AP’s Prep Hoops ATL Live Day 3 Notebook

<p>Another successful live period in the books ended with a bang. We saw two circuit stars assert themselves in the last games, the best big man battle of the weekend, and 5 fresh faces to know. Let’s get into the storylines of a jam packed Sunday.</p> <p><strong>Best Big Man Battle</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_1508127" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0226-rotated.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1508127 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0226-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id="1431895" first="Khareem" last="Thompson"] | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1431895" first="Khareem" last="Thompson"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_1447322" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG_8918-1-rotated-e1651775010592.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1447322 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG_8918-1-rotated-e1651775010592-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1444957" first="Shedrach" last="Makanjuola"][/caption] <p>HBSA 2023 and M24 Legends gave us one of the best frontcourt matchups of the weekend. HBSA has three players listed at 6’6 or taller, including 6’8 Brian Igwe, 6’8 [player_tooltip player_id="1444957" first="Shedrach" last="Makanjuola"], and 6’7 Mikell Orelus. In front of them was M24 Legends 6’8 big man, [player_tooltip player_id="1431895" first="Khareem" last="Thompson"]. Igwe was the early standout because of his length, a pair of blocks, and a free throw line jumper. The next 20 minutes pitted Makanjuola and Thompson against each other. The former finished around the rim with both hands, posted double-digit rebounds, and pushed the ball in transition for an assist. Thompson was a big time finisher himself, challenged every shot in front of him, and looked like an improved player with his back to the basket. Makanjuola and Thompson took this matchup personally as they tried to put each other on a poster, resulting in trips to the free throw line for both players. </p> <p><strong>Just As Good As We Thought </strong></p> <p>This section is reserved for the prospects who can consistently show up and leave us no room but to mention them as “the man”.</p> [caption id="attachment_1468277" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG_8138.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1468277 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/IMG_8138-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1159181" first="Trey’Dez" last="Green"][/caption] <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1159181" first="Trey’Dez" last="Green"] can be the player of the game every time he graces the court. He’s only had two “bad games” each resulting in near 20 point double doubles. The LA Broncos went 2-2 this weekend with Green showcasing his full skill set on the last day. He knocked down a three, multiple turnaround jumpers out of the post, and several putbacks. The 6’7 2024 forward pushed the ball in transition, showing off handle and vision on the break. Green is a real all around talent that can protect the rim as a help side shot blocker. Whoever earns his pledge should let him play both football and basketball so we can have the next Antonio Davis.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="956870" first="Dallas" last="Bear"] is a big time do it all combo forward with all the tools to be successful in the right system. He seamlessly switched between guarding wings and bigs, scored from the perimeter, and made plays for teammates. At 6’8 Bear is a D1 prospect ready to contribute in multiple ways.</p> <p><strong>New Faces</strong></p> [caption id="attachment_1508139" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0235-rotated.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1508139 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0235-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id="1289016" first="Andrew" last="Beers"] | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1289016" first="Andrew" last="Beers"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1289016" first="Andrew" last="Beers"]</strong></p> <p>Beers stands 6’7 with a do it all skill set. He defends multiple positions, runs the floor, finishes against size, and makes plays all over the court. His combination of size and willingness to do anything for a win makes him an interesting long term prospect.</p> [caption id="attachment_1508137" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0245-rotated.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1508137 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0245-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id="1060235" first="Isaiah" last="Davis"] | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1060235" first="Isaiah" last="Davis"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1060235" first="Isaiah" last="Davis"]</strong></p> <p>The Florida Suns’ lead guard fed his scorers all weekend. He’s an excellent table setter that puts pressure on the rim for kick outs. He unselfish distributor that can hit the three off the dribble and catch to keep the defense honest. </p> [caption id="attachment_1508135" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0237-rotated.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1508135 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0237-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id="1289016" first="Andrew" last="Beers"] | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a> Eddie Sandven[/caption] <p><strong>Eddie Sandven</strong></p> <p>Sandven has one of the most intriguing stories of any prospect on the circuit. A 7-inch growth spurt heading into his freshman year transformed the hockey player into a marksman. He’s currently averaging 4 threes per game and drilled three of his six attempts in the last game of the weekend. The 6’6 wing finishes well at the rim. He’s a high upside prospect that’s only played basketball since his growth spurt. St. Olaf already has the rising senior on their radar. </p> [caption id="attachment_1508148" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0234-rotated.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1508148 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/07/IMG_0234-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id="1139551" first="Luke" last="Wagstaff"] | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1139551" first="Luke" last="Wagstaff"][/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1139551" first="Luke" last="Wagstaff"]</strong></p> <p>The 6’8 230 pound forward showed off his sweet feet and passing touch this weekend. Every time he touched the ball in the post, he was a danger of shedding his defender to finish around the rim or find an open teammate. His vision extended to the perimeter where he can make pinpoint passes to cutters. He’s currently receiving looks from D3 programs.</p> <p><strong>Jaquay Randolph</strong></p> <p>The 6’9 unsigned senior is made for basketball at the next level. He has good feet, made shots over defenders in the midrange, and rebounds outside of his area. He operates well out of the high post where his passing opens things up for his teammates.</p>