College of DuPage JUCO Jamboree Standouts

Sunday morning, I managed to peel myself out of the bed and catch some JUCO action at the College of DuPage Jamboree. As usual we saw several former Illinois high school players and some prospects from out of the area. Here are the standouts from today's game.    Isaiah Brown Daley CC 6'5   Isiah is a fun prospect from Milwaukee. At 6-5 he brings an intriguing blend of size, athleticism and polish while playing in the mid post. A smooth operator with the ball in his hands he uses his combination of strength and skill to create mismatches against opposing defenders. Brown's physical tools give him the versatility to impact multiple spots on the floor and his feel for the game suggests room for growth as a primary playmaker. He showed some toughness on the glass and can a serious mismatch on the court for opposing teams.    Javerion Banks Morton CC 6'1   Warren High School product Javerion Banks brought his trademark energy and athleticism to the floor at the Jamboree making an immediate impact on both ends. The dynamic guard set the tone defensively with relentless pressure racking up steals, blocking shots, and cleaning the glass. His effort plays shifted momentum and sparked his team throughout the day. Offensively, Banks showed he's more than just a defensive spark plug. He scored efficiently from all three levels, mixing in strong drives to the basket with confident perimeter shooting including a few timely three-pointers. With his combination of toughness, versatility, and shot-making ability Banks continues to look like a key two-way piece for Morton CC heading into the season.   Xavier Sulaiman Prairie State 6'3   After sitting out a year at the Division II level due to injury Xavier made a statement in his return to the floor — and he did it in highlight fashion. The Prairie State guard reminded everyone of his elite athleticism throwing down a thunderous dunk that had his teammates erupting off the bench. Beyond the high-flying moments Sulaiman displayed a polished offensive touch. He looked smooth and confident on his mid-range jumpers elevating with balance and rhythm off the catch. His energy, confidence, and flair brought a spark to the lineup and helped fuel Prairie State to a hard-fought win. It was a strong reminder that Sulaiman is back and ready to make noise this season.   Damontez Malone Daley CC 6'6   Malone is a high-flying 6'6 forward who put on a show and delivered one of the top highlights of the day. On a fast break he trailed a guard who dropped off a slick behind-the-back pass and Malone finished it with a thunderous dunk right over a defender sending the entire gym into chaos. Beyond the jaw-dropping athleticism Malone showed he's no one-dimensional player. He was an active rim protector blocking several shots and dominating the glass with energy and length. Offensively, he also knocked down a pair of jumpers from the top of the key proving he's more than just a pogo stick. He's a developing two-way threat with real upside.   Zion Young Morton CC 6'8   Zion is a skilled 6-foot-8 forward from Morton College who showcased a complete and polished game. Since his days at Schaumburg, Young has trimmed down and added a new level of fluidity to his play. He displayed confidence shooting from the perimeter, stretching the floor effectively, and making smart reads when attacking off the dribble finding cutters for easy finishes. On the glass Young was relentless often securing rebounds and initiating the break himself. His versatility and improved conditioning point to a game that's steadily emerging at just the right time.   Freddy Hassan Waubonsee CC 6'7   Freddy is a formerly an underrated standout at Kaneland who continues to prove he belongs in the conversation among top JUCO prospects. The skilled forward made his presence felt on both ends of the floor anchoring the paint defensively by challenging nearly every shot in his vicinity while showing expanded range on offense. Hassan knocked down a pair of threes, mixed in some tough finishes around the rim, and displayed a confident mid-range touch with 15-foot jumpers. His combination of size, mobility, and shooting touch makes him one of the event's more intriguing prospects and a name to watch for potential Division I programs following his stint at Waubonsee.

Sunday morning, I managed to peel myself out of the bed and catch some JUCO action at the College of DuPage Jamboree. As usual we saw several former Illinois high school players and some prospects from out of the area. Here are the standouts from today's game.