Pro Insight Combine Takeaways

Yesterday in Manalapan, NJ, the Pro Insight Combine took place at Sportika Sports facility where a slew of elite prospects from the east coast participated in athletic testing, player development breakdowns and 5-on-5 play. Focusing solely on the 5-on-5 play, there were prospects that used the stage to their advantage to rise above the rest. Let's take a look at some takeaways from the event.   [player_tooltip player_id='1225253' first='Drew' last='McKenna'] shines   2024 wing [player_tooltip player_id='1225253' first='Drew' last='McKenna'] witnesses his stock rise significantly in June after a dominant and efficient showing at DMV Live. Yesterday playing among some of the top prospects from various classes, the 6-foot-8 wing reminded folks why he is a legitimate high major prospect with a high ceiling. McKenna has proven himself already as a shot maker from mid-range and three off the catch, but it was his confidence in operating off the bounce that caught my eye right away. Instead of using 1-to-2 dribbles and quickly giving it up, McKenna operated in ball screens where he converted shots as bigs dropped, turned the corner on hard hedges and forced mismatches on a routine basis. When he wasn't in half court play, he was grabbing defensive rebounds and dictating the pace himself. Layers of McKenna's game continue to show more each time I see him. His performance throughout June and yesterday have him tightly contesting the No. 1 spot in the next 2024 MD/DC rankings update.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/theballdawgs/status/1559043272193998848?s=20&t=9lhc91C7eLvBik5qo8LNKA </div></figure>   Ifaola Fawaz will be a top big in 2025   It's obviously still very early to be evaluating 2025 prospects, but what Fawaz brings to the floor at his position is unique regardless of his class. First off, he stands 6-foot-10 and has a strong frame to go with it. While his pure size gives him the upper hand in many matchups, it's his motor and relentless effort that contribute to him dominating in games like he did yesterday. He's intent on utilizing a wide base when sealing his defender, is always giving the ball handler a target hand for where he wants the ball and once he catches it, can punish the rim or finish over his left shoulder with hooks. Fawaz's willingness to put his head down and rim-run resulted in plenty of semi-transition dunks. The majority of these scenarios occurred after pursuing rebounds at their peak with two hands and quickly finding the guards. If he stays on his current trajectory, it's safe to say he will be a top center prospect nationally in the 2025 class.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/theballdawgs/status/1559017081303072769?s=20&t=9lhc91C7eLvBik5qo8LNKA </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/08/IMG-9648-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/08/IMG-9648-300x225.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1548103"/></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='931033' first='Jameel' last='Morris'] one to monitor in 2023   Morris made a statement from the opening tip in the first game. He did so on the defensive end of the floor where he harassed his matchup from start to finish for 94-feet. His efforts resulted in a couple of steals thanks to his active hands and opportunities to showcase his over-the-rim athleticism in the open floor. Morris has good size at 6'1-6'2, a strong frame with broad shoulders and good quickness for the lead guard role. Morris finished through contact on drives, made sound reads in pick-and-rolls and proved that his jumper has become smoother and more consistent over the last 5-to-6 months. Morris will attend Our Savior Lutheran (NY).    <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/08/IMG-9661-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/08/IMG-9661-300x225.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1548138"/></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1050389' first='Tahaad' last='Pettiford'] back top-50 ranking   Pettiford is one of the more flashy, entertaining guards in the 2024 class and he proved why with his play throughout the combine. The 5'11 southpaw lead guard has quick-twitch ability in isolations and ball screen actions that make it extremely difficult for his defender to keep him at bay. Once he gets into the paint, Pettiford can finish with either hand, has great instincts as a passer and also has soft touch on high floaters. Pettiford also made his defender pay for digging on post touches by canning triples on kick-out passes. He has the ball on a string and a feel that is unique and makes everyone on the court better.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/08/IMG-9660-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/08/IMG-9660-300x225.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1548144"/></a></figure>   Impressive 2026s   It seems like every year we see more talented incoming freshmen to the high school scene and yesterday gave me an opportunity to see more that the Mid-Atlantic regions has to offer. Chidi Nwigwe (Bergen Catholic) was impressive overall with his size at 6'6 and his versatile skill set. He finished over the rim in transition, guarded multiple positions and didn't shy away from physicality on either end. Erhunmwunse Oswin (Busche Academy) has a chance to be among the nation's best in 2026 standing close to 6'10, plus length and plays with a competitive edge that shows in his pursuit of rebounds outside of his area and his strong, thunderous finishes. [player_tooltip player_id='1213561' first='Brendan' last='Oliver'] (Blair Academy) was very productive where he used his anticipation in passing lanes to cause deflections that ended with his own dunks. At 6'6, he showed a confidence of operating off the bounce where he made his way to the paint for floaters or stopped on a dime and knocked down mid-rangers with good form.

Yesterday in Manalapan, NJ, the Pro Insight Combine took place at Sportika Sports facility where a slew of elite prospects from the east coast participated in athletic testing, player development breakdowns and 5-on-5 play. Focusing solely on the 5-on-5 play, there were prospects that used the stage to their advantage to rise above the rest. Let's take a look at some takeaways from the event.