SAG Southeastern Challenge Scouting Notes

Southeastern Challenge 2014

By James Blackburn

I had the opportunity to scout the SAG Sports Southeastern Challenge in Greensboro, NC over the weekend. The event was held at the Greensboro Sportsplex and attracted some of the top Prep Schools and Junior Colleges in the southeast. Multiple college coaches from D1, D2, and NAIA programs were there to scout the talent on hand. With over 30 teams in attendance and with 8 courts running at a time it was nearly impossible to see every team and player play. Here are some of the top players and prospects I had a chance to scout yesterday.

Brunswick Community College

Najee Pritchett (F, 6’3″, SO)
Strong and athletic player who plays with a high motor. Is a tremendous rebounder who throws on target outlet passes.

Eric Crawford (PG, 5’9″, FR)
Excellent ball handler who played the back up PG role for team. One of the quickest players baseline to baseline at the event. Solid playmaker who can score at the rim.

Kevin Rowell (F/C, 6’8″, SO)
A top 3 player in attendance in my opinion. Kid is MM+ with his combination of size, strength, and agility. Runs the floor very well and plays with a ton of energy. Brings in on both ends and defends inside and on the perimeter. Excellent back to the basket game with solid footwork. Utilizes the up and under move and pump fake well. Has a good feel for the game and is an underrated passer.

Cortel Busby (PG, 6’2″, SO)
Aggressive and strong guard who ran the team- tough. Can finish through contact. Solid help defender as well.

Taylor Buffkin (G, 6’2″, SO)
Athletic guard who is a good passer. Aggressive slasher.

Combine Academy

Jure Span (PG, 6’4″)
One of my favorite players I saw on the day and a top 5 player over all. Span who is from Slovenia, is as crafty as they come. Makes great decisions out of the P/R and was able to use solid change of pace dribbling to get to the basket. Lefty who can knock down the open perimeter jumper as well. Ball pressure doesn’t phase him and he always has his eyes up seeing the floor. Smooth PG who was the best passer at the event. Holds a couple of LM majors, but is a LM+/MM- player.

Jan Novak (G, 6’4″)
Jan, who also is from Slovenia, played solid all day. Does the little things that help the team win. Is athletic and guards people. Attacks the rim and plays hard. Would be a solid D2 player.

Billy Biyombo (F, 6’4″)
The younger brother of Charlotte Hornets forward Bismack Biyombo, Billy was all over the boards today. Plays with good energy and is a solid athlete.

Davidson County CC

Oshon West (G/F, 6’4″, SO)

Is a junkyard dog in the paint. Very strong player who doesnt really have a natural position but is a versatile player who plays bigger than he is. Rebounds the ball and is a solid inside/outside threat. Can hit the 3 when open, but needs to improve consistency. D2 and LM players should track him this season.

Faith Assembly Christian Academy

Jordan Riley (F, 6’7″, FR)

Big bodied forward who knows how to battle inside. Good rebounder who has potential.

Louisburg College

Raekwon Harney (PG, 5’11”, SO)

The D1 transfer did a great job of running the team and getting teammates involved. Tremendous ball handler and on-ball defender.

Keyshaun Williams (F, 6’7″, FR)

Williams is long and athletic and runs the floor well. Needs to get stronger with the ball but has good upside.

Jamarcus Hairston (F, 6’7″, FR)

Is a strong 4 man who is solid 12′ and in. Good rebounder who would be a good fit at some D2 programs.

Moravian Prep

Ricky Council II (G, 6’4″)

Arguably the most talented player in the gym, Council did it all today. He was on fire from beyond the arc and showcased deep range. Rebounded the ball and showed he was unselfish getting his teammates involved. Tremendous athlete who can finish above the rim with ease. HM player.

Isaac Thomas (F, 6’7″)

Mobile and fundamental big man who rebounds the ball on both ends and plays with 100% effort. Keeps the ball high after rebounds and showcased a nice hook shot. D2 should be all over him.

Pa Pa Ndiaye (C, 7’0″)

Long and mobile big man who is still raw but has potential. Had a big finish above the rim at the end of one game and showed glimpses of what he can become with some work.

Spartanburg Methodist College

Nate Motley (PG, 6’0″, SO)

Motely game stood out even amongst a loaded roster. He is super fast with the ball in his hands and can get to the rim at well. Has a tendency to get out of control at times. Competes and plays with a high motor. Has deep range on his shot and can score in bunches.

Jeremy Summers (F, 6’4″, SO)

Plays much bigger than 6’4″. Is long, scrappy, and athletic. Has a high motor and rebounds the ball with the best of them.

Warren Vinson (PG, 5’11”, FR)

Poised PG who can score with contact. Good shooter from 3. Showcased some nifty footwork on the break.

New Hope Christian Academy

Benjamin Pittman (PG, 5’11”, JR)

Pittman showcased his unbelievable speed and was at his best in transition. Super quick crossover dribble move. Really competes on the court.

Shooting 4 Greatness Academy

Chan William-Bey (G, 6’6″)

The super athletic wing from Hartford, CT was one of my favorite players to watch in the tournament. He is a solid defender who uses his wingspan to get deflections. Can handle the ball well and attacks the rim. Has good grades and schools at NAIA, D2, and D1 schools should monitor.

Thomasville Prep

Lukas Ganas (PG, 6’1″)

Absolutely loved his will to win and his competitiveness. Was the most vocal player in the gym today and was a leader on the floor. Floor general who is tough and looks to get others involved. Attacks the rim and defends the ball as good as anyone. Depending on what year he is in school, I would label him as a LM target.

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