2024 Rim Finishers
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The next category of player we will evaluate in the 2024 class is rim finishing. There are many players who are skilled enough to beat their defender off the dribble or athletic enough to drive right by, but finishing is…
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Continue ReadingThe next category of player we will evaluate in the 2024 class is rim finishing. There are many players who are skilled enough to beat their defender off the dribble or athletic enough to drive right by, but finishing is an art that is much more difficult to master. It requires both physicality and finesse. It requires anticipation, quick decision making, and certain level of fearlessness among the giants inside. Here are five of the best young finishers in Nebraska I’ve watched this summer.
Caleb Benning Caleb Benning 5'10" | CG Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE | Omaha Westside
The Omaha Westside point guard is a bulldog in the paint. He has a sturdy, hard build and he uses it to go right into the chest of defenders. He beats defenders to the high point, holds off their contests with his strength, and finishes well using solid touch. There isn’t a whole lot of flash in Benning’s game. He uses physicality, athleticism, and quick decision making to beat defenders.
CJ Mitchell CJ Mitchell 5'10" | PG Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE | Omaha Westside (pictured)
Mitchell is another young Warrior guard with excellent finishing skills. Nobody in this class makes it look as easy or as graceful as Mitchell does. There’s a spatial awareness that Mitchell has in the paint that allows him to finish what seem like extremely difficult opportunities. A great outside shooter knows exactly how much space they need to get their shot off, and as long as they have that space the best are unbothered by defenders no matter how high and fast the contest it. I can say the same thing with Mitchell’s finishing ability in the paint. He calculates the available space, and quickly selects the most appropriate finishing move depending on multiple factors (position, height, and number of defenders around him).
Jacob Arop | Bellevue West
Arop’s touch around the rim is unrivaled among big men in this class right now. From any angle, he can dial up the spin and velocity needed to put it home off the glass. He is a three-point play machine because his size forces defenses to foul, and he anticipates the contact, fights through it, and maintains his touch through it all. Body control is a big part of finishing at the rim, and Arop moves very well given his size.
Daleron Thomas Daleron Thomas 6'0" | CG Omaha Central | 2024 State NE | Omaha North
The combo guard has room to grow offensively, especially without the ball in his hands. His strength is as a slasher and finisher around the rim. His ball-handling ability is strong, and he pairs it with excellent use of pace to open up defensive gaps. His length is his biggest asset. It allows him to finish over size without having to get too cute, and he can cover a lot of ground with his euro moves. He gets himself a lot of easy looks without trying all that hard.
Mynor Strong | Omaha North
This might be a new name for a lot of our readers, but I’ve been impressed with his performances for Team Factory 15U Gold this summer. He has great feel for scoring the basketball, very similar to his older brother. I should note that Mynor is a capable shooter with some versatility, but his finishing inside stands out the most. Off-footed finishes, unique angles off the glass, and double clutching are all used by Strong to finish inside successfully.