Names to Know From The Midwest Best Showcase Camp

The Midwest Best Showcase Camp provided an early look at several talented young prospects who found different ways to make their presence felt. From athleticism and shot-making to playmaking, pace and overall feel for the game, these players consistently caught my attention throughout the weekend. Here is a closer look at Ka'Marri West, [player_tooltip player_id='2780958' first='Dylan' last='Rader'], Crew Miskel, [player_tooltip player_id='2837344' first='Terry' last='Evans Jr']., [player_tooltip player_id='3665584' first='Kevin' last='Ciezadlo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2809414' first='Cameron' last='Smith'].    Ka'Marri stood out with his athletic profile. He has the physical tools to play at and almost above the rim (he might laugh when he reads this, but he is really athletic and I would not doubt if he can finish above the rim), cover ground quickly, and make effort plays that other players cannot consistently reach. His athleticism creates value on the glass, in transition, and as a defender capable of challenging shots and recovering into the action. It also provides an important base for his long-term upside because improved skill development can be layered with tools that already translate. I would encourgae Ka'Marri to learn to play every possession with effort and energy as there were times he was cruising, and he has to much potential to not give maximum effort on every possessions.     Dylan is a skilled, heady, and confident PG with the ability to make plays on the perimter as well as inside the arc off the bounce. He can handle the rock, create separation off the bounce, make tough shots, and use flair to produce offense, while the three-ball gives him a scoring threat away from the rim. His creativity is a strength when it leads to an advantage, and the next step is making sure the flash stays connected to efficient decisions. He should continue improving shot selection, simple passing reads and pace against physical pressure. Defensively, consistent engagement and point-of-attack toughness will round out the profile. Rader has the tools to become a dependable scoring playmaker when he values possessions and uses his handle to create high-quality looks for the entire group.     Crew showed a budding feel in his overall floor game at the lead-guard position, by playing with pace and keeping a healthy balance between scoring and facilitating. He did not rush possessions or allow the defense to dictate his tempo. Instead, he did a really good job surveying the floor, creating his own offense when an advantage was available, and remaining willing to move the rock when teammates were in better positions. That balance is important for a developing floor general as Crew, because it makes him harder to scheme against and gives his team a steady decision-maker. His ability to control tempo, manufacture a quality look, and keep others involved gives him a strong foundation as an offensive organizer.     Terry is a shifty and quick-twitch backcourt prospect who possesses the ball-handling ability and creativity to operate as a lead guard. He plays with the rock on a string, uses change-of-direction moves to create separation, and has the craft needed to break down defenders off the bounce. His ability to knock down the three-ball adds another dimension to his offensive profile, as defenders must respect his perimeter shot while also preparing for his ability to create off the dribble. The next step in his development is learning how to accomplish more with fewer dribbles. He can overhandle the rock at times, which slows the offense and allows the defense to recover. Becoming more decisive attacking immediately when an advantage is available, making the simple pass, and moving effectively without the ball will help him become a more efficient offensive weapon. As a small guard often times he will not get the call, that he should, to go his way, but developing greater composure and moving quickly to the next play will strengthen his leadership presence and positively affect his teammates. I was really impressed with his game at his size as he competed like a warrior, even when he got hammered in the paint, but as he continues in the game, moving to the next play will be vital especially as the floor general.     Kevin showed a promising scoring package that extends from behind the arc into his middle game. He can connect on the three-ball and pull up for the midrange jumper off the bounce, giving him answers against different defensive coverages, which will be vital as he continues in the game. He has a good feel for the game, showed shot-making ability, and a really good ability to stay balanced when changing direction or stopping into his release. He is a guard who can threaten all levels and force defenders to make difficult choices. His footwork, shooting touch, and overall feel for the game gives him a dependable foundation to build upon.     Cameron showed an expansive guard skill set that included positional size, self-creation, shot-making, and passing vision. He can create his own look, connect from behind the arc, and score from multiple levels, making him difficult to defend with a single coverage. His vision and passing skills gives his game additional depth because he can recognize teammates when the defense commits extra attention to his scoring. He also showed a willingness to provide help defensively. The combination of scoring versatility, creation, and playmaking gives him the tools to influence an offense in several roles.

The Midwest Best Showcase Camp provided an early look at several talented young prospects who found different ways to make their presence felt. From athleticism and shot-making to playmaking, pace and overall feel for the game, these players consistently caught my attention throughout the weekend. Here is a closer look at Ka'Marri West, Dylan Rader Dylan Rader 5'5" | PG IL , Crew Miskel, Terry Evans Jr Terry Evans Jr 4'8" | PG IL ., Kevin Ciezadlo Kevin Ciezadlo IL and Cameron Smith Cameron Smith 5'11" | SG/SF Fenton | 2027 IL .