Southeast Finals Day 2 Standouts

Derwyn Link | Tony Bradley Elite 17U   Derwyn Link is a powerful interior athlete with an elite frame and strength well beyond his age. He plays with physicality and toughness that immediately stand out around the basket. Link is an explosive finisher who attacks the rim with force and energy. He runs the floor hard in transition, creating easy scoring opportunities through effort alone. On the glass, he's an elite offensive rebounder who consistently creates second-chance points. Link also shows touch with a developing midrange jumper, adding another layer to his offensive game.     Nicholas Smith | Gooseneck Elite 16U   Nicholas Smith is a high-motor athlete who impacts the game with energy, toughness, and defensive intensity. He covers ground quickly and consistently makes multiple-effort plays that shift momentum. Smith's quick second jump allows him to compete effectively on rebounds and loose balls. Defensively, he stands out as an elite point-of-attack defender with the switchability to guard multiple positions. His disruptive presence creates turnovers and makes opposing ball handlers uncomfortable. Smith also thrives in transition, finishing plays with speed and athleticism. His relentless motor and defensive versatility make him a valuable two-way player.     Jaylon Jackson | Unseen Elite 17U   Jaylon Jackson is a strong, compact point guard who plays with toughness and aggression on both ends. He's a physical point-of-attack defender who embraces challenging matchups and competes every possession. Jackson consistently plays bigger and stronger than his height thanks to his strength and mentality. Offensively, he's a reliable catch-and-shoot threat who spaces the floor effectively. He keeps the game simple, making efficient reads and smart decisions with the ball. Jackson also finishes acrobatically around the basket and shows the ability to create against length. His toughness, efficiency, and defensive edge make him a winning guard.     Demetrius Mack | Alabama Muscle 16U   Demetrius Mack is a wiry lead guard who impacts the game as a true two-way player. He's a three-level scorer with the ability to consistently pressure defenses off the dribble. Mack does a great job using angles and footwork to get past defenders and create driving lanes. Defensively, he plays with active hands and creates disruption throughout the game. His length allows him to contest shots and bother ball handlers effectively on the perimeter. Mack's combination of scoring ability, pace, and defensive activity makes him an intriguing guard prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='2748313' first='Johnivon' last='Williams'] | Cross Tenth Starz 16U   [player_tooltip player_id='2748313' first='Johnivon' last='Williams'] is a talented two-guard with elite athleticism and length for his position. Defensively, he brings tremendous versatility with the ability to guard multiple positions effectively. Williams is a strong point-of-attack defender who consistently pressures ball handlers and disrupts actions. His recovery ability stands out, allowing him to contest plays even after being initially beaten. He also shows strong anticipation and awareness as a help defender. Offensively, Williams is a three-level scorer with a smooth pull-up game and solid shooting mechanics. His blend of athletic tools, defensive instincts, and scoring ability gives him significant upside.     Nicolas Vinson | D5ive 16U   Nicolas Vinson is a strong two-way wing with elite athleticism and physical tools that immediately stand out. He has an explosive first step that consistently allows him to get downhill and pressure the paint. Vinson's strong frame and broad shoulders help him play through contact naturally, something that clearly carries over from his football background. He finishes above the rim with force and has no problem dunking over or through defenders. His body control in traffic is impressive for a player with his power and explosiveness. Vinson consistently gets into the paint and puts defenses in difficult positions. His combination of athleticism, strength, and attacking mentality makes him a tough matchup on both ends of the floor.