2K Showcase: Fab Five Performers

In its 11th year and at its third location, the 2K Showcase produced the usual highly competitive five game slate. While the schedule appeared standard. The results were not. The main event was a FOUR— that's right FOUR overtime instant classic. Following are five standouts from the star studded event.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140877' first='Shawn' last='Foster'] 6-2 2027 Lima Senior (OH) (pictured) Last season Lima Senior came to the 2K Classic with the reputation of having a really good freshman guard. It didn't take long to identify him as they ran a designed lob that he emphatically finished on the opening play. That's gives you an idea of the type of elite bounce this prospect has. After a fast start he faded a bit last year. This year? I would say 37 points through regulation and four overtimes does not constitute fading. Beyond the raw numbers, it was how did it that was most impressive. I was surprised by how much he played off the ball. Was seemingly in constant motion. Caught the ball in the shooting motion and showed an effortless and hitch-less release. Didn't force things and played within the offense. Everything from his movements, to the elevation, to the acceleration is smooth. Was the clearly the fastest player on the player on the court, but never seemed like he was in a hurry. Was able to finish through contact with strength and highlight reel hang time. Showed beyond his years composure through countless clutch moments in the marathon contest. Would have been the best performance I have seen all year if not for….   [player_tooltip player_id='1300933' first='Brady' last='Swartz'] 6-6 2025 Grand Rapids Northview (MI) I don't normally write about a player twice in a month. I don't normally write about a player who have a written a lot about in the past. But….I don't normally see a player together the volume scoring performance that the Western Michigan commit put on Saturday night. What part of the scoring scoring arsenal was left in the bag— not much. He scored out of designed half court sets. Within those sets did it at the rim, in the mid range, and more often from beyond the arc. A true three level scorer. Scored out in transition showed in elevation in finishing above the rims multiple times. What's clicked in what has been a stellar senior campaign. I would point to improved ball handling that allows him penetrate with more force and get to his spots easily. Has the size and length to easily rise above most defenders at the high school level. Lima Senior was very physical with him defensively. He fought through it with wiry strength and fouled out more than one defender. Finished with 49 points. When that is your second highest point total of the year. You know you having a special final run. Kalamazoo is getting a good one.   [player_tooltip player_id='2376402' first='Willie' last='Foster'] 6-2 2026 Lima Senior (OH) I'm a Michigan based scout. Only the second time I have seen this squad play. Early in the contest, this player had the gym buzzing. Did it through a serious of highly audacious lob attempts. The buzz stemmed from the fact that these tosses were so high and from such unusual angles they did not seem attainable. In the second half you began to see where these attempts came from. Foster has some serious bounce in his legs. Absolutely exploded for powerful dunk in transition in a key point late in regulation. Then finally got one the lobs late as the game was getting put away. Finished with 16 points and three blocks. You hear the phrase “just put it on the rim and he will go get it”. That's usually said about athletic posts or wings. Not a swing guard who stands just over six feet. The bounce is special. I'll be interested to see how he continues to develop and where ends up at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1437985' first='Geon' last='Hutchins'] 6-4 2025 Warren Lincoln (MI) When I first caught Hutchins this year over Christmas. He looked like he was still integrating into the Abe's system after a transfer. On Saturday night the process looks to be fully completed. Lincoln's familial backcourt got off to uncharacteristic slow start. Hutchins was more than ready to carry the load. Used his varied offensive skillset to put up 14 first half points. Cooled off a bit in the second half. However still had plenty contributions without scoring. Used his lengthy frame to be a factor on the glass and defensive end. The Northern Iowa commit is an assertive scorer who attacks the basket. Has counter moves when his first option is taken away. Is playing slightly out of position on a small Lincoln squad. Spending a lot of time basically playing the four. He is handling that challenge well. Nearly finished with a double double of 20 points and nine rebounds.   [player_tooltip player_id='2446088' first='Tyler' last='Hunter'] 6-8 2027 Detroit King (MI) The King/GRCC game was not an offensive work of art. As neither squad broke the 40 point barrier. This was partly due to excellent team defense from the Crusaders. That attack was anchored by the mammoth presence that is Hunter. The old school big man appears to know what he is and doesn't venture out of the paint much. That is not a bad thing. Isn't the most explosive athlete, but he is young and has plenty of time to develop. Right now when he gets it near the ball near the basket, he knows what to do with it. Has a soft touch around the basket. Doesn't appear to mind contact. That is good as he draws plenty of plenty of it with his wide frame. Beyond the defensive presence, was a big factor on the glass. Didn't play much last year. However has been tested nationally with [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family'] on the EYBL. Finished with a double double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. The developmental curve is pointed way up with this prospect.

In its 11th year and at its third location, the 2K Showcase produced the usual highly competitive five game slate. While the schedule appeared standard. The results were not. The main event was a FOUR— that's right FOUR overtime instant classic. Following are five standouts from the star studded event.