Finlayson was the most physically-imposing guy in the gym, as per usual. The 6-foot-7 wing used his strength and athleticism to overpower defenders in the paint and in transition, but he also showed some improved finesse at the rim in terms of his finishing ability (including one lefty finish on the right baseline that wow’d me). The sophomore looks slimmer, too, which makes him feel quicker off the bounce and more explosive generally. If Finlayson keeps improving his skillset—outside shot, passing vision/feel, and handle—the sky’s the limit for him. He’s going to shock the NEPSAC with how difficult his is to handle this season.

Finlayson, forward out of the St. George’s School in Rhode Island, intrigues with his combination of a physically advanced frame, strong two-way motor, and budding skillset. The 6’6″ wing is at his best in the open floor, where he’s a tough cover when he gets going downhill. He continues to assert himself on the glass, can defend up and down a lineup with his mobility and strength, and isn’t afraid to attack slower footed defenders off the bounce. His physical traits make him really good right now, but it’s his long-term development that intrigues at the highest levels of college basketball.

Here’s what’s special about Finlayson: the nationally ranked recruit got an offer from Providence (VERY rare for a rising sophomore) a week ago, but he came into a gym with 99% D3 coaches (I spotted one D2 coach) and still played his behind off on both ends of the floor. He could’ve coasted and not played hard—after all, none of the schools at this event are going to be able to get him in a few years—but he stayed in a stance at all times and slid his feet with whoever he was guarding. He ran the floor aggressively, he fought for rebounds on both ends, and he shared the ball. For a kid of his age and notoriety, he didn’t play or act like he was above anyone else. Oh, and he also dominated in the ways that he always does, like overpowering defenders in transition and using his explosiveness at the rim to overwhelm rim protection. Special kid who’s always having fun.

Finlayson is special. I tweeted about him being a future NBA prospect about a year ago, and nothing has changed. The 6-foot-6 freshman dominated the championship game physically against a Middlesex Magic 17u squad made up of D1 prospects who are going to be playing college basketball very shortly. Despite being younger, though, the St. George’s stud was probably the best all-around athlete on the floor and used his strength and speed to get to the front of the rim effortlessly. Once he got to the hoop, he showcased body control and touch with both hands while taking tons of contact. Finlayson also always surprises me defensively—he slides his feet super well and competes every possession—and today was no different.

Finlayson just continues to improve his game and get even more dominant. Against The Club, he had numerous fastbreak dunks and was lethal in transition as always, but I was super impressed with his ability to slow down his offensive pace and make good decisions for himself and his teammates. He made a lot of floaters and crafty finishes at the hoop, but he also made mid range jumpers and some threes. Oh, and the way he slid his feet and protected the rim was quite impressive, too. Finlayson just needs to keep improving his jumper and scholarship hoops will be in his future.

Finlayson, a freshman at St. George’s School, was playing up in the varsity division but dominated with his combination of size and skill. The 6-foot-6 forward was the strongest player on the court in his squad’s first game Saturday, which allowed him to bully opposing bigs and wings with his strength and power on the glass and in the paint. He also has ridiculous hops at the rim. On one play, he got by his initial defender and then jumped from close to the free throw line to dunk on multiple players. He glides through the air but also has control and patience in the lane. Special prospect.

Finlayson might be the top incoming freshman in New England and shined this summer while playing up multiple age groups with Expressions. He has a terrific frame and great positional size, which he uses to his advantage on both ends of the floor. He can operate as a decision maker in transition and from the top of the key, has the ability to make shots in catch and shoot situations, and assaults rims when he gets downhill. He’s a shot-blocker around the rim, does a terrific job of rebounding in traffic, and can operate at a high level as a grab and go rebounder that starts the break. He has as high of a ceiling as any 2029 prospect in the country.

Chance Finlayson Chance Finlayson 6'7" | SF St. George's School | 2029 State New E played really smart team oriented basketball. He made well timed cuts to the basket and used his frame effectively. He made his open threes in the corners and moved smoothly side to side defensively to make big steals and blocks.