Top Performing Juniors at MLK What It Takes Showcase

The MLK What It Takes Showcase provided an exciting platform for the junior class to shine, highlighting a talented group of rising prospects who made significant impacts on both ends of the floor. These juniors not only showcased advanced skill sets and basketball IQ but also demonstrated maturity, versatility, and the drive to compete at a high level. Their performances underscored their readiness to take on leadership roles and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting future as they continue their high school careers.    Although he comes off the bench. [player_tooltip player_id='2698942' first='Eric' last='Ndaka'] is a smooth lefty two-way guard who continues to solidify himself as a clear scholarship-level piece. He's a natural utility piece who sets the tone with his incredible energy, toughness, and ability to impact all facets of the game. Ndaka is a terrific defender who utilizes his length and quickness to overwhelm opponents on a regular basis. He reliably fills in the gaps as an offensive piece, showing the ability to initiate the offense, set up others, and score through penetration or pull-up jumpers. Nkaka is extremely valuable to the success for the Friendship Tech Prep program. He best days are ahead of him.     Given his blend of size, skill, and athleticism, it's easy to see the intrigue with [player_tooltip player_id='2353601' first='Michael' last='Jones Lloyd']. At 6-foot-7 with an enticing frame and flashes of versatility, he has the tools to be a matchup problem for opponents. Lloyd displays natural instincts on both ends of the floor but is truly just beginning to harness his abilities as a long-term piece. He does a little bit of everything while showing the ability to guard multiple positions and operate in various roles on offense. Lloyd scored on several back to the basket moves scoring over either shoulder with jump hooks and mixing it up with his downhill drives and quality looks in the midrange. The potential is clear.     The slick lefty only played 1 half of basketball after injuring his ankle. But in that one half of work was impressed with his understanding of how to create and be effective and showcase how fluid he can operate from a variety of levels. He showed tremendous confidence in attacking in transition, using his length to his clear advantage as well as his athleticism. Mckenize on multiple occasions, finish with touch off the dribble. However, he was also confident in stepping outside from behind the arc as well as using his length to alter shots defensively.”     Jason legitimately shines as a utility man for the deep and talented Friendship Tech team. Williams consistently willing to get his offensive points attacking the glass. He possesses the size, strength, skillset, and athleticism to create matchup problems for various types of opponents. In addition to everything he provides offensively, Williams is a useful defender and rebounder with a willingness to make hustle plays as needed.     Consistently finds way to make an impact within the flow of the action. Possesses a nice combination of energy, positional size, and ability to fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Given his ability to produce within the flow of the action, [player_tooltip player_id='2975238' first='Imran' last='Butt'] had no issue making his presence felt in this showing. He's a natural glue-guy who plays hard, outworks opponents, and adapts to whatever his team requires. Butt is a willing defender and physical rebounder who simply knows how to do the little things on both ends of the floor. Finish the game with 10 points and 9 rebounds.     A 6-foot guard that is certainly shifty and has proven his ability to score the ball effectively, Freeman does a great job in attacking and taking what is given to him. He displays speed and quickness with his ability to create, weaving through the defense and finishing. However, he may be at his best when he is hunting for his spots and knocking down shots from multiple levels and with good range. Scored 12 points against Cardozo.

The MLK What It Takes Showcase provided an exciting platform for the junior class to shine, highlighting a talented group of rising prospects who made significant impacts on both ends of the floor. These juniors not only showcased advanced skill sets and basketball IQ but also demonstrated maturity, versatility, and the drive to compete at a high level. Their performances underscored their readiness to take on leadership roles and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting future as they continue their high school careers.