Summer Momentum: Prospects to Watch This Fall

As the grassroots season drew to a close this summer, several prospects showcased significant improvements in their play. In this article, I'll be discussing five prospects who I had the opportunity to evaluate this summer and who I believe will carry their impressive summer momentum into the upcoming season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2557759' first='Jaylen' last='Durham'] is a 2028 guard out of Booker T. Washington High School that had a great summer picking up two offers from Florida Memorial University and Paul Quinn College. At TABC, he averaged 14 points per game with a 24-point performance in the event. The scoring ability he possesses is very impactful to the offensive flow as he creates shots for himself on all three levels. Along with his shot creation, he creates shots for his teammates in different offensive situations. With his junior season approaching, he will be eager to carry his summer momentum into the fall.     La'Marr Henley is a rising sophomore out of Jack Yates High School that has shown the ability to contribute offensively against varsity competition. The scoring production, perimeter shooting, and confidence make him a prospect worth tracking in the 2029 class. When La'Marr is scoring at a high clip, it translates into big scoring games, as in his first playoff game as a freshman he scored 40+ points. La'Marr is looking to make even more noise this upcoming fall season, coming off his grassroots season with [program_tooltip program_id='2078786' first='Cooz' last='Elite'].     Malik Olajuwon is a 6'4 guard that recently transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season after evaluating him extensively at Fort Bend Clements. During his 25-26 season, he averaged impressive statistics of 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game for Fort Bend Clements. I had the opportunity to witness his offensive production against formidable competition, where he created numerous scoring opportunities for himself through various means. Defensively, he possesses the versatility to guard multiple positions and effectively generate stops on the opposing team's side of the court. With his skills and potential, Malik Olajuwon is poised to showcase his abilities at IMG Academy.     [player_tooltip player_id='2554957' first='Malik' last='Parrish'] is a senior forward from New Wave Academy that possesses remarkable versatility that allows him to excel on both ends of the court. His rebounding skills, playmaking ability off the bounce, floor running, and defensive versatility make him a valuable asset to his team. Notably, his precise passing in the half court consistently drives the offensive flow for New Wave Academy. Over the summer, Malik has garnered numerous Division 1 offers from prestigious schools, indicating his growing recognition and potential. I will closely monitor Malik's performance this upcoming season, confident that he has further enhanced his game during the summer break.     Jalon Brown is a 6'6 wing out of New Wave Academy that I was able to evaluate in multiple events during the summer. At the Adidas Circuit 3SSB Session in Bryan, Texas he was able to display his ability to get out in transition quickly to start fast breaks and convert opportunities with his athleticism finishing above the rim. Within the offensive flow he moves without the ball making precise cuts to slip into back side dunks and potential lob opportunities. He was able to make flashes of shooting from multiple spots on the floor from all three levels as well. Defensively he plays with high energy and activity in rotations generating stops at the rim and is capable of guarding on the perimeter.

As the grassroots season drew to a close this summer, several prospects showcased significant improvements in their play. In this article, I'll be discussing five prospects who I had the opportunity to evaluate this summer and who I believe will carry their impressive summer momentum into the upcoming season.