Wednesday Night Standouts From The Ei8ht
LAS VEGAS, NV — Wednesday night marked the beginning of the third live period, and there was arguably no better place to be than The 8. The gym was packed with high major division one coaches. Lorenzo Romar, John Calipari, Bob Huggins, Bill Self, Tommy Amaker, Jeff Capel, Jay Wright, and Mike Brey were among the coaches in to check out the action. Below are a few standouts from round 1.
G D.J. Harvey – Team Takeover
D.J. Harvey was all over the passing lanes in this one. The athletic 6’6″ wing was responsible for his fair share of deflections and three steals. Harvey did an outstanding job pushing the ball in transition. He demonstrated confidence in his perimeter jumper, knocking down three shots from long range. The rising senior did his due-diligence on the glass as well, collecting 7 rebounds for his team. Harvey finished with 17 points.
G Nick Honor – Each 1 Teach 1
Nick Honor is a sharpshooter from the perimeter. He showcases a quick release and an efficient jumper from the catch or off one or two dribbles. Honor hit two threes on his way to recording 8 points, 2 assists, and a rebound.
G Daniel Kiely – Team Melo
Another solid night in the books for Daniel Kiely. The super reliable, versatile guard was once again aggressive off the bounce, seeking contact and earning trips to the foul line where he was very efficient. Kiely is a good paint getter who did a nice job finding open teammates for easy looks. He recorded 6 points (4/4 FT), 6 boards, 6 assists, and a steal.
F Kevin Knox – Each 1 Teach 1
Kevin Knox showed solid versatility on both ends of the court. The athletic, long-limbed 6-foot-8 forward showcased his ball-handling skills and ability to knock down the three from the catch. He finished up with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and a steal.
C Marcus Littles – Team Final
Marcus Littles was an integral factor to the win for his team. The 6-foot-9 rising junior has good hands, and is often available for dumpoffs. Littles demonstrated a nice jump hook and solid footwork on the low bloock. He recorded 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 assist.
PG Chris Lykes – Team Takeover
Perhaps the most dynamic performance of the day came from Chris Lykes. Despite often finding himself as the smallest player on the court, Lykes finds a way to make a major impact for his team. He was aggressive from the start, using his speed, explosiveness and crafty ball handing ability to keep defenders off balance. Lykes racked up double-digit foul shot attempts on his way to a game-high 32 points.
G Darryl Morsell – Team Melo
Perhaps the most consistent player we’ve seen all summer, Darryl Morsell once again made his case to be considered among the top players in the country. Morsell was able to consistently elevate in traffic and snag rebounds, where he would then quickly push it up court and convert into easy points for his team. His motor was tireless, and he did a terrific job getting his teammates involved. Morsell recorded 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.
F Justyn Mutts – Team Final
Justin Mutts is a very good passer. The uber-athletic, 6-foot-7 forward dished out four assists. Mutts has a great work rate and looks to rip down the rim whenever he gets a chance.
G Chris Orlina – Team Melo
Chris Orlina came out of the gates looking to make a statement. The bouncy 6-foot-7 forward dunked it with two-hands to open up the contest. Orlina was very crafty around the rim, and was able to repeatedly finish in traffic. He played with a constant motor, and finished up with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals.
F Andre Rafus – Team Melo
Andre Rafus provided a huge spark for his team in this one. The lanky 6-foot-9 forward showed off his versatile offensive skill set. Rafus connected on three bombs from long range, but also went strong to the basket where he could not be stopped. He recorded 19 points, 2 rebounds, and a block.
PG Daron Russell – Team Final
Daron Russell can score the basketball at a high level. He’s a lights out shooter who is also a solid defender as a result of his quickness and high motor. Russell was able to consistently get in the lane where he knew how to draw contact and convert easy baskets at the foul line. He recorded 16 points, 3 rebounds, and a steal.
G Collin Sexton – Team CP3
In his debut from Team CP3, Collin Sexton did what he does best, score the basketball. The EYBL’s leading scorer recorded 25 points, exhibiting a nice feel for the game, high-level athleticism, and excellent motor.
PG Jalen Spicer – Team CP3
Jalen Spicer was very dynamic on both ends of the floor at the guard spot. The quick and crafty rising senior was adept at dropping his shoulder and getting in to the lane where he would often dish the ball to open teammates for easy looks. Defensively, he was very active and did a good job using his strong hands to secure 50/50 balls. Spicer demonstrated the ability to finish with either hand around the rim in traffic.
G Lonnie Walker – Team Final
Lonnie Walker did a bit of everything for his team. The versatile, 6-foot-5 wing consistently created off the bounce. Walker drove and kicked to teammates, caught and hit three pointers, and showcased good body control when finishing around the rim. Walker recorded 17 points 5 rebounds, two assists and a steal.
PF Isaiah Whaley – Team Melo
Isaiah Whaley is an absolute workhorse. The athletic, 6’10 power forward was very active on both the offensive and defensive glass. Whaley is a mobile big with solid footwork and great hands. He runs the floor hard and understands positioning around the rim. Whaley recorded 10 points and 8 rebounds.
PF Emmitt Williams – Each 1 Teach 1
Emmitt Williams excited the crowd in the first half with a sick put-back dunk in traffic. The strong, athletic, forward was active on the glass. Williams put up 10 points, 7 rebounds, and an assist for his team.
PG Jelani Williams – Team Takeover
You absolutely have to love the level effort Jelani Williams gives each time he hits the court. The 6-foot-5 guard works super hard on the glass. Williams is a good rebounder in traffic with good hands. He was able to collect 6 boards for his team.