Stock Boosters who showed out at the Freshman Showcase

There is real value in getting out of your comfort zone, competing and putting your game in front of the scouts and rankers. The Freshman Showcase gave players an opportunity to raise their profile before their first high school season, and this group took advantage. Stock doesn't always rise because somebody scored 20 points. Sometimes it's a skill that translates, defensive effort that keeps showing up or simply proving you can hold your own against good competition. These prospects each gave me a little more to think about leaving the gym.    Bailey was a player who kept showing up in my notes because it was tough for others to keep him out of the paint once he decided to attack. He handled the ball well for a wing and had enough shift to get defenders leaning before working his way in the paint and to his spot. One move that caught my attention was a small drop step he used after getting inside, sealing the defender with his body and creating the angle he needed to finish. That's the makings and footwork of a solid player. Bailey brought plenty of energy on the other end as well, defending and making plays, and stayed involved. He has a solid handle, can score in bunches, and plays defense, and those things pop for me.     Campbell is a player who actually shocked me with his play at the showcase, especially early on in 5-on-5. He read the defense, reacted to what the defense was giving him, and got to his spots. He had a couple of 3's that he put together in a row to get him loose and looked to score after that. After the defense started collapsing, he started kicking it out and getting it out of his hands and not forcing shots, and that balance of knowing when to score and find the open man stood out to me. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands. Cam also competed defensively and came up with a couple of steals. He's an impactful player who I think is going to make some noise soon, and it was great to get eyes on him at the showcase.     Abasta had a few moments at the showcase where he put together solid plays in a row and gave defenders problems. He had a few blow-by finishes, he changed direction, and went and made plays. He jumped on our radar as he was effective despite being a small guard, but he slipped on plays, played both on and off ball, and found ways to score. I liked how he scored off the bounce and played under control. He's going to only continue getting better, and he's a player to check back in on to see how he's playing. Certainly on my radar now.     Apodaca came out to the event and showed a pretty versatile offensive game. He was comfortable catching in a triple-threat position, reading what was available, and confidently stepping into his jumper when defenders gave him room. What also helped was him being a willing passer and finding cutters. That allowed him to stand out as others wanted to shoot it every time, and he wanted to make the right play. He wasn't strictly on the perimeter; he got inside, mixed it up, and showed himself as a versatile player. I'm curious to see how he progresses the next time we see him.     Alex boosted his stock by being engaged on both ends of the floor, and seeing defensive plays in a showcase is good to see. He looked comfortable with the ball; he showed that he could be a spot-up option, and he has a quick release. He didn't need much room to get his shot off and was not shy. On the defensive end, his screen navigation stood out to me. He didn't get hung up on screens; he stayed attached and spoke on that end of the floor. He's an intriguing prospect who we want to see more of so it was great to see him get out and get his name on the map.

There is real value in getting out of your comfort zone, competing and putting your game in front of the scouts and rankers. The Freshman Showcase gave players an opportunity to raise their profile before their first high school season, and this group took advantage. Stock doesn't always rise because somebody scored 20 points. Sometimes it's a skill that translates, defensive effort that keeps showing up or simply proving you can hold your own against good competition. These prospects each gave me a little more to think about leaving the gym.