Run N Slam: Scouting 2017 Part 2
PrepHoopsIllinois was at the Spiece Fieldhouse all weekend for the Run N Slam which is one of the top annual stops on the circuit where different shoe company teams go head to head. Here we break down the class of…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois was at the Spiece Fieldhouse all weekend for the Run N Slam which is one of the top annual stops on the circuit where different shoe company teams go head to head. Here we break down the class of 2017 prospects in part 2 of our scouting report.
SG Jamal Nixon (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Nixon is a 6’3” power wing from Fenwick. He is a versatile player that does everything well, but not one thing exceptional. His biggest asset might be his passing from the off guard position. The 2017 prospect has feel and vision for finding his teammates in the half court as well as throwing crisp outlet dishes. Tough rebounder in traffic. Is at his best as a scorer attacking off the bounce. Jumper is still a work in progress. Low-major prospect.
SG Carson Newsome (Illinois Wolves 17U)
The long and rangy 6’5” shooting guard from Waukegan has definitely made strides in his game over the last year. He has cut down on the turnovers and increased the range on his jump shot from 15 feet out to beyond the three point arc. Handles are solid and has potential as a passer. Defensively guarding on the perimeter is probably the best part of his game. Length and lateral quickness gives opponents fits. Low-major prospect.
SF Trevian Bell (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Bell is a strong 6’5” small forward from Joliet West worked well in the mid-range throughout the weekend for the Wolves. Made sound decisions as a passer and consistently knocked down 15-18 foot jumpers. When attacking the hoop off the bounce wasn’t afraid to seek contact and get to the free throw line. Probably the top prospect on the Wolves 17U team and should be considered at the mid-major level.
C Joey St. Pierre (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Best weekend we have seen out of the 6’10” 260 post in a while. St. Pierre transferred back to Richmond Burton after starting the year at Indiana prep school La Lumiere. Displayed some power moves including a nice drop step for scores. St. Pierre finishes powerfully off dump off passes on the interior. Passed it well out of double teams. Rebounded at a solid clip all weekend using his physical mass to box out. Will block an occasional shot. Lacks lateral foot speed guarding in a ball screen defensively. Probably the second best center in the 2017 class and is a prospect that should be looked at by low and mid-majors.
PF TJ Clifford (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Mobile 6’6” four man with solid upper body strength. Likes to face up and can take his man out on the perimeter where he can hit a mid-range jumper or put it on the deck a couple times. Effective in the pick and pop game flaring out to the three point line to hit them on occasion. Quick around the hoop and toughness to compete on board against bigger guys. Not a real back to the basket scorer at this stage. Low-major prospect in 2017.
SG Chris Harris (Illinois Wolves 17U)
Harris will be reclassifying to the class of 2017 and going back to Lake Forest Academy. He is a powerfully built guard with quickness and uses his bounce in the transition game as a finisher. Stretches the defense on occasion with a three ball which has improved over the last year. Plus perimeter defender that gets in to his man. Not a go to player, but solid team guy. Low-major prospect.
SF/PF Melo Burrell (Mac Irvin Fire 17U)
Burrell has a lot of physical tools you like at 6’8” with length and plus athleticism. He has games where he shows off his raw tools running the floor, scoring above the rim, and defending on the defensive end. Other games you won’t even know he is out there. Not a very refined offensive game at this stage, but still has upside to be molded once he gets to college. Low-major/D2 prospect with potential.
SG Kamari Thornton (Mac Irvin Fire Orange 17U)
The Bogan wing is a physical 6’3” shooting guard that has a thick upper body. Super bouncy athlete that plays with a lot of physicality. Best attacking off the bounce and in transition. D3/NAIA/JUCO prospect.
SF Nana Akenten (Illinois Celtics/Hoopers 17U)
The 6’6” small forward from Bolingbrook has been on a tear all spring! The wing has great size, strength, and athleticism. He can flat out score the basketball. Akenten’s team didn’t play their pool play games at the main venue, but he went for some monster performances. He still showed his high level shot making ability in their playoff defeat. Akenten has great form on his jumper with elevation off the floor and a clean stroke. Mid-major plus schools need to be tracking him heading into July.