Team USA Minicamp Saturday Standouts

I attended the Team USA Minicamp over the weekend and in this article I'll break down the standout performers from Saturday's action.    In a setting with so many elite prospects who are used to dominating the game with the ball in their hands, it's certainly an adjustment for a lot of kids to play as a complimentary piece. Give credit to Lumpkin who fit in perfectly as a wing who moved without the basketball, made the extra pass and looked like a high feel player within a system. While I liked how Lumpkin moved without the ball and didn't force the issue, Lumpkin also made some plays late in the shot clock that stood out because you want your wings to be able to create for themselves in those half-court situations when the offense stalls. Also able to hit a catch and shoot 3-pointer, Lumpkin was a clear stock riser this weekend.     Maybe the loudest player in the gym on Saturday, Mercer was talking as a help-side defender consistently for his team as they won thanks to their defensive unity and structure. Mercer forced a handful of steals and was unselfish with the ball in his hands, making the right play as a passer. Helping his team win on the defensive end of the court and as a passer certainly stands out in a camp setting and Mercer also played above the rim when he was able to get to the paint. One of the more versatile wing guards in the 2028 class nationally, Mercer already has a Peach Jam 16 U title, Gold Medal with Team USA and an OHSAA title with Cincinnati Princeton to his name.     A prospect who I've gotten to see at two USA minicamps and on the EYBL circuit, Collins did what I've seen him do before to impact the game. One of the top athletes in the 2028 class, Collins can play above the rim in the open court, thrive in transition and played tough on-ball defense at the point of attack. I also saw some improved ball handling ability in spurts for Collins, showing the ability to make a secondary move with the ball in his hands. One of the top players on the wing in the 2028 class nationally, Collins continued to show why he's ranked as a consensus top 12 prospect in the country.     Lyons was one of a couple 18-year-old prospects at the minicamp, so I expected those players to stand out against a younger group of prospects. Lyons did exactly that as one of the top guard scorers I saw all weekend with his ability to change pace and direction on the ball. A microwave scorer, it seemed like once Lyons made one shot, he was going to make a second shortly afterwards. Able to knock down pull-up jumpers against other elite athletes, Lyons has a lot of on ball juice. One of the top lead guards in the 2027 class, Lyons seems like a prospect who could continue to rise this summer.     Another player who did well in a low usage role, Montgomery scored off cuts, was quick off his feet and able to finish through taller rim protectors. Being able to guard multiple positions and do whatever was asked defensively, Montgomery had some nice moments on both ends of the court on Saturday. Georgia's 6A first team all-state team had four juniors out of five spots with three of them competing at Team USA Minicamp with Montgomery, Lumpkin and [player_tooltip player_id='2075194' first='Kevin' last='Savage']. This shows you that exceling at that level of Atlanta high school hoops immediately puts a national spotlight onto you and gives you the opportunity to be seen by top coaches and scouts.

I attended the Team USA Minicamp over the weekend and in this article I'll break down the standout performers from Saturday's action.