Rare Skills Academy Clinic Midweek Prospects Report
The Rare Skills Academy, which is being hosted at Mesquite this week and will be held at Ironwood High School July 11-14, saw a plethora of talented prospects on site. In addition to skilled middle and high school prospects, the…
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Continue ReadingThe Rare Skills Academy, which is being hosted at Mesquite this week and will be held at Ironwood High School July 11-14, saw a plethora of talented prospects on site. In addition to skilled middle and high school prospects, the camp received a very talented guest – NBA Rockets All-Star James Harden was at camp for the entire session and played one on one with some of the older players – see the link for footage: Harden one on one
Although Harden was clearly the most talented player on the court, there were many other high school prospects that were worth noting.
David Exline 6’4″ 2018 Mesquite High School – Exline is a really fun player to watch as he has a strong frame, good quickness, and a great motor. When he decides he wants to attack the rim, very few defenders are capable of keeping him in front due to his strength and quickness. He is a very coachable player who finishes well at the rim. In addition, he is very aggressive on the glass as he creates space with his body and toughness. At times, he can settle for shots, but he should contend to be one of the best players in his class this next season.
Deven Breckner 5’9″ PG 2018 Deer Valley – Breckner did not participate in the second day of camp, but he played very well on the first day. He impresses me the more and more I watch him. I had him quite under-rated as far as his ability to play defense is concerned. At times, he forgets to jump to the basketball, which puts him a step behind the play. However, he is fierce on the basketball and competes well with bigger bodies. Moreover, he has a high basketball IQ which enables him to make plays. He is a top tier shooter and has a great handle.
Jaden Lee 6’3″ PG/SG 2018 Mesquite High School – Lee has been working on his shot considerably. One of his biggest knocks by college scouts is his ability to shoot the basketball. He has put time in and improved it. With that said, at times it feels like fools gold as he begins to settle for shots. He is a great athlete with strong shoulders and finishes well around the rim. It is a close battle, but he is certainly in the conversation for having the most upside at camp.
Lunden Taylor 6’1″ PG 2018 San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, CA) – Although he is not an instate player, he has participated with the Arizona club organization Arizona United/Team Bayless. He is in-town getting ready for a tournament and decided to participate at the camp. Taylor is a really physical guard who can get to any spot on the court that he wants. He is a good floor general who understands how to put players in a position to be successful as well as create for himself. His strong frame, good lower body mass, and quickness allow him to be a very good on ball defender. He is a special talent who should definitely be on college’s radars.
Tre Mitchell 6’2″ 2017 La Joya High School – Mitchell is one of my favorite 2017 prospects due to his length and basketball IQ. He needs to continue to work on being explosive, aggressive, and shooting the basketball from deep. However, his first step is great and he does really nice job of using jab steps and rocker steps to freeze defenders and attack.
Tyrese Eugene 6’0″ PG/SG 2018 Ironwood High School – Eugene did not shoot the basketball particular well in this session, but it is clear to see why he is capable of being one of the best players in the state for his grade. He is top tier on ball defender who does a nice job of rotating in help side. At times he can get caught ball watching, but he is overall very solid on that side of the basketball. Moreover, he rebounds as well as anyone in the state for his position. Lastly, he does a nice job of putting his shoulder down and attacking downhill.
Xavier Dussell 6’3″ SG 2020 Mesquite High School – Dussell is a strong shooter with tremendous athleticism. He should catch many people’s attention and contend for being one of the best freshman in the entire state and one of the best in the country. With that said, he needs to improve in his ability to put his shoulder down and attacking defender’s hips. As he continues to mature, he has an unbelievably high ceiling and could end up being a phenomenal player.
Za-Ontay Boothman 5’11” 2020 PG/SG Buckeye High School – Boothman is one of the most impressive prospects that I have seen for the 2020 group. His footwork still needs work in order to help him be more efficient. With that said, he is able to get move bodies and attack the rim with older competition. He has length and is a really good on ball defender as well. As far as shooting is concerned, he has a good stroke and does a nice job of stopping on a dime and letting it fly from mid-range and 3.