The Expo: Team 5 Evals

The Expo held true to form, once again featuring some of the top talent in the state of Michigan. Team 5 had some nice talent and every member of the team had head turning moments. We're going to look at some evaluations of each player from this squad.    Jelks showed out at the event. He carries a strong frame and he showed that he can use it. Jelks wasn't afraid to use that frame to mix it up around the rim and was a really good rebounding guard. He showed his power game with a strong transition finish through a defender. Jelks also showed his athleticism with a finish off a drive.     Toman showed off his game in Grand Rapids. He's a skilled guard that can put pressure on opposing defenses with his speed. Toman was fast down the floor and forced the defense to turn their hips and chase. That wasn't his only movement that impressed me though. He also moved without the ball and was a willing cutter, flashing pass ready.     Last year at the Sophomore ID Camp I challenged Makuag to be one of the best in the gym. He responded. This year, I did the same and once again, he stepped up to the challenge. Makuag was bouncy and athletic, and both of these things helped him repeatedly draw fouls. When he got downhill, that was really the only way to stop him. Makuag was a highlight reel in the open floor. I could even see him on the wing at the next level, as he showed that, even at a legit post height, he had 3 point range on his jumper.     Zichterman is a consistent standout at Prep Hoops showcase events! He passes the eye test for sure, looking like a next level prospect. Zichterman showed off his jumper at The Expo, hitting multiple 3's including shots from the top and from the corner. All that being said about his shooting, it might have been his passing that stood out the most. Zichterman used the pass to push pace and showed that he can feed the post over the top.     I was really looking forward to seeing Berg play and he sure didn't disappoint. I thought that he was one of the most impressive players in the gym honestly. He has a strong frame and he uses it really well when going to the rim. Berg is a fearless cutter that will find a lane and attack it without the ball. He converted on at least one cut-catch-score opportunity. Berg can flat out shoot the ball as well. His jumper looked pure and he had definite 3 point range on it.     Darnell put his name on the map while he was in Grand Rapids. He more than proved that he belonged with some of the most skilled players around. Darnell was steady and unselfish throughout the day. This helped him play efficent basketball. He was a willing passer and a smart shooter. Darnell took good shots and I saw that pay off with a really smooth triple.     Ward came to Grand Rapids ready to show off his game and he did just that. I really liked the way he focused on the little things. He was one of the most willing screeners that I saw all day and he'd do it whether or not it served his own stats. That's just good basketball. Better yet, Ward seemed to have a great feel for how to play off the screen after he set it.     Ajoung is a really special talent that has high level skills and a load of upside to go with it. We'll start by noting that he was tall with a long wingspan and very bouncy around the rim. Ajoung effectively used those physical traits to be a threat on the offensive glass throughout the day. I was really impressed with his confident shooting. Ajoung hit at least a couple 3's from the top and at least one from the wing.

The Expo held true to form, once again featuring some of the top talent in the state of Michigan. Team 5 had some nice talent and every member of the team had head turning moments. We're going to look at some evaluations of each player from this squad.