Pemberton was, admittedly, a glaring omission from my recent player archetype article on tough shot-makers—the 6-foot-1 guard is one of the best difficult shot-makers in the entire country, and he showed that this past weekend in Texas. The rising senior gets to his spots effortlessly with his tight handle and effective change-of-pace dribble moves, and then he gets amazing elevation on his shot, which allows him to get good looks off against whoever is guarding him. But the Mass Rivals’ star also sets up his teammates beautifully and was an elite facilitator this weekend; the game continues to slow down for him as he learns to master the pick and roll. Defensively, Pemberton holds his own against opposing guards and is a playmaker off the ball, whether it be in passing lanes or rotating on the weak side. He has established himself as a high-major player, and the offers are going to keep rolling for him—most recently he got a couple from UCLA and Kansas. 

Pemberton has been on a total tear this AAU season and is racking up the offers as a result. For a 6-foot guard, the Masters Academy International junior has one of the most effective pull-up jumper games you’ll see. He’s able to get to his spots in the mid range and elevate for middies effortlessly, but he can also take contact quite effectively at the rim and has a knack for finishing in traffic. Perhaps most impressive is that Pemberton gives up nothing on the defensive end and actually makes plays quite consistently—he’s averaging over 2 steals a game while carrying a large offensive load. Tennessee is his latest offer, but more will probably come.

Pemberton’s early season has been highlighted by excellent performances at both the Pitt Jamfest (where he was the tournament’s MVP) and 3SSB session 1. The 6-foot guard’s shot looks as pretty as ever, and even though he’s undersized for his position, he’s still able to rise up over the defense and consistently knock down shots in the mid range. Even with taller and longer defenders on him, he has the quickness to get to his spots and the athleticism to make their contest irrelevant. Pemberton has the keys to Mass Rivals’ offense, and he has shown a keen ability to score, as well as a knack for getting his teammates involved once the defense overplays him—and he’s done so all while being efficient. Providence is his latest offer, and more will come.

Pemberton, a guard out of Brewster Academy, continued to stand out with his offensive production and ability to raise the level of the play of those around him. Much has been made about his ability to score the basketball in recent months, but I thought he impressed on Friday with the well-roundedness of his game and his understanding of how much attention he attracts as a scorer. He does a great job of playing within the flow of the offense, while also showing proper instincts of when to hunt his own shot. Defensively, he teams with Moore and White (below), to make life miserable for opposing back-courts.

Antonio might be one of the biggest stock risers in the country thanks to a monster showing at Palmetto Road. I watched Mass Rivals 17U in my first game Wednesday and my last game Thursday, and in both, Pemberton was the best player on the floor. He is a true tough shot-maker, capable of putting the ball in the basket at all three levels and through elite defense. Antonio does so with a tight handle to create space and solid athleticism to finish around bigs at the rim. He also showed upside as a facilitator, making good reads and crisp passes, particularly on Wednesday. Pemberton tallied 30 points and 28 points between the two games.

Pemberton’s electricity at the guard spot was shown often with his play. He thrives using his angles on the attacking and alluding defenders to get to different spots on the floor. He has no qualms about making a loud play. He is pesky on the defensive end which leads to steals. Pemberton was also a threat to score from deep. His ability to constantly get in the paint is one of his best traits as a prospect. Pemberton has a nice burst of athleticism for a lead guard. He should see a ton of high majors on his coattails for the year and a half.