PH Chi-Town Tip Off: Max's Day 2 Standouts

Seven prospects who stood out on the second day in Chicago at the Chi-Town Tip Off!    Derek had a strong showing against Powerhouse MN on Sunday. He has a solid frame at 6', and did a nice job of using his physicality around the basket. Derek plays off of two feet around the rim, showing the patience to gather his balance before going up to finish over the top of defenders. In what was a close game in the first half, he helped his team pull-away and head into halftime with all of the momentum, hitting a mid-range jumper and two transition lay-ups with under two minutes to play. Really efficient finisher for Geek Squad 16u.     Ben had his full skillset on display in Sunday's matchup against Big 3. At 6'9+ he moves effortlessly around the floor, able to beat opposing bigs rim-to-rim in transition with ease. In the first half alone Ben stretched the floor for a pair of threes, showed he can attack with one/two dribble drives, and threw down a powerful one handed dunk in transition. Defensively his mobility helps him slide into positions to make plays as a help-side shot blocker, but he can also move his feet to hedge screens and recover or defend smaller forwards on the perimeter when needed.     Graeme always seemed to be in the right place at the right time for Midwest Mayhem. The 6'4 forward was coming up with rebounds in traffic, including a couple on the offensive glass that led to second chance points for his team. Long and lanky 6'4 frame helps him finish over the top of opposing forwards, and he can also extend and finish full speed at the rim in transition. Defends a number of spots on the floor depending on what lineup his team puts out. He played a key role in the win over Drive Pro Select.     One of the top guards I saw at the 15u level this weekend, TJ is lightning quick with the ball in his hands. He was able to beat his man off the dribble just about any time he wants to, establishing two feet in the paint to make plays for himself and his teammates. Even as one of the smaller players on the floor he's fearless attacking the basket, but also has the touch to slow up and finish over the top of shot blockers. TJ is always getting his teammates involved, and is a pest on the ball defensively.     Sago may have been the most energetic player I saw all weekend. He was an absolute pest on the ball defensively, never giving opposing guards an inch of space to breathe. Sago forced a number of turnovers throughout the game against [program_tooltip program_id='3575254' first='Drako' last='Elite'], and had the quickness to then go the other way to convert them for two points. In the half-court he was aggressive attacking the rim and could hang in the air to adjust his body to finish over/around defenders. Has a strong build that helps him absorb contact inside.     I really like the effort and intensity that Char brings to the floor defensively. At 6'3 he's a long and athletic wing capable of defending just about every spot on the floor at the 16u level. Char has no problem picking up guards and defending the length of the floor, but also has the physicality to defend forwards in the paint. If there was a loose ball remotely in his area, you can bet that Char was going to be the first player on the floor fighting for it. If he can start finishing at a higher percentage he has the chance to be a dangerous offensive player as well, as his quick burst helps him get a lot of good looks at the rim.     Matthew could be next up for a Waterford program that has produced a number of talented guards over the past few years. Physically he fits the mold as he has a long and lanky 6'3 frame, and on Sunday he put his three level scoring ability on display. He hit some catch and shoot threes, showed he can get to his spots off one/two dribbles for a mid-range pull-up, and he also ran the floor for some easy finishes at the rim. Consistent offensive threat for this Midwest Mayhem 16u team.

Seven prospects who stood out on the second day in Chicago at the Chi-Town Tip Off!