Scholar Roundball Classic – Impressive Underclassmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our coverage of the <strong>Scholar Roundball Classic</strong> continues today with a look at five impressive underclassmen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These prospects all improved their stock and caught the eye of college coaches with their performances over the weekend at the <em>College of the Holy Cross</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194726"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69436e7f04de1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Buckley, a guard out of <em>Thayer Academy</em>, catches the eye with his combination of above the rim athleticism, feel for the game, and willingness to play physically when needed. The <em>Thayer</em> sophomore has good size on the perimeter and the ability to operate on or off the basketball in the half-court. He plays with good pace with the ball in his hands, doesn't get sped up, and knows how to manipulate defenders to get to his scoring spots in the mid-range. He plays through contact as a driver and finisher, can go get a rebound above the rim on the defensive end of the floor, and has the versatility to guard any spot on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2407057"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69436e7f04e43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Griffiths, a wing out of the <em>Avon Old Farms School</em>, proved to be one of the best tough shot-makers in attendance, while also showing off some of the rim protection that he's become known for. The <em>Avon</em> junior hit a number of tough shots against Exeter, including a game clinching three with a defender drapped all over him as the shot clock expired. He does a great job of moving without the basketball, knows how to use screens to get open, and is decisive with his decisions as a scorer. His potential on the defensive end of the floor probably doesn't get talked about enough as he's a long 6'7" that is committed to rebounding and excels as a help-side shot blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470934"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69436e7f04e95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Okafor, a guard out of the <em>Rivers School</em>, continues to impress with his ability to operate as a jumbo playmaker that also has incredibly versatility on the defensive end of the floor. At 6'6" with a strong frame, the <em>Rivers</em> junior has the ability to impact a game in a variety of ways on the offensive end of the floor. He's at his best when he looks to get downhill off the bounce, showing the ability to be a high level finisher around the rim but also playing with good vision as a creator. Defensively, he can guard any position on the floor, makes plays in passing lanes, and is a physical rebounder in the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470853"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69436e7f04edf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Awaka, a forward out of <em>Blair Academy</em>, made a major impact in his return to New England, impressing with his athleticism, power, and two-way motor. The <em>Blair</em> junior stands out as soon as he steps on the floor, with a big 6'10" frame and impressive athletic pop. He's at his best around the basket, operating as a low post scorer, strong screener, and tough offensive rebounder. He runs the floor hard in transition, has the ability to attack off one or two bounces, and defensively, does a great job of using his strength and athleticism to win the battle on the boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2341421"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69436e7f04f21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Henaghen, a wing out of the <em>St. Paul's School</em>, made a statement with his ability to consistently knock down shots from behind the arc. The <em>St. Paul's</em> junior has good positional size at 6'5", with long arms that help him on the defensive end of the floor. He looks more confident with the ball in his hands and really impressed with his off-ball movement. His shot is clean and repeatable and he is letting them go confidently and quickly off the catch. He left this event as a clear stock riser that should only continue to get better in the coming months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll wrap up our coverage from the event later today with a look at five <em>Committed Standouts</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->