The Super & Scintillating 7 of the NYBL Session II

Jason Harris – Harris dominates the game by simply being on the floor as he must always be accounted for both offensively and defensively.  Operating with a high octane he is much more than a back to the basket post.  Harris has expanded his game to beyond the 3-point stripe and has shown the ability to consistently knock down the trey ball as well as the perimeter 3-pointer.  Another facet that cannot be understated is that Jason is an excellent FT shooter – efforts to foul to prevent baskets are futile.  A high percentage shooter and shot taker we saw him hurt opponents in a variety of different ways.  Defensively he is one of the best shot blocker in the league, attacking the ball in the air opposed to it coming out of the hand – he works well on the ball and as a help side defender and does it with a great deal of zeal and passion.  As a 2020 players there is a real possibility that with a dedicated effort Harris can likely play some true 3 – as he is able to sit down well enough to guard the position.

Jordan Toles – Often touted for his scoring exploits; the evolution of Toles has begun to take shape.  One trick pony’s don’t go far as they rise the ranks and diversified skill sets are essential to long term productivity and success.  In session II Toles was seen playing pick & roll basketball both on and off the ball, relocating and lane cutting off post feeds, and analyzing match-ups where he would  use penetration, mid-range work, as well as back to the basket posting.  What was impressive was his identification of the match up and his high level skill set that allowed for the exploitation thereof – Toles can still get you a bucket when you need a bucket.  The difference between a star and a superstar and ultimately the ability to be a big time performer at the next level as Toles is expected to be; is the ability to make those around him better Jordan has begun to understand that quality and realize that he can carry a team in more way than one; this is a very scary proposition for the NYBL and the rest of the country. 

Vernon Casey – This Sam Perkins like big is quickly making a name for himself; he has size and touch, runs the floor tremendously well and is in the right place on the defensive side of the ball exhibiting a very solid IQ.  On a very talented team Casey doesn’t require plays being ran for him, he is happy to take the ball off the glass to make things happen and is a willing passer with exceptional vision ~and boy does he have some choices when it comes to throwing the ball out.  With such a talented team Casey is still able to standout by playing the game the right way and taking advantage of his opportunities.  He shoots a high percentage from the field and he is automatic from the FT stripe – this is player that continues to impress and one that may be one of those “under the rader” kids who become bigtime high school players as he is a non-reclass player with a high ceiling; everyone should have Vernon Casey on their watch as the 6’7 forwards future is looking very bright.

Trevor “Killer” Keels – After being name 1^st Team All NYBL for session I; Trevor Keels arrived to Richmond with a target on his back – the coaches and players know who this kid is when he walks in the gym.  What they don’t know is how is he going to surgically slice them up during that particular game; hence the name “Killer” Keel; with him there is a million ways to die…choose one.   We watched over a 5 game period a basketball chameleon, some games he dominated the glass and impacted the game on the defensive end.  Others he was a primary ball-handler and facilitator setting the offense and making the play for someone else.  Then of course we saw him put the rock in the hole in the half-court and well as in the up and down game.  Unquestionably “Killer” Keels one of the most versatile players in the entire league and maybe the country another natural 2021 kid who hasn’t truly scratched the surface of what he will ultimately do in this game.

Qudair McNari – Intensity personified, every basketball team in the world would be lucky to have a player who played as hard and cared as much – McNari’s ENERGY is infectious and he actually carries the team simply by leading by example.  He plays the game downhill relentlessly attacking the paint without regard for who may be waiting there for him – finishes with strength and power.  He has a frame tailor made to absorb contact, take licking, and keep on ticking.  He has truly worked on his game and you are seeing improvements especially in his off the bounce game and his ball-handling.  He has always made an impact off the block but the development of these perimeter skills he is taking his game and his team to another level.  Big enough, strong enough, and quick enough to guard all 5 positions he is IZOD ultimate weapon - Team IZOD goes as far “Q” can take them, and that could be very far.

Tommy Anderson – Anderson has been identified as a special player for some time now; he has begun to travel the national circuit and has made an impression everywhere he has went.  After having a solid weekend in the first session, Anderson broke out with some very impressive scoring totals – showcasing a quick release trifecta that he launched from all over the court.  Loved him in the mid-range as he knocked down pull-ups and floaters as he constantly stayed in attack mode – you can see his confidence growing as he gets the job done against many of the nation’s best players.  Anderson is compact and tough and is able to play through contact making him a player who it tailor made to be there in the crucial later moments of the game a big time pure scorer who is setting the NYBL on fire – competitors may need to call 911.

Latrell Moore - Playing for the West Coast Stars this Texas native is already nationally ranked but he rising quickly.  Moore in session II proved his value against some of the top teams in the league and is emerging as the key piece to the 2021 WCA success.  Moore is a next level athlete who is big and powerful; think mini-Rodney Rogers. Latrell is explosive with very good body control, can make plays off the bounce, and is also a willing and surprising good passer with a both hands. He is a flat out beast in transition and is finishing at the rim evident by a follow-up dunk attempt in their victory of Team Takeover.  Moore plays with lots of energy and can be considered a defensive stopper as he can guard multiple positions; he is a student of the game, well-trained, and respects the process – Moore spoke about staying in the gym and becoming the best player he can be.  As good as he is today there will be much “Moore” for the NYBL and country to deal with real soon; Latrell should immediately be considered a certified problem.