Sunflower Showcase — Underrated Prospects Who Flashed

While we know some of the bigger names around the region and hear about them often, there are always a few players who catch the eye but aren't household names yet. I'll break down a few guys who showed promise in Kansas City over the weekend at the Sunflower Showcase and could be names that take the next step soon.   [player_tooltip player_id='3697793' first='Caleb' last='Campbell'] | 6'3" Guard | VWBA Elite   Campbell was one of the better two-way guards over the weekend, bringing size, strength, and a physical presence to complement his impact on both ends of the floor. Defensively, there's a lot to like with the way he pressured the ball, cut off downhill drives, and switched in different situations, showing a high basketball IQ and strong instincts. He also knifed through passing lanes, generating deflections and creating transition opportunities with his activity.   Offensively, he showed spurts as a perimeter shooter while using his strong frame to get downhill as a slasher and finish through contact at the rim. Campbell has the physical tools to be an impact player at the next level and is a name worth following closely as his recruitment continues.   [player_tooltip player_id='2205720' first='Lincoln' last='Elliott'] | 6'2" Guard | SSA Elite   Easily one of the top shooters in the Kansas City area, Elliott stayed on the hunt all weekend, consistently looking for his shot and needing only the slightest bit of space to get it off. He can fill it up in a hurry as a scorer, thanks to his quick trigger, and does a great job using screens and different actions to free himself for clean looks. While he looked most comfortable operating beyond the arc, he also showed he could put the ball on the floor and get to his spots in the mid-range, where he was able to rise up over defenders.   Lincoln also plays with underrated quickness and athleticism on the defensive end. He moves well laterally, can defend multiple positions, and brings more value than just his perimeter shooting.   Elijah Curtis | 6'1" Guard | VWBA Elite   While Curtis has been strong all summer, his name continues to be underappreciated in my opinion. Over the weekend, he continued to shine with his energy, relentless motor, and fearless mentality. He never seemed to back down when attacking the painted area against bigger players, consistently navigating through length and embracing contact. Elijah also showed he could play both on and off the ball, displaying the ability to play off others or handle the ball in traffic while making the right reads.   He consistently played downhill and through contact, often initiating it himself to create space and finish through contested hands. In transition, he also plays with great pace and keeps the pedal down, forcing defenses to collapse and protect the rim.   Jok Mayen | 6'8" Forward | Midwest Roots   Long and active, the legit 6'8" Mayen was at his best around the rim as both a shot blocker and finisher. Jok showed excellent timing and anticipation defensively, erasing nearly everything around the basket while competing on the glass to finish possessions. He moves well for his size and gets up and down the floor in transition, where he consistently puts pressure on the rim.   Jok also made switching defenses pay around the basket, taking advantage of mismatches as a roller while holding his position inside and finishing up and over the top. His length, mobility, and interior presence make him a rising name out of Nebraska that could take a big step this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2917221' first='Croix' last='Garcia'] | 5'10" Guard | [program_tooltip program_id='3650493' first='Team' last='Together']   Garcia's play over the weekend was steady, and he was no doubt one of the quickest and most elusive guards in attendance. His ability to break down defenders off the dribble and create separation really stood out. He can get to the rim and finishes much bigger than his frame suggests, but he's at his best getting to his quick pull-up or finding space as a perimeter shooter.   Whether he was playing out of ball screens or attacking in isolation, he consistently put defenses in rotation, creating high-percentage looks for himself and his teammates. Croix picked up an offer from Saint Mary in the process and should be in line for a strong junior season this winter at Shawnee Mission South.

While we know some of the bigger names around the region and hear about them often, there are always a few players who catch the eye but aren't household names yet. I'll break down a few guys who showed promise in Kansas City over the weekend at the Sunflower Showcase and could be names that take the next step soon.