Freshmen to Keep an Eye on in New York Part I

Each season, impactful freshmen make their mark on the New York basketball scene and this year is no different. A series of preseason events and showcases have offered valuable insight into their skill sets, competitive drive, and long-term potential. As these young prospects continue to grow, patience will be key in allowing them to develop, gain confidence, and find their stride within their respective programs.    Ari is exceptionally quick with the ball and has the ability to create for both himself and his teammates. He's developing the ability to play with pace while maintaining composure, an important step toward becoming a steady leader on the floor. With a tight handle and strong court vision, he consistently puts pressure on defenses and scores efficiently.     Recognized as one of the Top 30 Cream of the Crop participants at the Pangos All-East Frosh/Soph Camp, [player_tooltip player_id='2960372' first='Brazir' last='Nelson']'s upside is through the roof thanks to his well-rounded game. His tight ball-handling, paired with sharp court vision, enhances his playmaking ability and understanding of pace. He's a scoring threat from multiple levels, which opens up the floor and allows him to create for himself and others. Defensively, he excels at anticipating his opponent's next move and consistently applies pressure to ball handlers.     At just 14 years old, he stands an imposing 6'8” and uses his strong frame to control the paint. He has a clear understanding of how to leverage his size to establish himself as a reliable post presence. His midrange spot-up shooting is developing, showing promise in catch-and-shoot situations. At the Pangos All-East Frosh/Soph Camp, he flashed potential as a rebounder who can initiate the break. He also sets solid screens, creating space and opportunities for his teammates     Standing at 6'6” with impressive athleticism and versatility, he has the potential to be one of the most impactful young prospects in his class. Before diving into his offensive skill set, it's worth highlighting his defensive presence. He leverages his physical tools to effectively defend the perimeter and guard multiple positions. Offensively, he can stretch the floor with range out to the three-point line and finish strong at the rim, making him a dynamic two-way threat.     He's a tight ball handler with quickness and a crafty style that allows him to create space and make plays. At the Jim Couch Showcase, he demonstrated strong outside shooting and maintained composure throughout, which complements his poised playing style. He's both a scoring threat and a capable playmaker. As he continues to grow physically, his game is poised to elevate to the next level.     Malachi has a natural feel for the game and plays with poise well beyond his years, a reflection of his experience at a high level. He thrives within a strong system that nurtures both his development as a player and his growth as a person. His ability to control the tempo through sharp ball handling, smart decision-making, and confident shot-making will keep him on the floor at Holy Cross, where he'll continue gaining valuable experience.     He uses his quickness and natural feel to finish effectively over length. With excellent ball control especially under pressure. He consistently creates scoring and playmaking opportunities. He shoots efficiently from both midrange and beyond the arc. At the Pangos All-East Frosh/Soph Camp, he delivered a strong performance, and his emerging leadership qualities continue to stand out as he gains experience.

Each season, impactful freshmen make their mark on the New York basketball scene and this year is no different. A series of preseason events and showcases have offered valuable insight into their skill sets, competitive drive, and long-term potential. As these young prospects continue to grow, patience will be key in allowing them to develop, gain confidence, and find their stride within their respective programs.