Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest 2017 Scouting Part 3
Vantage Hoops was in the gym all weekend at the Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest checking out prospects from the state of Virginia. We have a huge scouting report on the event. In this edition we look at part 3 of the 2017…
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Continue ReadingVantage Hoops was in the gym all weekend at the Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest checking out prospects from the state of Virginia. We have a huge scouting report on the event. In this edition we look at part 3 of the 2017 prospects.
SF KJ Davis (Team Loaded)
KJ is getting more and more comfortable off the bounce, and that was evident all weekend as his aggressiveness was rewarded by several trips to the foul line. He’s a deadly three-point threat as a result of his quick release and high arching set shot. The 6’6’” forward has great length and quickness, along with a high motor which gives him a great deal of versatility enabling him to defend on the perimeter and at the rim.
PG James West IV (Boo Williams WAWG)
James looked great this weekend, as he rounds into shape from a recent ankle injury. He showed a quick first step, and solid playmaking skills as a lead guard. His best asset was his ability to shoot from long range, a few feet behind the three point line from the catch or off the bounce. Defensively, he was engaged and showed great instincts along with a high work rate. He’s a good rebounder for a guard.
C Dajour Dickens (Boo Williams EYBL)
Dajour had his best performance of the weekend in a big time contest vs. Team Melo. Both teams played above the rim, which suited him given his elite length and height. The 7-footer was admirable as a rim protector, and did a great job challenging shots vertically. He finished with force around the rim, and showed off his soft touch from 15 feet.
PG Denmark Slay (District Basketball Club)
Denmark carried the positive momentum he’s been building all spring with him into the Southern Jam Fest. He one again set the tone with his defense, and demonstrated the ability to shoot efficiently off the dribble from the mid range areas. Given his explosiveness and speed in the open court in conjunction with his playmaking ability, Denmark should slot in nicely as a low major lead guard.
PG Liam Harrington (Virginia Elite)
Liam is a big, strong guard who showcased a quick first step and good leaping ability. He is a crafty finisher, who showed off his athleticism with a few dunks. The 6-foot-3 point guard a solid student with a 4.0 GPA.
PF Caden Najdawi (Team Richmond-Garner Road)
Caden was active defensively, and used his length to contest and challenge a number of shots. He showed a nice touch from the perimeter, but mixed it up nicely with solid footwork on the low block. The 6-foot-7 forward ran the floor hard, and rebounded effectively out of his area.
SG Jayden Nixon (Team Richmond-Garner Road)
Jayden is a good athlete who showed off his explosiveness in the open court. He demonstrated good ball-handling ability and used hesitation moves off the bounce to create space. Defensively, he was very active on the perimeter and in the paint. He used his solid length and athleticism to contest shots and rebound. The 6-foot-4 wing is a great student who would fit in nicely at a high academic division 1 school.
PF Isaiah Anderson (Team Richmond-Garner Road)
Isaiah has great size at 6-foot-7, which makes him a stand out in the paint. He attacked the glass hard, and showed soft hands and quick reactions. His ability to step out and shoot the 3 was very evident, where he hit two in a row at one point. As the skilled big continues his development, he could emerge as a solid division 1 target.
PF Keve Aluma (Uncommon Bulls)
Keve has been a nice surprise for Uncommon Bulls this spring. The 6-foot-8 forward is a great rebounder out of his area, given his soft hands and outstanding leaping ability. As he continues to develop physically, he should become even more of a force on the boards. Keve has a great work rate and runs the floor hard in the open court. His footwork on the low block is solid, and he has a soft touch when finishing with either hand.
PF Nana Opoku (Team Loaded)
Nana has been perhaps the most improved player I’ve seen in the past six months. The most notable change I’ve noticed with him since the high school season is that he’s added some bulk. His mobility hasn’t been affected, as he’s still a high level rim protector who runs the floor and finishes with force above the rim. He’s always had a soft touch from the perimeter, given his solid skill-set which was on display all weekend. The 6-foot-7 forward is still growing, and will become a division 1 target as he continues to develop.