NEPSAC Showcase Standouts: Glue Guys

The NEPSAC Showcase has turned into one of the top scholastic events in the country - a proving ground for prospects and a must attend event for college coaches from across the country.   This year was no different as college coaches showed up at Worcester Academy in droves to check out two weekends of action.   Over the coming days, we'll release our NEPSAC Showcase Standouts, prospects that left their mark in a variety of ways and established themselves as players to track this winter.   Today, we'll start by taking a look at the Glue Guys.    Santos, a rising post-grad at Vermont Academy in Vermont, showcased his versatility and ability to impact games in multiple ways. The 6'5" wing can operate as a jumbo initiator in the half-court, does a nice job of making shots in catch and shoot situations, and can guard on the perimeter and in the paint defensively. He's an instinctive rebounder that also shows good floor vision as a passer when playing with the ball in his hands. While not a primary scorer, he'll be a major piece of the puzzle this winter for Vermont Academy with his ability to make plays offensively and take away scoring opportunities on the defensive end of the floor.     Millward, a rising senior at the Rivers School in Massachusetts, has turned a lot of heads over the course of the last year with his ability to score the basketball. At NEPSAC however, it was his willingness to do all the other things that stood out. He makes winning plays on both ends of the floor; like making the extra pass to an open shooter, being the first to the floor for a loose ball, and giving up his body in rotation to take a charge. Beyond that, he makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands, has the toughness and strength to mix it up as a rebounder, and continues to show some off the bounce game when attacking the basket.     Charlot, a rising junior at Cushing Academy in Massachusetts, showed off his full offensive arsenal while proving to be a connector on that end of the floor. Cushing has a bunch of pieces that can put the ball in the basket, but it was the lead guard that stood out with his ability to get into the paint off the bounce and spray is out to shooters for open looks. He's got a really quick first step, does a great job of limiting turnovers, and shows good feel and vision when playing out of ball screens. Defensively, he can really move his feet to stay in front of the ball and his quickness allows him to generate plenty of steals and deflections.     Kilroy, a rising junior at Dexter Southfield School in Massachusetts, played some really good basketball at the showcase while looking bigger, stronger, and more assertive on the offensive end of the floor. He does a great job of using his strength to play bigger than his frame, is capable of walling up in the paint to defend without fouling, and does a nice job of using his voice to help on the back line of defense. Offensively, he's comfortable attacking closeouts, keeps a ton of possessions alive on the offensive glass, and shows the ability to score turning over either shoulder on the block.     Cyr, a rising senior at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts, continues to be a game-changer with his effort and intensity. He plays as hard as anyone in the gym, has great two-way instincts, and seemingly sees plays two seconds before they develop. He wins most 50-50 balls, is terrific at poking balls loose from behind in transition, and does a great job of attacking the offensive glass from the guard spot, particularly in space. Beyond that, he can operate as a lead ball-handler, looks to be shooting with more confidence and consistency from behind the arc, and is relentless when attacking the basket off the bounce.    Our NEPSAC Showcase Standouts series will continue tomorrow with a look at the Creators.

The NEPSAC Showcase has turned into one of the top scholastic events in the country - a proving ground for prospects and a must attend event for college coaches from across the country.