Connecticut's Summer Stock Risers

Today we'll take a look at the last entry in our summer stock risers series, Connecticut.   We'll wrap things up with four prospects from the CIAC and one from the NEPSAC.    Awaka, one of the top underclassmen forwards in the region, stood out at multiple events this summer, including the NEPSAC Showcase. A high motor big, Awaka makes an impact on both ends of the floor. He's physically strong, a solid athlete, and plays hard; all good characteristics for a young big. He does a good job of fighting for position on the low block, is capable of finishing over either shoulder, and rolls hard to the rim after setting screens. He's further ahead defensively right now, as he offers solid rim protection and is a high level rebounder. He does a good job of fighting for loose balls in traffic and already shows the ability to play multiple coverages in ball screens. He has all the tools to develop into a Division I prospect and will be someone coaches follow closely as soon as this fall.     Butler turned heads last winter while making a name for himself at Wilbur Cross and followed that up this summer as a standout at NERR's Elite 75. A bouncy forward, Butler is a highlight real waiting to happen as he continuously puts pressure on the rim. He's an explosive vertical athlete that does a great job of cutting without the ball and finishing through contact at the rim. He can finish in multiple ways in the paint, either with force at the rim or with an impressive floater game. Defensively, he's incredibly versatile as his combination of size and length, together with his athleticism, allows him to defend both on the perimeter and in the post. He's attracted the attention of multiple Division II programs and with a solid high school season, should secure a scholarship.     Sutton, who plays for one of the most respected high school programs in the region at Hillhouse, had a terrific spring and summer on the travel circuit with Connecticut Elite. A big lead guard, Sutton does a great job of running an offense and finding his teammates in positions to score. He has high level floor vision and with his size, can make passes over the defense. He's got long strides, a tight handle, and the ability to finish above the rim with power. Right now, he shines defensively as he can guard any perimeter spot and is disruptive both on and off the ball. He has a great feel for the game on that end of the floor, often finding himself in the right spots, and quickly turning defense into easy offense. He has all the physical tools to be a high level recruit and played his way onto the radar of numerous Division I coaches this summer.     Tolliver, another Connecticut Elite prospect, was one of this summer's top stock risers in all of New England. A high academic prospect, Tolliver is a big wing that can operate as the hub of an offense. He has a great feel for the game, plays at his own pace, and never seems to get sped up. He's a good decision maker with the ball in his hands and showed the ability to take over games as a scorer when need be. He's fluid, doesn't try to do to much, and consistently seems to make the right play. He's another versatile defender that can guard up or down a position, rebounds in and out of his area, and isn't afraid to be vocal. He went from a well known local recruit to one with multiple Division I offers in the span of just a few weeks and from the looks of it, might just be scratching the surface of his potential.     Toure, arguably the top prospect in the CIAC last winter, burst onto the national radar with his play for Expressions Elite this spring and summer. An explosive wing athlete, Toure has turned himself into one of the top scorers in the region. He's capable of getting it done at all three levels, can finish with either hand around the rim, and has deep range on his jumper. Maybe most impressively, is that the moment never seems to big for him. He jumps out of the gym, has a quick first step, and can really elevate into his jumper in the mid-range. Defensively, he's able to guard all three spots on the perimeter, displaying the strength needed to guard bigger opponents and the laterally quickness to stay in front of smaller guards. He's undoubtedly a high-major prospect that now has his choice of schools to pick from.

Today we'll take a look at the last entry in our summer stock risers series, Connecticut.