The Expo Ohio: Mike’s Standout Performers

To open my coverage from The Expo: Ohio I'm going to break down five players who made big impacts on Saturday afternoon at the showcase. The remaining articles will be going through team by team and breaking down the standout performers.    One of the more talented lead guards at the showcase, Thompson did a nice job of balancing scoring and setting the table for his team. Early in the day Thompson had a couple impressive drive and kicks to shooters and was making quick outlet decisions. Later in the day, Thompson looked for his own offense and scored off the dribble with layup and floater finishes. I was also impressed with the perimeter shooting ability Thompson showed with a handful of corner 3-pointers despite playing on the ball for a majority of the day. Expect Thompson to make some noise in a competitive Federal League this winter.     There was a lot of size in attendance and one of the tallest players was Rude. Not only tall but also wide and strong, Rude was maybe the best rebounder I saw all day. Using his frame and physicality to get tons of extra possessions for his team, Rude was going hard after offensive rebounds. Making a couple impressive finishes and plays with his back to the basket, Rude showed some ability as a play finisher but definitely provided the most value as a rebounder. A name small college programs should be making a priority, Rude's size and motor should make him a plug and play big at small college programs.     I really liked what I saw from Gast as a player I came in very unfamiliar with. Gast clearly knew how to play as he was in the right spots as a help-side defender, found holes in the defense to make himself available and was in the right spots to position himself for offensive rebounds. Combine those skills with a couple pick and pop 3-pointers and Gast was clearly one of the most productive new names at the showcase.     A player we've been familiar with since the spring when he played on the Prep Hoops Circuit, Arick was tied for the tallest player in attendance at 6'10. Making a big impact defensively with his length, Arick switched onto multiple guards and either blocked or altered their shot at the rim. Offensively, Arick finished above the rim with a couple powerful dunks that helped increase the energy in the gym. The small town product continues to play at showcase events to get more reps against other similar sized players that don't exist in the conference he plays in. While it may take some time for Arick to reach his full potential, the work ethic is there for him to keep improving.     Last player of this article is the second Cincinnati based prospect to be featured. Larkins is also a prospect we saw on the Prep Hoops Circuit in the spring. Larkins is a high motor wing forward who rebounds the ball at a high rate for his height. Making some sweet reverse layups at the rim and knocking down a couple mid-range jumpers, Larkins has a bit of a throwback game to score the basketball. Like what he brings to the table, especially with how he fits next to other talented players.

To open my coverage from The Expo: Ohio I'm going to break down five players who made big impacts on Saturday afternoon at the showcase. The remaining articles will be going through team by team and breaking down the standout performers.