Grind Session: USBA Scouting Reports (Part One)
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After an eventful trip to Phoenix, AZ, many players on the United States Basketball Academy roster have made themselves heard on a national stage thanks to The Grind Session. This week, we will release scouting reports of the players that…
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Continue ReadingAfter an eventful trip to Phoenix, AZ, many players on the United States Basketball Academy roster have made themselves heard on a national stage thanks to The Grind Session. This week, we will release scouting reports of the players that impressed us at each position group in Phoenix, beginning today with guards:
Lamar Washington Lamar Washington 6'4" | CG AZ Compass Prep | 2022 State #128 Nation AZ (2022, Jefferson)
Throughout the seven games in Phoenix, Washington was the clear leader for USBA, scoring in a variety of ways as the primary ball-handler in each contest. At times, the 6-foot-4 combo guard was one of the most unstoppable players in the entire grouping at The Grind Session. Considering the level of competition Washington faced over this stretch, his ability as a primary facilitator was incredible. Despite turning the ball over occasionally as any great playmaker does, Washington displayed surprisingly consistent ball-handling to go alongside his deadeye deep-ball and effective inside scoring. Additionally, Washington impressed on the defensive end, springing on opposing ball-handlers throughout the seven games on his way to a solid collection of steals. Each of these elements came to fruition in a 106-84 victory over Bella Vista Prep in which Washington scored 40 points. Recording five rebounds, six assists, four steals, and eight three-pointers, the junior guard dominated every facet of the game to lead his team to a much-needed victory.
Leo DeBruhl (2021, Seattle Academy WA)
Serving as the only consistent ball-handler other than Washington, DeBruhl really turned it on late in the circuit for USBA, recording at least 10 points and four assists in each of the last three games. At 6-foot-2, the senior from Seattle is a pure point guard that plays with a spring in his step. With his eyes up at all times, DeBruhl was effective handling pressure and found a way to score inside and out. Despite coming off the bench to open The Grind Session, DeBruhl was a no-brainer for the starting lineup by the time USBA ended their stint in Phoenix, paying proper testament to his impressive play. Against Prolific Prep, AZ Compass Prep, and Dream City Christian, perhaps the three best teams in the field, USBA was by far the most effective with both DeBruhl and Washington on the floor. Complementing Washington with the shared ability to create off the dribble, DeBruhl was arguably USBA’s most surprising player when all was said and done in Phoenix.
Darius Gakwasi Darius Gakwasi 6'5" | SG Central Catholic | 2021 State OR (2021, Central Catholic)
In a matchup against national powerhouse Prolific Prep, Gakwasi impressed with a ten point performance. Alongside his two other threes, Gakwasi connected on a ridiculous four-point play in the second half to keep the game close. At 6-foot-5, the senior possesses great size for a guard, and it’s no mystery why Princeton saw something in him at the next level. Despite struggling with his mid-range game in Phoenix, Gakwasi displayed the ability to create pockets of space for himself in and around the painted area throughout the seven games, flashing signs of expandable scoring tools.
Sheer Akot (2021, Proctor Academy, NH)
Although Akot’s playing time was spotty throughout the seven games in Phoenix, his lengthy 6-foot-7 frame and ability to defend on the perimeter were enough to catch our eye. In a matchup against AZ Compass Prep, Akot was tasked with guarding perhaps the MVP of the first Grind Session grouping, TyTy Washington, for large portions of the game. Despite pouring in 25 points, the Creighton commit was relatively held in check compared to most of his other performances. Akot was a primary factor in stunting Washington’s production, helping USBA battle with one of America’s top teams.