Ive been fortunate enough to be able to see both White and Davis play live numerous times this year and come away each time more and more impressed. Coming into Charlotte’s last home game vs UTEP, White was averaging 11 ppg while leading the team in steals with 44 on the season. Davis leads the team in assists while also scoring 11.6 ppg. These two players have a great chemistry with one another and the future looks very bright for 49er fans with Davis running the show and White shooting on the perimeter.
Scouting Reports
Andrien White
Terrific shooter who is excellent in catch and shoot situations. Has deep range on his 3 and is more then likely the best pure shooter on the team- release is a bit slow but shot is pure. Plays with a high motor on the defensive end, defends the passing lanes, and has great instincts on the defensive end of the floor, which is rare for a freshman. Terrific athlete who can finish above the rim. Needs to continue to improve his midrange game- good slasher but over penetrates at times.
Jon Davis
True PG and floor general who is a solid passer and also makes plays for teammates. Solid on the defensive end as well and is 2nd on the team in steals. Is pretty quick and is dangerous in transition. Does an excellent job of probing the defense with the dribble and getting to the lane. Needs to improve shot selection and his range. Tends to over-dribble at times and still makes some freshman mistakes.
We will start with Gibbs shooting and scoring because this is what Jack does a lot of. He doesn’t need a lot of room to get shot off. Has a compact shot and a super quick release. Can score with contact. Strong body- draws fouls at high rate. Can take contact well with a wide/strong body. Creates space to get his shot off- tremendous rip through move. Can easily create his own offense. Changes speeds pretty well. Can score in the paint with pull-ups and floaters- his floater is what makes him so tough because he can get to paint practically at will partly because he is such a good shooter and partly because of the defensive rules. Very efficient scorer especially off the bounce.
Uses ball screens pretty effectively to score- attacks the rim and goes down hill off the ball screen. Pretty explosive going right. Can score in the half court and in transition. Does a nice job of probing the defense with the dribble and knows his scoring spots.
Passing ability has really improved since the first game I saw him play this year. Gets the ball up court pretty quickly either with the pass ahead or the dribble. Was making terrific reads this game off the ball screen hitting the screener with passes- if he rolled or slipped- both on the ball and off the ball screens set for him.
Defensively he is solid. He moves his feet and has good hands. Fights around ball screens. He is an excellent shape.
Weaknesses
Handle is a little loose and is TO prone. Even though he is passing the ball better, Id still like to see him be more of a playmaker off the dribble drive too- is always looking to score off the drive or attacking the basket- like to see him make more dump off passes and plays for the bigs.
Size hurts him on both ends, but especially when trying to finish all the way at the rim. Needs to improve left hand- not as explosive going left.
Shot selection needs to improve- settles for some contested 3’s but part of that is because he gets the ball at the end of the shot clock a lot. He is a better 3 pt shooter then his % shows but this is lower because of him taking too many contested shots.
Overview
Gibbs is having a terrific junior season. He entered this game averaging 25.3 points and 4.8 assists per game. He has scored 40 points or more 3 times this year and has gone for 35 or more 7 times, proving to be one of the best scoring guards in college basketball. If Gibbs can continue to improve his 3 pt % (Get it to low to mid 40’s next year) and his play-making ability, he could earn a spot in a training camp next year if all goes perfectly. He should definitely be a PIT invite and on a summer league roster after next season, baring any injuries.
Ferguson has great size for the PG position but can also play off the ball and be equally effective. He plays with great energy and rebounds the ball on both ends well for a guard. A terrific passer (looks for the roll man on P/R) and floor general who is able to set up the offense. He is versatile and has a quick first step. He needs to continue to improve his 3 pt shot, but is a player who D1 schools in several levels should consider.
Dalen Dotson, 5’11”, PG
Quick guard who can play P/R and can also break down the defense with the dribble. He was the best on ball defender I saw in the gym and no one could get around him. His 3 pt shot has improved since the last time I saw him. He would be a steal for a D2 program.
Jared Richardson, 6’4″, G
Even though he wasnt 100% healthy this practice, you could see the skill set from this young man. Strong slasher who plays with a great pace- doesnt rush. Good IQ. Underrated passer. Can score the ball in so many ways.
Najee Garvin, 6’7″, F *UNC Charlotte Commit
Best athlete in the gym hands down and that was in a gym full of athletes- very explosive. College ready athleticism and frame. Runs the floor hard. Solid mid post game. Needs to improve jump shot and play consistently on both ends.
Josh Conley, 6’7″, F
One of the best defensive players throughout practice. Conley has a good motor and good length mixed with solid defensive instincts- plays the passing lanes very well. Can push the ball on the break. Unselfish player. MM player.
Terrell Sheffey, 6’1″, G
Strong combo guard who works hard on both ends. Poised lefty. Can score with contact and hit the 3. D2+ prospect.
Xavier McDaniel, 6’6″, F
Explosive athlete who works incredibly hard on both ends of the floor. Never takes plays off. Defends 4 different positions. Gets up and down the floor very quickly. D1 ready body. Talks on defense. A little raw offensively. Needs to improve his left hand and handle, but is a D1 prospect.
Colton Kolowski, 6’5″, SG
Colton was one of the best shooters in the gym. Has a simple yet fundamentally sound release and can get hot from the 3. Effortless athleticism- big time riser. Smooth and fluid. Showed a nice step back in the scrimmage games. Needs to be more assertive offensively and improve ability to create own shot, but is a LM prospect for sure.
Duam Duwan, 6’10”, F
Fundamentally sound big man who can shoot the perimeter shot with consistency including the 3 ball. Keeps the ball high and can finish P/R plays. Is a good rebounder and shot blocker. Needs to continue to get stronger but has potential. Has Australian citizenship and holds 5 D1 offers. More MM schools should take a look.
Very athletic player who uses his athleticism on both ends on the floor. Great rebounder who boards the ball outside his area and grabs rebounds above rim level with 2 hands. Also he rarely misses a box out. Has a high motor and plays hard. Sets wide screens and rolls hard to the rim. Good FT shooter- has a nice follow through and release. Also showed the ability to hit the 10′ jumper and looked comfortable doing so. Runs the floor well and his movements are fluid. Does a great job of finishing above the rim- dunks it with authority.
Moves his feet very well for his size on the defensive end. Can hedge screens and recover to his man pretty easily. Protects the rim- uses his length and athleticism. He also contests shots on the perimeter nicely.
Weaknesses
Collins is only a freshman so many of his areas where he needs to improve will come with time and experience. He rushes at times and he needs to slow down. Needs to continue to build lower body strength. For the next level will need to continue to extend range out to 15’ or beyond and get more consistent offensively. Foul trouble has hurt him this year, but he was fine tonight. That wont be as much of an issue at the next level where they let more go, but he needs to become more disciplined on reaches and staying straight up to protect the rim.
Overview
Collins has had a superb freshman season so far and makes an impact every time he touches the floor. He has about as high of ceiling as anyone on the roster and plays extremely hard. His size, length, and athleticism you cant teach and he seems extremely coach-able and a quick learner too. Having a former NBA big man in Danny Manning as his coach will only help accelerate his development.
Versatile player who can score the ball in a variety of ways. Reliable 3 pt shooter who can hit open 3’s- has solid arc on his shot especially for a player of his size. Capable of putting the ball on the floor for straight line drives and can push the ball on the break after a rebound. Pretty good passer who is highly unselfish. Good rebounder who will grab the ball in traffic. Has really active hands defensively and can defend multiple positions. Moves his feet pretty quickly on perimeter for a player his size. Solid post game- has a go-to move where he spins baseline and a terrific right hook shot. Has a strong frame and can finish with contact.
Weaknesses
Allen was hitting his 3 tonight, but I dont know how well he will be able to get it off at the next level- slow release. Loose handle and is a bit TO prone. Is not the most athletic or explosive player and doesnt show a high motor at all times. Needs to hustle back defensively better. Solid college player, but is a tweener between a 3 and a 4– not quick enough to guard a 3 and not big enough to be a 4. Needs to improve his left hand.
Overview
Allen is leading the team in ppg with over 20 and had a huge game against nationally ranked Cal while playing in a Thanksgiving tournament in Las Vegas last week. Versatile do it all type player, who isn’t necessarily great at one thing but is capable of doing many things well and filling up the stat sheet. If he keeps up this pace of play all season, he should definitely be an A-10 1st Conference guy and be heavily favored to attend the PIT. Would be a serviceable D-League rotation player in my opinion and a real steal for many clubs in Europe.
Game Scouted: Creighton vs UMass (Men Who Speak Up Championship Game)
Creighton wins 97-76 Stats- 26 min, 3-6 FG, 3-5 FT, 3 reb, 12 TP
Strengths
Terrific perimeter shooter. He has a high release, gets great arc on the ball, and good rotation. He is not shy about shooting the ball and his confidence is growing. His misses are good misses and every time he shoots it, it looks like its going in. His corner 3 is automatic. He showed he could shoot the 1-footed Dirk shot from the midpost as well. Hands in his face dont bother him. Terrific perimeter footwork.
Huff is active on the glass and rebounds outside his area. He doesnt mind diving on the floor for loose balls either. He has good length and a solid frame that will add muscle.
Smart player. Uses his IQ on the defensive end. Good team defender. Has a good attitude on the floor.
Weaknesses
Poor athleticism and is slow laterally. Not a great one on one defender. Needs to improve ability to handle the ball- looked uncomfortable just putting it down in straight line drives.
Needs to become more of a 3…..plays the 4 primarily now.
Overview
Game has improved every year since he has been in college. Huff is a name that NBA scouts should definitely add to their watch list and is someone who I believe could be worth a 2nd round pick next year. He needs to continue to improve in his weak areas, and I believe he will. Is definitely a summer league/training camp guy at the least.
Dozens of college coaches from all 3 levels of NCAA packed Proehlific Park on Saturday to watch over 30 HS teams compete on 3 courts. The games were competitive and there was a plethora of talent on hand.
I tried to watch as many teams as I could while there for over 7 hours. Below I have included my reports on players organized by high school in alphabetical order.
Calvary Baptist
Cameron Easter (2016, 6’6″, F)
Easter is a versatile and athletic wing who’s full arsenal was on display on Saturday. He can shoot it from the perimeter and finish above the rim on drives. He should see his recruitment increase after his performance.
Cannon School
Jairus Hamilton (2018, 6’8″, F)
Although he was the tallest and strongest player on the team, Hamilton played mostly point- forward today. He showed the ability to handle the ball, break down the defense, and kick to open shooters on the perimeter. He needs to continue to improve his body language and his effort on the defensive side of the ball. He didnt show the ability to knock down many perimeter shots, instead electing to attack the rim.
Charlotte Catholic
BJ Mack (2019, 6’8″, F)
Mack isnt afraid to do the dirty work and embraces contact and inside play. He has a strong frame and can play with his back to the basket. Mack projects as a HM prospect.
Concord
Rechon Black (2018, 6’6″, PG)
Black was another big PG I saw today. Not sure if this will remain his primary position going forward, but he did a good job of dribbling with his head up and getting to the FT line at a high rate. He is long and athletic and can hit open 3’s. Needs to continue to get stronger, but is tracking as a HM prospect.
Ray Kowolski (2016, 6’2″, G)
Ray plays with a lot of confidence and was one of the best shooters I saw today. He is patient with the ball and utilizes ball fakes. Strong. He has committed to SE Missouri.
Concord Prep
Jamari Benjamin/Nyheem Atkins (2016, 6’9″)
I didnt get to watch these twin towers play for very long but both of them are mobile athletic and long bigs who have good hands.
Cox Mill HS
Wendell Moore (2019, 6’5″, G)
Moore has possibly the highest upside of any player in attendance. He had a number of HM coaches scouting him while playing today. He is long and a decent athlete. He is a good ball handler who needs to continue to improve his left hand. Understands how to get other players involved and is unselfish. Has a college ready strong frame already which is scary- players were bouncing off of him on defense. Showed he can shoot from the outside. Can he defend high level PG’s is the question, but Moore has a bright future at the G slot.
Forsyth Country Day
Tripp Greene (2018, 6’1″, G)
Tripp continues to impress me every time I see him. His body has gotten stronger and he is more and more confident in his PG duties. He was one of the best 3 pt shooters in the gym and plays solid help side D. Colleges from all 3 divisions should monitor.
Bruno Solumon (2016, 6’9″, F)
Legit MM stretch 4 man who has a college ready frame and is mobile. Rebounds and passes the ball well. Has a high release on his shot and is willing to score inside as needed too.
Matty Edwards (2016, 6’5″, G)
One of my favorite players on the day, Matty is a coaches dream. He does the little things on both ends and works hard. He can shoot, dribble, and pass and is highly versatile. Good size for the 2/3 spot. Skilled and versatile.
Greensboro Day
JP Moorman (2017, 6’6″, F)
Possibly the best player on one of the deepest and best teams in attendance today. JP is a terror to defend in the open court with his blend of size, strength, and athleticism. Played hard today and is a MM+ prospect.
Travon Mayo (2017, 6’4″, G)
Under the radar type player who has a high motor with a good frame. Attacks the rim aggressively.
Johnny Newman (2018, 6’5″, G)
Showed some good things while in game. Plays hard, athletic, and defends.
Independence HS
Victor Tshiona (2017, 6’5″, F)
Victor is a bruiser inside who loves the physical play. Solid scorer with his back to the basket. High motor player who was unstoppable around the basket today.
Justyn Hamilon (2017, 6’10”, F)
Long and athletic front court player who has a good shooting touch. Must continue to improve strength.
Jack Britt HS
Gerald Buncum (2017, 6’6″, F)
One of my favorite players I saw today. Buncum is mobile and is an aggressive shot blocker. Long. Has the ability to hit the 15′ J.
Kings Mountain
Jacob Skidmore (2016, 6’8″, F)
Long and lanky wing who is scrappy and a good defender and rebounder. Skidmore was solid all day and can shoot the midrange with consistency.
Josh Helton (2017, 6’8″, PF)
Helton is a strong post player who can score with his back to the basket. Showed he could pick and pop and hit the short corner J. Plays hard and attacks the rim. Good motor.
Lincoln Charter
Kody Shubert (2018, 6′, G)
Highlight reel with the ball and is fun to watch. Capable of playing either guard slot. Arguably the best shooter in the gym today. Defends and makes plays.
Millbrook HS
Faison Brock (2016, 6’6″, F)
Loved his energy and athleticism. Rebounds the ball and makes winning plays. D1 player.
Austin Cobb (2016, 6’4″, G)
One of the best 1 on 1 scorers I saw today. Really good with the ball in his hands- has the ball on a string. Can create for himself with an excellent hesitation dribble.
Mt. Tabor
Cartier Wilks (2017, 6’6″, F)
Face up 4 man who rebounds the ball well and has good energy. Super long and is an aggressive defender.
Voyager Academy
Jay Huff (2016, 6’11”, F)
The UVA stretch 4 man showed a good skill set and soft touch from the perimeter. Needs to continue to improve on the defensive end and show a higher motor.
Westchester Country Day
Marshall Lange (2016, 6’3″, PG)
Lange entered the day with only 2 D-2 offers and I believe that will change very soon with his solid play today. He has a strong upper body and a quick first step. He can shoot it with a quick release on the outside and can create off the bounce. Had several no-look passes today to cutters and has good vision. Contests shots on the defensive end- bumps cutters too.
Caymen Bennett (2016, 6’1″, G)
Plays bigger then 6’1″ with his length and athleticism. Needs to tighten up his handle but is solid in transition.
Word of God
Rawle Alkins (2016, 6’4″, G/F)
By far the strongest player I saw today, any position. Has a great frame with good shoulders- looks like a football player. Aggressive slasher who can change directions off the bounce. Struggled to defend quicker 2’s and 3’s on the perimeters- took poor angles on the closeouts and has slow lateral quickness. Low shooting release but is a college prospect.
Jalen Harris (2016, 6’2″, G)
Plays the game with a quite confidence. Fluid with effortless athleticism. Good perimeter stroke. The 2G has committed to Buffalo.
National powerhouse Oak Hill Academy played against Hargrave on Monday night at North Surry HS. The game was two 20-minute halves with college rules. A third period of 12 minutes was also played after as well. The game featured over 26 D-1 players and multiple college coaches and talent scouts were on hand. Harry Giles (6’11”, F, Oak Hill) , arguably the nations number 1 player, did not play, but there was still a ton of talent on display.
Oak Hill jumped out to a quick start to open up the first half. They looked excellent in transition and were getting anywhere they wanted on offense and found themselves up double digits in the first few minutes. Their high pressure defense caused multiple Hargrave turnovers, which Oak Hill converted for easy points. Oak Hill won the battle on the boards and hit their 3’s. Hargrave eventually handled Oak Hill pressure defense and the contested shots Oak Hill had been shooting started missing and Hargrave was able to battle back. Oak Hill took a 55-51 lead into half time.
Hargrave came out the 2nd half and continued to build momentum from the 1st half. Both teams went back and forth to start. Hargrave were the aggressors from that point on and eventually built a double-digit lead of their own by forcing contested shots and being patient on offense. Both teams played primarily man to man defense and Hargrave also sprinkled in some 2-3 zone at times too. Big 3 pointers by DeVontae Shuler (6’2″, G, Oak Hill) and Mario Kegler (6’7″, SF, Oak Hill) brought Oak Hill back within 2 with a couple of minutes to go but ultimately it wasn’t enough and Hargrave got the win 108-105.
Scouting Reports
Oak Hill
Matt Coleman (6’2″, PG)
Matt was the best PG in the game and one of the best I have seen in some time. He is a tremendous passer and play maker with eyes it seems in the back of his head at times. The lefty has a sweet outside shooting stroke and can hit the pull-up by stopping on the dime and the 3. He is confident in his game and a highlight reel with the ball. He is extremely quick and was terrific all game. He needs to continue to get stronger and has a tendency to flop at times on his shot. Florida, UVA, Texas, UConn, and Arizona amongst others have offered.
Braxton Key (6’7″, SF)
Oak Hills X-factor, Key is a versatile and athletic do-it-all forward. He is solid defensively and showed he could handle the ball, slash to the rim, and shoot it. Well-rounded scorer. Alabama is getting a good one with him.
Mario Kegler (6’7″, SF)
College-ready body who was the purest shooter on the floor. Not overly athletic but is strong and can fill it up from the outside. Took some ill advised shots but can also hit contested shots. Shabazz Muhammad type. Kegler has a ton of HM interest including Maryland, Indiana, and Baylor.
Devontae Shuler (6’2″, G)
Shuler was the best on-ball defender on the floor and picked up his man full court every time. Very quick laterally and has a great 3 pt shot. South Carolina and Clemson are showing heavy interest.
Khadim Sy (6’9″, C)
Sy doesnt get a lot of touches offensively, but he is a work horse and the workhorse inside for this Oak Hill team. He is tremendous on the boards and uses his length to defend the post very well. He is mobile and has potential. Virginia Tech received his commitment after the game.
Hargrave
De’Riante Jenkins (6’6″, SF)
Jenkins was everywhere all night on both sides of the ball and was my pick for MVP of the game. VCU got a good one in this kid. Jenkins uses his length and athleticism to defend multiple positions. He is highly versatile and can really handle the ball well. He has a quick first step and was able to create space well for his shot. Drew contact at a high rate and was able to score with contact. Has a good mid-range game and can hit the 3, but his 3 is still inconsistent. He does get great arc on his shot.
Braxton Beverly (6’0″, PG)
The Miami University of Ohio commit put on a show in this one. Beverly has the ball on a string and has underrated quickness. Good defender with quick hands. He is not rattled with ball pressure. Was able to get to the lane and has a nice pull-up and floater. Well conditioned player. Over-dribbles at times and needs to improve overall play-making and passing skills.
Derek Funderburk (6’9″, F)
I absolutely loved what Derek did this game. His motor never stops and he was the best rebounder this game. He has good length and showed he could attack in straight line drives. Solid back to the basket game. He will be attending Ohio State.
Austin Burnett (6’7″, F)
Campbell got themselves a steal with this kid. Burnett does all the little things and is a solid role player. Good rebounder, plays hard, and is efficient.
Evan Wieck (6’9″, F)
Wieck is a high IQ hard working big who will be going to Navy. He has great hands and seemed to always be in the right place at the right time. Not a great athlete but is mobile.
Iran Bennett (6’9″, C)
Struggled in the first half to find a rhythm but was a beast who couldnt be stopped in the second. Soft hands who can catch everything. Efficient around the basket and is tough to keep off the boards. Bennett is a legitimate HM back to the basket big. LSU, Missouri, and Ole Miss are on him hard.
I had the opportunity to attend one of Combine Academies recent practices in Charlotte and check out some of their talent on hand. Combine Academy is a prep school that currently has locations in Charlotte and Atlanta and field 5 different teams. If you are a college coach at any level, Combine Prep has a player for you.
Below are some of the standouts from their 2 hour practice. All of the kids are post grad players.
Artur Labinowicz (6’3″, SG)
Terrific athlete who can shoot the 3 ball with ease- has a pretty stroke and can get it off against anyone. Confident in his game. Really fast with the ball in his hand. LM/MM talent.
Tim Marshall (6’3″, SG)
Heady player who is very smart. Can do a lot of of things well. Good shooter from 3 point range. Plays hard and communicates. D2/NAIA schools should be all over him.
Jamal Deshields (6’4″, SF)
I have seen Jamal develop over the years into the player he is now. Good shooter with a high release. Plays hard and would be a steal for a D2 school who needs a tough slasher.
Tyler Cheese (6’4″, PG)
High IQ player who is an underrated athlete with a quick 2nd jump. Terrific defender. Makes his team better and makes winning plays. Can score the ball at the rim. Lefty. USC Upstate has shown interest and is definitely a D1 player.
Leo Viitala (6’4″, G)
One of my favorite players in the program. The high IQ slasher from Australia is tough to stop going downhill and is smooth and versatile. Solid passer who has a quick release. Schools from all 3 divisions should watch.
Bart Schild (6’7″, SF)
Played on the Holland JR National Team. This kid is smooth and a sneaky good athlete with a good mid post game.
Bradley Pierce (6’3″, G/F)
Terrific slashing and athletic player who plays the passing lanes on defense and can finish with either hand. Leader and is confident in his game. Can score in bunches.
Phil Steffens (6’9″, F)
Stretch 4 from Germany with good length and a good motor. Active on the boards. Good right hook. Has potential. NAIA and D2/3 schools would all be good fits.
Kyle Bradshaw (6’5″, SG)
One of the best athletes I saw today and can light it up from the outside.
Derian Valdes (6’6″, F)
This do it all player from Canada was solid on both sides of the ball today. Good athlete who can attack the rim and can shoot the 3 with a smooth stroke. Can finish with either hand. LM prospect.
Treyvonte Diggs (6’5″, G/F)
All-Around scorer who can beat you on the drive and shot. Active.
Josiah Thomas (6’1″, PG)
True PG who can also score. Thomas is one of 3 players from Canada in the program. He is athletic, changes speeds well, is a good ball handler, and sets up teammates. Excellent on-ball defender and can hit open 3’s. LM+ talent.
Johneil Johnson (6’0″, G)
Stood out because of lock down on-ball defense and athleticism.
Portsmouth, VA was once again for the 63rd year the home for the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, an annual tournament featuring the top collegiate seniors across the nation. NBA scouts, front office personnel, overseas clubs, and agents show up in huge numbers to evaluate the talent on hand. Below are my All-Tournament teams and my MVP selection based on my evaluations.
MVP
Darion Atkins, UVA, F, 6’8″, 234 lbs
Atkins led the PIT in scoring at 20 ppg and was 3rd in rebounding with 10.3 per contest. He was solid and consistent each of the 3 games and was the best post defender in attendance. Dont be surprised if Atkins is on a roster next NBA season.
1st Team
G- DJ Newbill (Penn St, G, 6’4″, 210 lbs)
G- D’Angelo Harrison (St. Johns, G, 6’4″, 204 lbs)
