In-State Super Showcase Standouts (2017)
The AAU Super Showcase came to end on Sunday in Orlando after five days of non-stop basketball action at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There were a ton of players that impressed us. Here are just a few…
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Continue ReadingThe AAU Super Showcase came to end on Sunday in Orlando after five days of non-stop basketball action at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
There were a ton of players that impressed us. Here are just a few of the class of 2017 prospects from out-of-state that really stuck out in our minds.
Leonard Thorpe (Ball4Lyfe United)
There was no one more clutch than this kid right here this week. The 6’3″ Royal Palm Beach point guard buried all three free throw attempts with 1.7 seconds left in the championship game to force overtime. He finished with a team-high 25 points and did just about everything for Ball4Lyfe when it mattered most. His ballhandling is top notch and he is a sneaky passer. He can bury 3-pointers often and attack the basket on both ends of the floor. Thorpe has no offers yet, but that will change for sure after the end of this tournament.
Chaundee Brown (Nike South Beach)
At 6’5″, Brown looks like a man out there. He’s ripped, athletic and plays the game with a sense of craftiness. He can score at will when he gets going and even when his shot isn’t falling, he grabs rebounds and blocks shots. Kansas is the latest major Division-I program to offer him. He’ll get his pick of the litter when it comes to top-tier scores. Brown is in for a big year at The First Academy once again.
Amorie Archibald (Nike South Beach)
The 6’4″ point guard turned up his game all tournament long playing for both 17U and 16U. Only 16, he was able to run the show for both South Beach squads. His first step is dangerous and he can pass with the best of them. His motor is endless. When the Trinity Christian guard makes a mistake, he comes back and makes up for it. Lousiana Tech offered him on Monday, just a day after the tournament ended.
Robert Johnson (Ball4Lyfe United)
At 6’8″, Johnson is deceivingly quick in transition. His range has improved and it is evident that he’s put in the work since last season. He’ll be a standout player for Dillard in his senior year. He made plays all tournament for his team and always has a smile on his face no matter the occasion. Division-I schools should give him a chance, but if not he’d flourish at a Division-II school.
Drew Bethoney (Tampa Titans Elite)
A pass-first point guard, Bethoney is a superb free throw shooter with range. He gets everyone involved from the jump and is a very good passer. He creates shots for his teammates and is fun to watch. At 6’3″, he’ll thrive in his senior season at Bloomingdale. Division-III programs Worcester Polytechnic and Piedmont College have shown interest thus far.
Matt Schner (Ball4Lyfe United)
One of the best pure shooters all week was Matt Schner. During warmups he made 3-pointers aplenty and in games he did just about everything you want in a team player. The Grandview Prep guard knocks down open shots, attacks when he needs to and passes the ball around. Schner has Ivy League offers and would be wise to go to one of those schools.
Tarik McKelphin (Tampa Titans Elite)
This is a kid who gets up and down the floor with ease. He can outjump just about anybody and is a guy who can mix it up inside at 6’3″. His defenses skills are very solid and his basketball IQ is evident throughout the games. The Plant City guard rarely makes mistakes. A Division-II program is where he’ll get the most play at the next level.
Tommie Luke (Ball4Lyfe United)
At 6’2″, Luke has very solid ballhandling skills. He will wow you with an ankle breaker or a crossover pretty often. Luke is a knockdown shooter when he gets going and has the ability to fight his way inside for inside scoring. At a Division-II program, he’d be a very good fit. He’ll be out to prove himself at Dwyer this season.
Tyriek Railey (Jacksonville Magic)
Railey was superb in a scoring role for the Magic this past weekend at the Super Showcase. While he is a bit undersized, his production can’t be denied. He’s a LM talent at the one guard. He will need to continue to improve his point guard skills to do it, but he has the scoring chops.
Bryant just keeps racking up the offers. He picked up offers from Clemson, UAB, North Florida and Georgia on Monday, with many more sure to come in. He is a very solid leader, and his strong frame helps him on both ends of the ball. HM potential from the Providence lead guard.