NY2LA Invitational: 2017 Scouting Part 1
PrepHoopsIllinois was in the gym all weekend at the NY2LA Sports Invitational checking out prospects from the state of Illinois. We have a massive scouting report on the event. In this edition we look at part 1 of the 2017…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingPrepHoopsIllinois was in the gym all weekend at the NY2LA Sports Invitational checking out prospects from the state of Illinois. We have a massive scouting report on the event. In this edition we look at part 1 of the 2017 prospects.
PG PJ Pipes (Illinois Stars 17U)
Pipes is one of the state’s top point guards and for good reason. The powerfully built guard can flat out get buckets. Pipes is shifty with the ball in traffic and can really finish around the hoop with tremendous body control. Sound pull up jumper from mid-range. Continues to make strides as a passer. Mid-major to low-major prospect that needs to be getting more interest on the recruiting trail.
PF Cameron Gross (Illinois Stars 17U)
Gross is a bit undersized at only 6’5”, but he makes up for it with his strength and activity level on the interior. The Oak Park River Forest post was quick to the glass on both ends snatching them out of the air with his strong hands. Really rebounded at a high rate. Was a presence as a post defender as well as helping against guards. Offensively scored on some junk points down low. Also showed improved handles and even hit a few three during event. High level D3 kid that could sneak into D2 territory.
SG John Contant (Illinois Stars 17U)
Conant is a 6’3” shooting guard from Stagg that has established himself this spring with his strong play for the Illinois Stars. He is a plus perimeter shooter that can get on real hot streaks from beyond the arc. Conant also brings some toughness and versatility to the table. High level D3 prospect that could sneak into D2 territory.
SG Jose Grubbs (Illinois Stars 17U)
Grubbs is one of my favorite players to watch. The 6’3” Joliet Central two guard is tough as nails and really defends. Lengthy guard has a nose for the basketball. Best getting out in transition where he gets to the rim. Not a dominant offensive weekend for Grubbs, but he was solid. Glue guy that could fit in at the D2 level, but is a standout D3/NAIA prospect.
PF TeeAaron Powell (Illinois Stars 17U)
The 6’9” Marian Catholic post played his best game of the spring to date. Powell has a long and lanky frame with a projectable body. He has struggled to find a rhythm this spring, but had his breakout game against Chicago Lockdown. Powell used an array of hook shots with both hands to score on the block. He played physical and aggressive. Used his length on the defensive end and high pointed rebounds. Right now a D2 prospect. If he plays like he did Sunday expect him to get serious low-major consideration. Consistency is the key.
PG Joey Coffaro (Chicago Lockdown 17U)
Coffaro runs the show for Chicago Lockdown 17U. The tough Hersey guard makes quality decisions with the ball in the half court moving it and keeping the defense on the run. Solid shooter that can hit a pull up mid-range J and spot up three. Impressed with his ability to move his feet defensively and be a constant pest on the opponent. Most likely will be an outstanding small college prospect with the opportunity to sneak into D2 consideration.
F Connor Niego (Chicago Lockdown 17U)
At 6’8” Niego is a combo forward that continues to make strides in the areas he needed too. First is his strength. Each time we see him it looks like he has been in the weight room as his frame is starting to fill out a little more every outing. Niego is a skilled face up four man that can stretch the floor with a feathery jumper. What impressed us was his toughness on the glass and improved ball handling. Looked good in the open floor and had a nice rip through where he took his man off the bounce to score. Athleticism is another area that this rising senior brings to the table with a couple nice blocks and put back slam. Low-major plus prospect.
SG Josh Niego (Chicago Lockdown 17U)
The Brother Rice 6’3” two guard had one of his better showings of the spring. Shot it well from the perimeter. That is what he does best and hasn’t shot the basketball particularly well when we have seen him in the first half of the spring. Niego has a slight build and will need to add some weight. Small college prospect.
PG Ben Canady (Illinois Attack 17U)
It was a breakout event for the 6’1” point guard from St. Viator. We were very impressed with how the Illinois Attack lead guard led his troops. Canady is a crisp passer in the half court with a feel for how to run a team. Makes great finds to shooters and cutters that aren’t always the easiest read. Gets in the lane with ease and changes pace to keep the defense off balance. Sound perimeter shooter that drilled several triples. High level D3/NAIA prospect.
PF Dom Navigato (Basketball Paradise 17U)
Navigato is similar in some respects to the one that came before him at Geneva with the same last name. He stands at 6’5” with a solidly built body. First aspect that stood out was his post defense. He was an active post defender that used his hands to deflect passes. Not an explosive athlete by any means he was able to use positioning to block shots. Quality area rebounder. Gets on the offensive glass for put backs. He flashes post scoring, but is more of a face up four that stretches the floor with his perimeter shooting out to beyond the three point arc. Small college face up four man.
SF Terry Smith Jr (Illinois Old School 17U)
Big and physically built 6’5” wing. On his high school team he plays mostly inside so this was a nice opportunity to evaluate him at his college position of small forward. The Curie forward showed explosion off the bounce on several quick drives. One impressive move was when he jab stepped his man, blew by him, and had an acrobatic finish at the rim. Smith is a physically impressive athlete that should be looked at by D2 programs. High academic kid.