Nike EYBL DMV City Series: 17U Wings/Bigs Observations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend was a special one in the DMV, as the EYBL circuit made its way to town for the first ever 'City Series.' In a four-team pod sort of setting,&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/program/team-durant-2/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078457' first='Team' last='Durant']</strong></a>&nbsp;,&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/program/team-final/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final']</strong></a>&nbsp;,&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/program/team-melo/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2076999' first='Team' last='Melo']</strong></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/program/team-takeover/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover']</strong></a>&nbsp;(15s, 16s, 17s) gathered for Friday and Saturday games at Suitland High School to play in games that would count in league play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll use this week to highlight observations from different age levels and positional groups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/05/nike-eybl-dmv-city-series-17u-guard-observations/">17U guards, click here.</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2353549"],"_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-69f8c233f3f09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The potential for a breakout summer continues to build for Taylor, who at 6-foot-5, possesses some of the most violent vertical athleticism that you'll find in the 2027 class for a player his size. He's built like a linebacker, but has the mobility, foot speed and power that is unlike any other prospect in the DMV. His rim activity is something that demands your attention and he uses his two-foot jumping ability to abuse rims on dump-off passes or lobs. What was even more encouraging to see both for [program_tooltip program_id='2076999' first='Team' last='Melo'] and Taylor's stock as a college prospect was stepping out beyond the arc and knocking down a handful of three's on the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If this theme becomes more consistent, there will be more reason for college programs to overlook his 'lack of size' as a forward. He's a versatile, strong player who can impact winning at a level that many others cannot when competing against him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He averaged 17PPG, 10.5RPG, 3APG and 2 stocks (steals + blocks) per outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2353520"],"_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-69f8c233f3f7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What caught my eye shortly after tip-off on Friday night was the improved explosiveness that Daniels has around the basket. He always had the power and with a clear takeoff path, could get his forearms above the rim, but there was clear twitch in getting off the ground that I hadn't noticed since seeing him live before he left for Montverde last fall. Friday night's win over [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] ended up being his best performance of the weekend as he finished with 18 points and four rebounds. He finished averaging 9.7PPG, 2.3RPG and 1.3BPG. While the noticeable improvement in his movement and functional athleticism is promising, I'd like to see him impose his will on the glass more and hover around at least five rebounds per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2802627"],"_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-69f8c233f3fcd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jeffers and the prospect mentioned below in this article are both long-term, high ceiling prospects that can translate at the high major level due to their combination of length and size. The DeMatha standout started catching eyes last summer in June, but has since gotten taller as well as added more ability to his skillset overall. His hands have improved on the move and finishing plays in traffic out of rolls or quick flashes. He's more of an emphatic shot-blocker as his timing as improved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jeffers was impactful as a lob threat in the dunkers spot, active on the offensive glass where he tallied second-chance points and did his diligence controlling the rebounding responsibilities along with Kacerauskas (mentioned later).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Per games averages ended up being 6.0PPG, 6.0RPG and 3.4 stocks (steals + blocks) per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2397578"],"_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-69f8c233f4015"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The raw stats won't catch your eye, but the rim presence that Jenkins has become over the last year is what has made his value rise significantly. He has the prototypical rim-running, shot-blocking frame that remains slender, but with elite length. Now eventually, more offensive skill will be required to reach the highest of levels, but his ability to leave an impact on the game simply with his presence is very valuable at the high school level. Jenkins has a lot of similarities as Luke Bamgboye (TCU), who spent his high school career blocking shots in bulk and throwing down lobs as a roller. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins averaged 4.5PPG, 4.5RPG and 1.5BPG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1406792"],"_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-69f8c233f405c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Epitome of a work horse who continues to add more skill into his game as the years have past. Brute of a frame at 6-foot-7 that has the look of a sophomore or junior in college and he knows how to use it with force. Like some others on this list, there isn't much nonsense to his approach. It was good to see him evolve more as a threat from catches on the perimeter than in my last viewing (last summer), and he showed some playmaking chops throughout the weekend, but when he's at his best is when he's getting downhill attacking the rim. He can bounce defenders off his path with ease and is no stranger to finishing emphatically if he has room for takeoff. When he has playmaking guards around him, he's a major factor off the ball as a cutter and can be used as a pick-and-roll/pop threat at any point in the possession. His defensive versatility shines bright given his size, athleticism and power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muhammad-Gray finished averaging 15.5PPG, 4 stocks (steals + blocks) and 3.5APG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2353558"],"_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-69f8c233f40a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I think Carpenter has a real opportunity to thrive this summer given his role on this Durant team. Looking ahead to his senior season with Clinton Grace, he'll have the needed confidence to take on a bigger role of the offense if what I've seen thus far this spring is a sign of what's to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's keeping things simple playing off others and maintaining good spacing from the corners or the wing. If he doesn't have an establishing lane to the cup, he's using his a couple of dribbles to establish himself in the paint before rising up for fallaway shots with soft touch. Along with Daniels and Woodard, Carpenter is a lob threat in transition or if he's given the ball early enough, has the athleticism to size up a contesting defender and flush it over top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He finished the weekend averaging 8.3PPG, 3RPG and was active on the defensive end with 2.7SPG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2353561"],"_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-69f8c233f40e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing with a crafty point guard in Jamaal McKnight Jr., Woodard oftentimes finds himself on the receiving end of lobs given McKnight's ability to drive into the teeth of the defense and force help. Given the elite athleticism that Woodard possesses, it results in poster finishes that not many prospects at the high school level can pull off. Woodard can do it with regularity and ease, if we're being honest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He can soar in for chase down blocks on the break and can quickly erase shots around the bucket as the weak side defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He finished with per games averages of 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2353562"],"_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-69f8c233f412c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Melo forward who ended in a strong manner was Condon. I wrote about his offensive versatility as a shot maker in our recent viewing against New World and this weekend further confirmed his progression as a true threat from deep. His percentage on the EYBL site doesn't indicate the accuracy because their last game against Final hasn't been submitted into the totals, but Condon's shooting in that game was nothing short of impressive. Catching and getting into his shot on the move whether it was quick cuts to the corner or stop-and-pops in transition, he's found the ability to stay in a flow once he sees one fall and can answer it with another on the ensuing possession. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He had his usual, physical presence in the paint alongside Taylor and as I assumed, they made things difficult on opposing frontcourts having to guard the entire floor rather than sag off in the paint to hunt blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2201945"],"_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-69f8c233f4170"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I thought Kretowski did a nice job of providing an additional scoring presence that kept the defense honest in [player_tooltip player_id='2206834' first='Caleb' last='Lundy']'s absence. He gets his production within the flow and is effective as a second-side attacker where he can quick and use an effective first step in getting to the rim. He showed balance in the process and could adjust to either barreling through defenders while maintaining control on his finish or falling away for floaters with soft touch. He's a willing rebounder on the offensive side of the ball and fits the mold as a guy who generates points in a low maintenance manner on this team. If he isn't in position to haul in a defensive board, he puts his head down and sprints the lanes wide to gain an advantage for advance passes where he can get downhill and convert.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2353646"],"_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-69f8c233f41f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kacerauskas isn't the type of forward who will catch your eye in warmup line skying over the rim or stick out with an imposing frame, but what he has that makes him extremely valuable are elite instincts as a rebounder. He doesn't overwhelm with strength in leveraging, but has excellent timing on when to pursue the ball that put him in the right spot 9.9/10 times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is especially the case on the offensive end. He's great at crashing from the weakside and getting the exact angle needed to avoid contact while using his length to secure misses. He's quick off his feet, which helps after gathering the miss to quickly explode up for clean up buckets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, Kacerauskas is a valuable connector piece who will make all the small plays that result in big swings and ultimately wins as the EYBL season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He averaged 4.7PPG., 6.3RPG (2.7ORPG), and 3APG.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->