Arizona Winter Showcase – Below The Radar Post Players
The Arizona Winter Showcase was held December 12-13 at the PHHacility in Phoenix. Here is a look at some below-the-radar post players who impressed with solid performances. (Keep in mind that during these COVID-crazy times one might say that almost…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Arizona Winter Showcase was held December 12-13 at the PHHacility in Phoenix. Here is a look at some below-the-radar post players who impressed with solid performances. (Keep in mind that during these COVID-crazy times one might say that almost all player are operating below the radar.)
6’7 C D’Mari Johnson of Glenview College Prep (AZ) 2021
Johnson is a big-bodied postman with good hands who is a real force on the inside. He has a solid post-up game with a nice drop step as his go to move. He definitely qualifies as a “hard to guard” big man. Johnson can rebound the ball in his area effectively. If he gets his hands on the ball it is his. He could help himself by trimming up his body some and developing more conditioning. But he is a worthy post prospect.
6’8 P/C Eddie Kurjiak of Longmont HS (CO)/Colorado Titans 17U 2021
Kurjiak is an aggressive five man with long arms and a solid skill set who gets a lot done. He has some lift and can finish with authority. He has an efficient post-up game and he can find ways to score. He is confident using his left hand around the basket and he has an impressive jump hook that is difficult to defend. Kurjiak is a good rebounder who goes after the ball on the glass at both ends, and he can block a shot on the interior. This kid will play college basketball and the only question is how high he goes.
6’9 C Gavin Marrs of Ellensburg HS (WA)/Friends of Hoop 2023
It is no surprise that a 2023 kid is below the radar in these times, but Gavin Marrs is a bonafide prospect who can now arrive firmly on the 2023 radar without any hesitation. He has long arms and some lift and can run the floor. He is a little thin and needs to develop some bulk/strength (which should come with age/maturity). Marrs can score on the block and has a clever jump hook that is next to-impossible to defend. And he has the length to be a nice shot-blocker at the defensive end. Marrs will play Division I basketball. The only question is, what level will he end up at.
6’9 C Jose Murillo of Highland HS (NM)/Nike Team Swoosh 2022
Murillo has been operating in the shadow of his more well-known AAU teammate Isaiah Carr of Las Cruces HS. But, don’t sleep on this kid because as they say, “he got game”. He has a strong body and long arms, and he can run the floor pretty well. He can operate around the hoop and has a very nice drop step. He also can beat the defender on the one-bounce face-up drive. He also sets a MEAN screen on the ball. Murillo IS a legitimate Division I prospect who needs to be on the radar of coaches at that level.
6’6 PF/C Robert Vaihola Robert Vaihola 6'7" | PF Archbishop Riordan | 2021 State CA-N of Archbishop Riordan HS (CA)/Arsenal 17 Potts 2021
Vaihola is a very intriguing combo postman with legitimate post-up skills who gets things done. His dribble operates well on the block and he has a nice jump hook as his go-to move. He can consistently shoot it over taller players. Vaihola can also step outside and shoot it ok from 3-point range. This stretches the defense out and creates cutting lanes to the basket for others. He is also a solid rebounder in his area on both ends of the floor. Mr. Prep Hoops himself-Bruce Williams, commented at this event “how does this kid not have Division I offers? That is a VERY puzzling question…
6’9 C Dillon Wilhite of Cathedral Catholic HS (CA)/Gamepoint Bolton 2021
From time to time, you will observe a player who “shows out” at a given event. Folks, Dillon Wilhite “showed out” at the Arizona Winter Showcase. He is a strong and hard-working five man with long arms who comes to play every day. He knows how to operate around the basket and he is consistently aggressive. He can score through skill and effort. Wilhite is a solid rebounder and a hard-working defender as well. He is also an elite student (4.0 GPA) with four Division I offers. It is impossible to not like this kid when you watch him play.