2019
Makhi Mitchell (6’8, DC Premier) – Dynamic front
court player with some very nice perimeter skills; has both face up and back to
the basket game. Shows the ability to
impact the game on both ends on every possession – brings it every time clearly
carving out his spot as a top player in the league and in the country.
Marvin Price (6’4, DC Premier) – Silky smooth
and cool as the other side of the pillow – Price “slides in your painted area”
and drops buckets in heavy supply. The
lefty can put in work from 20-feet and in but was extra effective in the mid-range
and along the baseline. Price proved capable
of putting up some bigtime scoring numbers.
Korbin Spencer (6’2, Team Teague) – The deadeye
shooter made a cameo appearance in the league last year but the NYBL has him
full-time and he is back looking better than ever. The player that never gives up on a play; he
is a 3-level scorer with great size and strength for the position. If you love basketball, you will love
watching Spencer he leave it all on the floor and he has a lot to leave.
James Bishop (6’1, Bmore’s Finest) – Moves
on moves on moves, he comes at you in waves and can stop on a dime. Pull up game is sick and he shoots it with
range, very difficult to stay in front of this guy and he will punish you with
the rock in his hand. Do not let the
slight frame fool you – he can finish with both hands and displays next level
body control. Put him on your schedule
to see session II.
Issac Okoro (6’4, AOT) – You will immediately
appreciate the frame in the lay-up line, but once the ball is tip you will appreciate
a whole lot more. The proverbial windex
man, he cleans both glasses and may be one of the best finisher able to shred
contact while knocking down put backs or on drive to the tin. Able to put the ball on the floor and knock
down the perimeter shot; a match-up nightmare.
Zeb Graham Jr. (6’0, Team Charlotte) – Ok ladies
and gentlemen we have ourselves a bucket getter – with great size from the
position Graham does it from all over the floor as well as working off the
block. He is one of those players where
everyone in the gym knows he is getting the ball and you still can’t stop
him. Also gets to the FT line which is
the definition of a scorer vs. just a shooter.
One of the best perimeter players in the league for sure.
2020
Jalen Cone (5’8 Worldwide Wildcats) – Style of
play is mature beyond his years, plays the game like a seasoned high school
guard. Reads defenses, shoots a true and
natural jump shot, and works off the bounce in space but can also use screens
and cross cuts. He is the rare
combination of shooter & scorer and is tough enough to engage in the paint –
Cone is a problem waiting to happen and he will happen. 
Dwon Odom (5’10, Worldwide Wildcats) – Aggressive
wing who plays with style and flare – was extra in transition as he attacked
relentlessly. Very versatile Odom can
handle and breakdown his man as well as see the floor and cutters. Like the combination of being able to catch
and shoot as well being able to elevate and work off the bounce. Talent is very clear and apparent when
watching this kid.
Leonard Manual – (6’3, E1T1) – We have a
future star watch here; Leonard presents a clear and present danger to the
league and the country. He will be
making an appearance in the national ranking without question. A 6’3 PG who can handle, defend, and get to
the cup – you see what he is being groomed to be and he isn’t far off. Showed flashes of brilliance but the upside
is absolutely ridiculous – a consistent jump shot away from being dominant but
already a flat out problem in the class and the NYBL.
Jack Pugh (6’1, Mid-Ohio Puma’s) – What is
he you ask? He is a basketball player
and one of the most fundamentally sound players in the league. He could get it done with his sheer talent but
has he great size and footwork and a next level IQ to go along with it. Those judging by the eye test may question –
but seeing is believing as Pugh is clearly one of the best in the league and
age group.
Jaden Springer (6’1, Oakland Soldiers) –
The North Carolina legend was in the building and showed that he is cut from a
different cloth than most. No player at
any age group plays harder than the young star and he does it at both
ends. Tough in the paint and around the
basket, but his dominance in the mid-range, lane filling ability, and great
footwork set him apart. On the defensive
end disappointment could be seen in player’s eyes who earned the Springer assignment. Seeing him with Soldiers was a contrast of
styles – but his star power is without question.
Richie Greavis (5’7, Team IZOD) – With a team
bursting with talent Greavis may very well be the most important component out
the group. A very steady ball-handler
that doesn’t turn the ball over, spaces the floor with the range on his jump
shot, and displays proficiency in the mid-range and with the floater. He runs the team like a seasoned floor
general and makes the most of opportunities – can lead the team in scoring as
well as assist easily. The team is not
the same when he isn’t on the floor which is the definition of a difference
maker and impact player.
2021
Jalen Hall (G, New World) – Some would argue that Hall could
be the best in the age group, we are talking a mini-Mitch Richmond. 3-level scorer with handle and range gets to
the paint at will but is patient enough to make reads and is a willing
passer. Can takeover games in many
different ways including defensively and does so within the team concept. Has been under the radar for some time but
not anymore Hall is poised to make a name for himself at the expense of anyone
standing in his way.
Trevor Keels (F, Team Takeover) – Versatility personified,
basketball purist will love and see the talent and upside in this player. What he ultimately will be positionally who
knows; but when you can score, rebound, handle, shoot, finish, and defend
multiple positions it really doesn’t matter.
The size and length you want in a player Keels is the gift that will
keep on giving all season long in the NYBL as he proved in session I he simple
does it all. With some impressive score
totals over the weekend already he has 30ppg potential – period.
Jalen Blackman (G, Team Teague) – You always have to careful when
saying “the best” – but Blackman without question one of the top pure shooter in
the class in the country. He can knock
it down from anywhere and is special beyond the stripe. High IQ player who knows how to find opening
in the defense to get himself off – uses screens very well. We saw some very nice ball-handling and
passing skills, but he was a game changer when he was in scoring mode. Must be accounted for every possession. 
Caleb Furst (C, Team Teague) – Throwback fundamentally sound
back to the basket big man with great touch and move counters that George Mikan
would be proud of. Loved watching Furst
play positional basketball on the black and seeing him attack the points of
least resistance feeling the defender behind him. As well one of the best passer in the gym off
the block as he regularly hit cutters and weak side spot up shooters in the
sweet spot. Talks on defense and is also
an impactful shot blocker and shot changer.
Runs hard and is a solid FT shooter – Team Teague and the NYBL have something
special in this player.
Donnell Harris (C, Team IZOD) – Harris is the quicker picker
upper – you miss it, he gets it, one of the best rebounders in the gym and with
great size and immense athleticism Harris is a terror in the open court as a
lane filler. Great paint protector and
shot blocker you won’t find a better back line defender; as he takes care of
his man and also assist with any breakdowns by others. Equally effective as a strong and weak side
defender – no better help of the helper and he see it developing in front of
him. Raw straight off the block he
specializes on put backs and transition plays – when that aspect catches up
with the rest, boy oh boy he is going to be trouble. Harris is oozing with potential and isn’t far
off from realizing it.
Noah Pebbles (F, ) – Another player that basketball fans
will just love; Pebbles has big time scoring ability and works the baseline
with great efficiency. Has an array of
finishing moves and is patient off the catch feeling and seeing his defender
before making any moves. Looks solid
facing the basket and does a great job on the offensive and defensive
glasses. Doesn’t wow you or jump out at
you – but from a production standpoint he is a stat sheet stuffer who shoots a
high percentage. This is a player you
must see and one that is undervalued but must be appreciated as he flat out get
the job done.
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