Southern Jamfest 17U Standouts
In this article:
It’s that time of year that we all wait for in the state of VA, as the top independent AAU tournament on the east coast came back to Hampton. The Hoop Group Southern Jamfest features some of the top shoe…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s that time of year that we all wait for in the state of VA, as the top independent AAU tournament on the east coast came back to Hampton. The Hoop Group Southern Jamfest features some of the top shoe company and independent teams in the country, and is loaded with talent throughout the field.
Here’s a look at some of the standouts in the 17U division.
Dajuan Wagner Jr Dajuan Wagner Jr 6'4" | PG Camden | 2023 State #1 Nation NJ . | 6’1” CG | NJ Scholars 2023
The consensus number one player in the country showed why he’s considered that, as Wagner put on an absolute show for the Scholars before they lost to a very hot New World team in the semifinals. Wagner has the total package as a scorer, as he can create shots at multiple levels off the bounce, he finishes with athleticism and craft around the rim, he can drill it from deep and he gets to the free throw line. What separates him from others, at least in my opinion, is that he is an intense competitor who brings it every time he’s on the floor and even in their losing effort he brought it the whole game.
Aaron Bradshaw Aaron Bradshaw 7'0" | PF Camden | 2023 State #10 Nation NJ | 7’0” C | NJ Scholars 2023
Bradshaw has emerged as one of the top big men prospects in the country over the past few years, and his improvement on the offensive end to go along with his stifling defense makes you think he could have a professional career ahead of him when it’s all said and done. He’s long and explosive around the rim allowing him to catch and finish above the rim and protect it defensively, he can run the floor chase guys down in transition and he has improved his touch and range all the way out to the three-point line. He will be a force wherever he decides to attend college in the next few years.
Mackenzi Mgbako | 6’7” WF | NJ Scholars 2023
The Duke commit is arguably one of the best shooters in the nation, and with his size and ability to drill it from deep he will be an immediate impact for the Blue Devils in a couple of years. He has a great frame and can attack closeouts after knocking a few down, he’s confident with range and doesn’t go through long cold streaks and he can rebound and start the break as well. He is one of the more polished all-around type of shooters as he can do more than just let it fly and he’s yet another player on this Scholars team with pro potential moving forward.
Xavier Booker Xavier Booker 6'11" | PF Cathedral | 2023 State #4 Nation IN | 6’9” PF | George Hill All-Indy 2023
Booker is one of the biggest stock risers in the country, and he showed he should be considered a top 25 or so prospect with his versatility at his size and his immense upside moving forward. While he’s 6’9”, Booker has the complete perimeter skill set as he is a consistent shooter from deep off the catch, he can put it on the deck in isolation situations and he can get downhill where he can play above the rim and finish in traffic. While he needs to fill out he has a unique game that makes him a walking mismatch and he produced consistently and at a high level as well.
Garwey Dual Garwey Dual 6'5" | PG Carmel | 2023 #113 Nation CA-S | 6’5” PG | George Hill All-Indy 2023
Dual is another stock riser for this George Hill team, as he has picked up offers from a number of high and mid major schools over the past few weeks. He’s a big and long guard who can guard the 1 through 3 defensively, he thrives in transition with his end-to-end speed and athletic finishing ability and he’s able to make plays for himself and others off the bounce. He is unselfish and makes great reads and makes others on his team better, and he also can score it from multiple levels when he needs to.