The 2k Showcase: 2029 Standouts (Session 1)

In its 12th year, the prestigious 2k Showcase moved to its fourth location. The recently renovated facilities of Grand Rapids Community College in the heart of downtown. The always deep and talented field produced plenty of outstanding performances.   While the established names showed out. I was impressed by the level of play from a group freshmen. Following are five that caught my eye.   [player_tooltip player_id='2844038' first='Jace' last='Opoku']-Agyeman 6-1 Rockford The 2029 with the highest reputation in the field, and played up to it. I thought he got off to a slow start on the season. However, he appears to be very comfortable now in his role with the Rams. Stepped up for his squad in a portion of the game where the offense stagnated a bit. That is what makes him a special prospect. Can already create his own shot in a variety of ways. Had one “mix tape” highlight. As he fell to the ground but kept his dribble alive. Allowing him to get back up, hang in the air, and complete an acrobatic but contested finish at the rim. Finished with eight points and did nothing to diminish his early reputation as one of the top players in his class.    [player_tooltip player_id='2792101' first='Miles' last='Burgin'] 5-10 Grand Rapids Catholic Central Most freshmen prospects earn early attention with their ability to compete above their age level. Meaning they are usually physically advanced. Burgin is different. Looks every bit of a freshman. Perhaps younger, which is why his play on Saturday was so striking. Put up 22 points in a lopsided game, but they were not empty statistics. Did it against a talented L'Anse Creuse North backcourt that featured college talent. Scored off the bounce and from beyond the arc. Was also good in the mid range. This is due to “elite”elevation. Easily rises over most defenders and has no problem getting his shot off. Has a unique release on the shot. It's effective and he probably won't need to change it. I probably shouldn't label something as “elite” in a 2029 prospect. That being said, when you are throwing down in game two handed dunks. You can get off the ground pretty good. Furthermore when you are 5-10 and pulling it off, you have elite elevation.    Sam Fluker 6-0 Ann Arbor Huron Not a ton of counting statistics, but Fluker played a big role in the River Rats victory over Holland West Ottawa. Some foul trouble allowed him to take over ball handling responsibilities in a key point of the game. It seemingly allowed Huron's senior point guard to get going offensively off the ball. Showed quick acceleration with the ball in his hands. Was equally explosive going to both his left and right. Displayed a nice euro step on a finish in transition. Also had a big basket late when the center of the court opened up. The aggressiveness was not limited to the offensive end. Was not timid defensively against West Ottawa's talented backcourt.    [player_tooltip player_id='2958587' first='Maverick' last='Flagg'] 6-2 Ann Arbor Huron I first caught this player in the fall at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. A physically advanced two guard who bullied players in the post. On Saturday, looked smaller playing older players. But the aggressiveness and talent were still readily apparent. Played with composure and didn't force things on the offensive end. The strength was still there and he showed the ability to finish through contact. With Fluker (see above) and Flagg in tow. The Ann Arbor Huron assembly line looks like it is going to continue to churn out next level backcourt prospects.   [player_tooltip player_id='2923099' first='Yamil' last='Jimenez'] 6-4 Grand Rapids Northview (Melo Garcia) First things first, I want to be sensitive to one of the difficulties of covering “new” players. The program identified this player as Melo Garcia. In our database and when I caught this player in the summer he was identified as the name highlighted in orange at the beginning of the write up. Hence the parentheses. Garcia had a difficult task on Saturday. Competing against Rockford's talented frontline with limited varsity experience. Garcia was not playing Northview's varsity earlier in the season. While the statistics are not there, he more than held up. Has a very projectable and athletic frame that should easily add weight. Was light on his feet and showed good lateral quickness on the defensive end. Showed a smooth and fluid release from beyond the arc. Didn't get the desired result, but I didn't see anything wrong with his shot. Has an early reputation as an above the rim athlete.. You could see why with his presence on the glass. A lot of easy to identify potential with this prospect.

In its 12th year, the prestigious 2k Showcase moved to its fourth location. The recently renovated facilities of Grand Rapids Community College in the heart of downtown. The always deep and talented field produced plenty of outstanding performances.