Previous Rank: 82

-Played well in spurts for the Lions as a rim-runner and shot-blocker that doesn’t need touches to be successful on the floor. Sometimes with forward prospects it’s easy to allow a lack of offensive production to affect the energy that’s played with on the glass and at the defensive end of the floor–but that was never the case for Deng. The fluidity of the post moves and different finesse finishes around the basket indicate some long-term upside as a traditional 4-man that junior college coaches should tap in with over the next few weeks.

One of the bigger eye-openers of the day, Deng was an essential factor up front in Carroll’s upset win over DeMatha. A long and springy hybrid big, he scored 11 points as a consistent threat working the baseline for athletic finishes over or around rotating defenders. He showed strong hands and used his quick-twitch leaping ability to play a bit bigger than his listed size on both ends. Deng would finish with 11 points, 7 boards, and a pair of blocks. He’ll take time to add strength to his frame in college but could prove to be an interesting option at the scholarship-level as an active late-bloomer in the frontcourt.

With a game predicated on motor, length, and athleticism, Matiok Deng Matiok Deng 6'7" | PF Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State MD was able to change the game with his level of activity on both ends throughout the season. The long-armed forward does not back down when he is called upon to enter the game, provided a shot blocking presence, and changed the game on both ends when his motor was going. In Matiok limited action he has made a couple of nice plays offensively facing up, but his level of activity and athleticism will certainly be his calling card at the collegiate level.

12p 6r 1s 1b vs Neumann Goretti

-I wrote about Beng in my standouts article for forward prospects but also wanted to touch on his defense in this one. Beng’s ability to cover ground defensively while also having the strength/size to fight for position with the bigs in the paint should unlock the lineup versatility for this Lions group. His spatial awareness to bump cutters from the middle of the floor but also take the right angles in drop or ICE ball screen coverages stood out because keeping NG’s guards out of the paint took a bite out of their offensive production. His anticipation for when to stay down on pump fakes around the rim or jump to contest or block the shot has been steadily improving in the past few months. Excited to see him progress over the course of the year.

12p 5r 2a 2s vs Father Judge

-A name that will definitely debut in our rankings pretty high in the next update, loved what I saw from Beng as a prospect that made the most of his minutes and played hard from start to finish. Beng came in off the bench in the 1H and was immediately productive with 4 points and 4 rebounds, then continued that productivity in the 2H to do what he could to protect the rim and close off possessions with a defensive rebound. His finishing touch and post moves are still raw, but he did a great job of rim-running in both directions in transition to give his guards a roll target offensively and a rim-deterrent at the defensive end of the floor.