Combine Academy Scouting Reports

By James Blackburn

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.

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