Brandeis' Jean Bain Prospect Camp Standouts: Part 1

Brandeis University held their prospect camp on Saturday, August 10th, at their facility in Waltham, Ma. Roughly 40 kids attended. Here is part one of my standouts! Part two will be coming tonight.    I saw Marino at the Babson elite camp on Friday and wrote about him there, but he was probably the best player on the court Saturday at Brandeis, so he definitely needs a few more words on him. The downhill attacking part of his game is always there – he's a freight train who's quite tough to stop when he has a head of steam – but his passing vision and IQ really popped today. He was getting into the paint at will and spraying out for easy kickout threes; his passes have great accuracy and pace and he's a good in-air passer (yes, it's okay to jump-pass. Watch Tyrese Haliburton play). Definite D3 player who's ready to play right now.      O'Rourke was probably the most physically imposing player at the prospect camp. He's 6-foot-6 with long arms and a basketball-looking frame, and he moves fluidly up and down the court. Right now, he's mostly just a rim-running forward who can protect the hoop defensively and finish layups on the offensive end, but he showed a solid ability to fight on the glass for extra opportunities and even a decent lefty stroke. Skill development will be big for O'Rourke this year, but I could definitely imagine him playing mid to high level D3 basketball if he figures some things out.     Lewis is a breath of fresh air out there on the basketball court. In an environment where many are trying to show off their offensive skills and outside shooting, Lewis is content to make the simple, right play again and again (and again). He's always ready to shoot, pass or dribble in the triple threat and makes great decisions for himself and his teammates. He's also very long with some surprising athleticism at the rim. This will be a massive year for Lewis, who's playing at the Middlesex School and should continue to develop physically. I could imagine mid level D3 for Lewis, but a more consistent three-point shot would definitely help his case.     Ellwood was living in the paint all day today. He's got really solid quickness and a tight handle, and he does a good job attacking the defender's top foot. Once he gets into the paint, he's incredibly effective as a passer, especially from the baseline. He can throw the one handed pass with both hands, and he was probably the leading assist getter at the camp as a result. He can also make the open three with great range, off the catch and off the dribble. Ellwood has to get stronger, but he should slot in at the low or mid D3 level once he does.     Malachi showed some really nice on-ball chops at Brandeis camp, often blowing by defenders with his quick first step and finishing with elevation at the rim. He also showed a nice-looking three-point shot. He's a bit scrawny physically, but he's definitely stronger than he looks, as evidenced by his ability to defend and keep his line against juniors and seniors. Keep an eye on Malachi, who will look a lot different by the time he's 17.

Brandeis University held their prospect camp on Saturday, August 10th, at their facility in Waltham, Ma. Roughly 40 kids attended. Here is part one of my standouts! Part two will be coming tonight.