of 3's en route to 8 points, showcasing the shotmaking skill that's typically his calling card.

Nike's EYBL circuit made its second stop of the spring in Memphis this past weekend with hundreds of college coaches converging on Bluff City for the only AAU "live" period of the spring. With prospects from across the country showcasing their talents, the following group of Jersey-based prospects stood out among the rest in the 17U division.