EYBL Session I: Friday 17 U Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>EYBL Session I got underway at LakePoint Sports Center outside of Atlanta on Friday. In this article I'll break down the 17 U standouts I caught.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140875"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e937396"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Making the last minute switch to Vegas Elite, Henry willed his team to victory with monster production as a scorer, rebounder and defender. Making plays happen consistently on both ends of the court, Henry found ways to score on spot-ups, off offensive rebounds and in transition opportunities. Henry's rebounding is a skill he's continued to improve and it's become a major strength in his game. Defensively, Henry blocked a 3-pointer, used his length to force turnovers and his overall activity was impressive. Fascinating to see Henry's development from his freshman year in Cincinnati to where he is now as a consensus top 25 prospect in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2125357"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e93741d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was a big fan of Blackett for Utah Prospects, making a big impact out the gate. Blackett knocked down a pair of early 3-pointers, hit a floater off a set play and had a breakaway dunk. Impressed by his dribble, pass, shoot ability on the wing and his physicality, Blackett showed why he's the highest ranked prospect in Utah's 2027 class according to our state rankings. I'd expect Blackett to see his recruitment take a major spike this summer if he plays at this level through the rest of the EYBL season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2197693"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e937474"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've been a fan of what Brown does for a while now as he just flat out continues to produce. A big man who wants to score around the rim, Brown hangs around the dunker spot and is quick off his feet to catch and dunk before helpside shot blockers can contest. I also like how Brown approaches offensive rebounds, positioning himself well for long rebounds. While Brown will need to add some weight / strength to play early at the high major level, Brown is one of the best centers on the west coast. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2101889"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e9374c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Frison controlled the tempo of the game for Team Thad as they secured an opening night victory over Team United. Frison knocked down a couple early 3-pointers but his passing is by far his best skill. Frison threw multiple lobs that ended in powerful dunks and knew when to push the tempo and when to slow the game down. Tennessee native Trey Pearson won the EYBL championship last year and established himself as a top 150 national prospect, I'm sure Frison would like to follow in those footsteps for Team Thad this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2463394"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e937517"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An incredibly intriguing wing forward prospect, Byrd certainly raised some eyebrows on Friday night with his athleticism. Byrd had multiple monster slam dunks off alley-oops and putbacks to get his bench hyped. Also knocking down a pair of 3-pointers in the first half, Byrd impacted the game in a variety of ways on Friday evening in a win. Expect to hear a lot more about his game this summer from local and national scouts and college programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2238210"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e937567"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gibson was productive again as a scorer, this time for Team United after a strong junior season for Spire Institute. Gibson started the game with a high level jump pass to the corner and showed the ability to play on or off the basketball. Gibson is a professional scorer with how he's able to operate in the mid-range area and plays off two feet. When Gibson is knocking down the 3-pointer, he looks like one of the top scorers in the country. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194315"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e9375b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson had a big game for [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] as they got off to a fast start to their EYBL season after making a deep run at the 16 U level last season and project as one of the favorites to win Peach Jam at the 17 U age group this season. Johnson is one of the few nationally ranked 2027 prospects already off the board and he played confidently with multiple left handed finishes at the rim past rim protectors. Johnson is also able to hang in the air and twist his body to score at the rim. With excellent footwork as a driver, Johnson is an extremely tough match-up for opposing teams as a primary creator. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140949"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e937604"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Knueppel has grown a couple inches since I saw him last year with [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] and this has allowed him to unlock some additional defensive upside with the ability to guard multiple positions with his length and size. One of the elite shooters in the 2027 class nationally as well, Knueppel connected on five triples on seven attempts and helped [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] get a statement win to open EYBL play. Looking like one of the more improved players from the 2027 class from last season, Knueppel is a name who might rise quickly in the national rankings if he continues this level of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2371700"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ec26e937655"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A prospect who was first nationally ranked by Prep Hoops, McDuffie checks a lot of boxes on the wing. Able to handle the basketball and make decisions against traps and pressure, McDuffie helped get the ball in rotation numerous times and collected a couple assists and hockey assists on Friday night. Add in a couple sick reverse layups showing off his coordination and athleticism plus a motor that never stopped and McDuffie was making a huge impact all game long. If McDuffie ever develops a consistent 3-point shot he'll have a chance to be an all-conference level player at the high major level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->