Summer Superlatives - The Paint Scorers

Today, we continue our Summer Superlatives series with a look at The Paint Scorers!   If you haven't read the first few articles in this series, we'll share that these lists are not Top 5 lists! In fact, we'll aim to use each list to highlight standout prospects that we believe will eventually play at a variety of levels of college basketball. From high majors to the Division III level, these superlatives will recognize a wide range of prospects that stood out with their play on the hardwood this summer.   The Paint Scorers are prospects that consistently find a way to score around the rim; whether that's in transition, with their back to the basket, as a cutter, or off the bounce - these guys know how to get it done in the paint.   Below are five prospects that stood out this summer with their interior scoring ability, they are - The Paint Scorers!   [player_tooltip player_id='1532640' first='Quinn' last='Costello']   Costello, a 6'10" forward out of the Newman School in Massachusetts, was among the country's top stock risers, climbing all the way into the Top 50 of some national rankings. A standout on the UAA with the Middlesex Magic, he has a versatile scoring package, but really come on strong with his ability to get to the rim in transition. He's a plus athlete that is fluid with his movements, allowing him to get out in space and make plays as a cutter and off the bounce. He put everything together this summer and in doing so, showed the ability to score at a really high level. One of the biggest changes to his game was his willingness to play with more physicality, allowing him to capitalize on his athleticism and skill when playing through contact in the paint. His recruitment has turned into a who's who of high major programs, as he's one of the most sought after recruits in the country.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553499' first='Adama' last='Tambedou']   Tambedou, a 6'7" wing out of Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, proved to be a rare prospect that has the ability to combine athleticism, effort, and physicality to be a two-way force. The RI Elite wing assaulted rims off the bounce, making loud play after loud play. With his strength and burst, he was hard to guard off the bounce and proved capable of getting to the rim at any time. He stands out with his ability to dominate on the offensive glass, allowing him to get easy baskets by the rim. On top of that, he does a great job of getting out and running the floor in transition, can operate as a hard roller out of ball screens, and does a nice job of taking advantage of mismatches in the post with his back to the basket. He has wide-ranging interest at the mid-major level and has reeled in a couple of notable high major offers as well, including Maryland and Oklahoma State.   [player_tooltip player_id='2341404' first='Chad' last='Cook']   Cook, a 6'8" forward out of the New Hampton School in New Hampshire, elevated his game each month, showing a high level of skill on the offensive end of the floor. The most noticeable difference to his game over the last year has been his commitment to changing his body, allowing him to play with more athleticism, a higher motor, and better mobility. When you combine that with his high skill level, you have a prospect that can do a variety of things on the offensive end of the floor. He does most of his scoring around the rim as a roller out of screens and back to the basket threat. He plays with good patience when he catches on the block and has the ability to turn over either shoulder as a scorer, displaying terrific touch on his jump hooks. He has plenty of recruitment at the low-major level and scored an offer earlier this summer from Richmond out of the Atlantic-10.   [player_tooltip player_id='2371469' first='Jordan' last='Sutton']   Sutton, a 6'10" big out of Stamford High School in Connecticut, continued to raise his stock, showing the ability to make an impact in the paint against a high level of competition. The 2027 big had a strong summer showing on the EYBL with the New York Lightning, impressing with his willingness to play to his strengths in the paint. He's continued to grow, lean out his frame, and improve his athleticism, all of which has allowed to make more of an impact around the rim. He has a big catch radius and does a nice job of making plays out of the dunker spot. He sets solid screens, rolls hard to the rim, and has evolved into a lob threat off of drives. On top of all that, he does a really good job of finishing put-backs after carving out space as an offensive rebounder. There's still plenty of time for his recruitment to develop and with his physical gifts and continually evolving game, it's not hard to imagine him playing at the scholarship level down the road.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696747' first='Sam' last='Mayfield']   Mayfield, a 6'6" forward out of Pope Francis Preparatory School in Massachusetts, capitalized on a strong high school season, continuing to raise his ceiling as a prospect. He's a fluid athlete that has some good vertical pop and the ability to finish plays through contact at the rim. He does a nice job as a roller and finisher out of the dunker spot, displaying good hands and the ability to finish with either hand at the rim. He can also play with his back to the basket, showing soft touch on his jump hooks and the ability to finish with a variety of moves and counters on the block. Additionally, he is a strong rim runner that can really get out and go in transition. The 2026 prospect out of the MIAA will be a highly sought after prospect among New England D3's this fall and winter and should be an immediate contributor at the next level.   Next up in the Summer Superlatives series - The Athletes!

Today, we continue our Summer Superlatives series with a look at The Paint Scorers!