DesMarais, a forward out of East Greenwich High School in Rhode Island, stands out with his ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. The 6’6″ forward has a good frame and the ability to move well laterally, allowing him to make plays both on the perimeter and in the paint on the defensive end of the floor. He’s a solid rebound that does a nice job of quickly getting the ball up the floor off of his outlet passes. He has some touch out to the three point line as a shooter, makes good decisions as a passer, and is capable of finishing through contact in the paint as a back to the basket scorer. DesMarais is the type of high IQ forward that typically finds success at the Division III level and should have plenty of suitors heading into the spring.

DesMarais, a senior forward out of East Greenwich High School, is one of the more improved prospects out of Rhode Island. He has a big frame and solid strength, that allows him to make an impact in the paint on both ends of the floor. However, he also has plus mobility and displays some good passing instincts from both the block and top of the key. He’s continued to expand his scoring ability, making shots all the way out to the three while continuing to shows that he’s a quality low post scorer. Defensively, he does a nice job of not fouling in the paint and rebounding in traffic.

The man in the middle for an RI Magic team that’s had a lot of success on the ZGXL circuit, DesMarais was as skilled a rising senior big as we saw all day. He may look a bit awkward at times, but is effective nonetheless operating all over the floor as a scoring and facilitating hub. DesMarais is extremely comfortable with the ball, handling on the perimeter into dribble handoffs or faceup drives while keeping his head up to spot open teammates. He’s a comfortable stretch option out to 3, whether spacing out or playing in the pick and pop game. Defensively, he has the size and bulk to be a deterrent in the lane but could potentially have a hard time when pulled away from the basket. He tracks as a potential gem for the small-college level.

DesMarais, who plays his travel ball with the RI Magic, is a skilled foward that has the ability to initiate offense from the high post and low block. Solid fundamentally, DesMarais has good length, a plus motor, and the ability to finish with either hand in the post. His top skill however, might be his floor vision and passing ability. He does a great job of hitting cutters on the move and finding shooters off his own drives. Defensively, he is a high motor rebounder that shows great pursuit of the basketball. He’s a solid low post defender that doesn’t give up ground and does a good job of walling up without fouling. He should be one of the better bigs in the RIIL this winter and could be on the radar of college coaches in New England come the spring.

DesMarais is a skilled big man who was probably one of the better frontcourt passers I saw at the showcase. He made multiple backdoor cut passes and was able to run the offense for his team from the high post and top of the key. He also showed a decent-looking mid-range shot that can be improved. Defensively, DesMarais is a workhorse, constantly giving multiple efforts on the glass.