Exciting Wings and Forwards at RUN Showcase

One of the best parts of this job is watching the prospects who steadily improve. There's always going to be a handful of kids who weren't on, or barely on the radar as freshmen and sophomores, who end up among the best in the class. It's an exciting sign, because it meant something clicked mentally for them and they applied themselves in the off season. Valentine might be the best example of that in Oklahoma's senior class.   Always known as a defensive first wing prospect, there were promising moments this past winter. But he hadn't fully unlocked his offensive game. Now, his handling has taken a leap. And so has his confidence. Valentine was cooking defenders off the dribble, moving a lot like his explosive scoring older brother Ja'Mon (who is now a sophomore at Seminole State). To go along with sizzling perimeter shooting, he had outstanding touch around the rim.   The Choctaw senior was moving different and looks ready to take his senior season to a whole another level. Especially as he's still a dogged and tough defender. Big time target for Oklahoma JuCos, or for D2 programs who still recruit high school kids. Can potentially see paths to playing at the Division One level as well.     From double hand blocks to snatch shots at the rim, to looking like he was playing on a trampoline to take off for dunks; Taylor is a jaw dropping athlete. Does more than just hunt for dunks and highlights, he's strong off the dribble. With smaller players bouncing off him on the rim, And can glide by similar size and taller players. Sky high ceiling for his combination of height and athleticism.     Bouncy forward, with graceful moves to the basket. Long strides and quickness allow him to quick eat up space in transition. Or pump faking and getting downhill to attack gaps in halfcourt defense. Enjoyed the eye and motor he had for spectacular plays around the rim. He hunted for for putback dunks and took pride in meeting and challenging other athletes at the rim on defense. Name to watch.      Any prospect who is 7 foot tall and moves well will automatically draw attention from college coaches. Add in lights out perimeter shooting? And it's a wrap. The lanky stretch forward will need to add strength and muscle to his frame at the next level. But at the RUN showcases he showcased a big time upside as a unique weapon, perfect for floor spacing modern basketball.      A throwback space eater prospect, Harris worked hard to make sure he owned the paint on both ends of the court. Played to his size and had good timing as a shot blocking. While also understanding a simple but important concept on offense. DUNK EVERYTHING. Looks more nimble on his feet, and while he'll never be a nimble footed big, still a good sign to see him looking trimmer and maximizing his athletic gifts.     Lewis is a two way impact player. Has outstanding instinct and timing on the defensive end. Can square up and stay with quick guards, then use his long arms to swat shots or force turnovers. A good driver on the offensive, can switch gears and slither his way to rim surprisingly well for a player of his height. Given the nature of camp settings, it was particular impressive how he looked the part on the defensive end.