Zero Gravity Finals: high potential upperclassmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part one:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/zero-gravity-finals-crown-hgsl-2026-standouts/?itm_source=parsely-api">Crown HGSL 17u standouts</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part two:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/zero-gravity-finals-middlesex-magic-standouts-part-1/?itm_source=parsely-api">Middlesex Magic standouts part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part three:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/zero-gravity-finals-middlesex-magic-standouts-part-2/?itm_source=parsely-api">Middlesex Magic standouts part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part four:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/zero-gravity-finals-underclassmen-who-impressed-part-1/">Underclassmen who impressed part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part five:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/zero-gravity-finals-underclassmen-who-impressed-part-2/">Underclassmen who impressed part 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part six:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/zero-gravity-finals-upperclassmen-guards-who-stood-out/">Upperclassmen guards who stood out</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part seven: <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/zero-gravity-finals-upperclassmen-wings-who-stood-out/">Upperclassmen wings who stood out</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are some upperclassmen with big time potential who I saw at the ZG Finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Maodo Diallo","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Darrow Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"BABC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-684c8c4ff2c48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Diallo is a 6-foot-9 big man who appears bigger because of his length and physicality. He has an incredibly long wingspan and uses it to block anything that comes his way in the paint. Offensively, he's a great rim runner and can catch lobs with ease. I was insanely impressed with one move he had where he drove a closeout and had a nice jump stop in the lane for a crafty finish. He's certainly a bit raw on that end, but the potential is through the roof. He should be a key paint protector and offensive rebounder for Darrow Academy next season, and perhaps he can get some more on-ball reps that would raise his high major stock. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2325740"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-684c8c4ff2cad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pettway was a key part of BABC's rotation and might be their most skilled player at this point. He has such a shifty on-ball game and plays with a rhythm and cadence to his dribble package that's really rare. His change of speed and change of direction mechanics are special, and they allow him to blow by defenders like they aren't there. He also has all the step back and side step moves in his bag, and a beautiful jump shot from both the midrange and three. He's a scholarship player despite his size who should have a huge season at St Thomas More next year. I also think there's a world where he continues to develop physically and gets some mid major D1 looks as a result. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2341309"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-684c8c4ff2cf5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Santana is a freak with scholarship-level athleticism and physical tools. The 6-foot-6 forward has amazing end-to-end speed and the ability to get high above the rim for rebounds and dunks. Defensively, he's an excellent rim protector as a result of his ridiculous hops, length, and motor. Offensively, he's a great rim runner and attacks the offensive glass with reckless abandon. I even saw him step out and hit a three, though it didn't look too consistent. Santana will need to learn to play and develop his feel for the game, but he has scholarship potential because of his size and athleticism and I'm very intrigued by what he could become offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2418200"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-684c8c4ff2d3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This was my first time seeing Simmons in person, and I was super impressed with his quickness and jumping ability. He's able to elevate quite high on his jumpers, and he hits some really tough fadeaway shots even when the defense contests him well in the lane. He also finishes well in the paint and can shoot it from the three-point line, so he's a solid three level scorer. In terms of handling the ball under pressure, he's very confident and comfortable while getting hounded for 94 feet. I could see him playing at some D2 schools or maybe playing very high level D3 ball. Some added offensive feel would be huge for him and I think will be a big focus for him next season at St. Paul's.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2697809"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-684c8c4ff2d7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Acevedo was electric as an on-ball scorer for Above-The-Rim, showcasing an impressive off-the-dribble game and some really nice three-point shooting. He has such a quick shot release, so he's able to get the three-ball off virtually whenever he wants, and he had a couple barrages when I was watching him on Saturday. Once he makes the first one, he shoots it with incredible confidence and conviction. At the rim, he had some overzealous finishes amongst the trees, and I think getting to two feet and playing under control would really bring his game together. However, he still showcased some super impressive body control and hops in the paint. Acevedo is going to New England College next season and I think he still has a lot of room to refine his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->