CATS Academy open gym: returners

On Tuesday, September 16th, I attended CATS Academy's open gym at their facility in Braintree, MA. As new members of the EYBL Scholastic League, they've attracted even more scholarship players to the northeast and now have one of the most stacked rosters in the country.   To begin, though, let's look at some of the returning players who will have an impact this season. I'll have more coverage of their new talent over the next couple days.    Bellot is back for another season with CATS but boasts a slightly different skillset than last time around. Last season, he was the starting PG and was responsible for handling the ball against pressure and making decisions as a facilitator. Now, with more ball handlers on the roster, the 6-foot-3 senior guard can play a role more natural to him - off ball shooter and scorer with the ability to athletically attack closeouts and finish at the hoop. His defense has always been excellent, but the offensive feel seems to be coming along nicely, which is what has been missing in the past.     Adamson is one of the most athletic players on the entire CATS roster, and that's saying a lot. The 6-foot-3 guard is ridiculously quick and explosive when attacking downhill, and he's an above the rim finisher who can quite comfortably take contact in the air and still convert with both hands. His shot is also massively improved, and he's continuing to develop his handle and feel in the pick and roll as a creator. He'll have a meaningful role on CATS this season and should be getting tons of D1 interest, especially because he's only a junior.     Mboudjika continues to grow offensively and is a more confident finisher than he was a year ago. The 6-foot-9 forward is quite athletic at the rim and has added some finesse to his game, which allows him to compete with other high IQ defensive bigs. He takes a few too many outside shots for my liking, but perhaps his perimeter game continues to get better and he can take threes at the next level. Regardless, he'll get D1 looks because of his rim running potential and physical ability on both ends. Seems like a great kid too.     Williams-Crawford is mesmerizing on the defensive end. CATS was running a 3 on 1 fast break drill in which lobs and head-tapping dunks were happening constantly, but not against JWC. When he's on defense, he does an amazing Draymond Green impersonation by protecting the hoop, stunting at the ball-handler, and playing the passing lanes all at once. He has incredible length, athleticism and instincts and should be one of the best perimeter defenders in the entire country. Special defender who will immediately lock up at the next level. The shot is still coming along, but that would massively improve his recruitment if he can figure that out.     Washington spent time on the CATS B team last season, but I think there's a chance he could get some minutes on the scholastic team this year as a result of his shooting and passing ability. The sophomore is one of the best shooters on the squad and gets his shot off very quickly when on the move, which makes him a really solid off-ball player. As a creator, he does a great job finding pocket passes and operating in the pick and roll. The 6-foot-3 guard has great strength, quickness and athleticism, and he has a very bright future ahead.

On Tuesday, September 16th, I attended CATS Academy's open gym at their facility in Braintree, MA. As new members of the EYBL Scholastic League, they've attracted even more scholarship players to the northeast and now have one of the most stacked rosters in the country.