Proving Grounds Combine Quick Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Proving Grounds Combine brought out 50+ total prospects from across Arkansas and beyond, creating one of the most diverse talent pools we've seen this offseason. The gym was loaded with 2030–2027 prospects, representing every classification from 1A through 6A. Plus, a surprising wave of out‑of‑state hoopers, including standouts from Texas, North Dakota and Utah. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players moved through a full evaluation circuit:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Combine testing (wingspan, lane agility, vertical, sprint metrics)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skills &amp; positional drill work</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Controlled live reps</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3v3 small‑sided competition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5v5 full-court action</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improvement Room Players:</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rhett Goodwin</strong> showed better perimeter defense than expected, rebounded well all session, and carried himself with a mature, savvy feel that steadied his group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boston Duck</strong> set strong screens, used his big frame to occupy space inside, and proved he can defend other bigs physically without losing positioning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ja'Kobe Chambers</strong> played with quickness, he liked to push transition pace every chance he got and consistently attacked the basket with aggressive drives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dawson Engles</strong> played as a pass‑first guard, stayed patient in half‑court motions, and found the roller in ball‑screen situations with decent timing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3628762' first='Braxton' last='Whitener']</strong> brought a solid blend of size and speed, showed strong coachability by asking questions throughout the session, and flashed wing/guard versatility that fit well with other guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impressionable Prospects:</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carson Douglas</strong> stood out as a 6'7 long-frame prospect who covers ground well, uses his length inside, and impacts play all around the interior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382017' first='Eli' last='Craig']</strong> operated as a table‑setter, showed confidence as a shooter, and mixed in dribble‑drive actions that kept defenders honest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>AJ Johnson</strong> flashed quick, twitchy athleticism, played with first step burst as a guard, and looked to create plays off movement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brooks Hickam (Utah)</strong> brought fast pace from the jump, competed on both ends, and paired his playmaking with strong perimeter defense that translated in 3v3 and 5v5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->