Hoop Group Future All-American Takeaways
Hoop Group Future All-American 2016 is officially the books, and Vantage Hoops was in the gym for the four day event which was loaded with high level talent. Some of the best freshmen and sophomores from the east coast gathered at Albright College in Reading, PA for what would turn out to be a memorable event. Below, we highlight some consistent themes from camp featuring some of the top performers from DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Strong Sophomore Point Guard Class Shows Depth
The rising sophomore guard class in the DMV features some very promising talent, much of which was on display at Future All-American. 6-foot-2 Paul VI point guard Anthony Harris was the best of the bunch. Harris was the only guard from the area picked for the top 20 game, and his selection was well deserved given his strong play. Harris showcased his athleticism along with a high motor, the ability to lockdown defensively, an impressive skill set throughout camp. Capitol Christian rising sophomore guard Judah Jordan was another guard who strung together a solid string of performances, which earned him a spot in the top 40 game. Jordan was engaged defensively, did a good job getting into the ball and turning his man in the back court. Offensively, Jordan demonstrated skill and craftiness off the bounce. Baltimore native James Bishop is ready for a strong campaign with Mount Saint Joseph. The long-limbed guard has outstanding defensive potential given his athleticism and solid instincts. The skilled lefty is a very reliable playmaker at the lead guard spot who can also score it from all three levels. Xavier Johnson was the author of some heroics for his team at Future All-American. The rising sophomore, who is a defending state champ at Episcopal, hit a game winning shot to clinch a victory for his team. Johnson did a nice job running his team and getting others involved, but understood when he needed to take it himself. Sidwell Friends guard Jason Gibson is known for his knock-down shooting ability, but what stood out about him most had to be his playmaking ability. Gibson was comfortable handling pressure, exhibited the ability to break down his man off the dribble, and made reliable decisions with the ball. Cameron Savage continues to improve, and appears to be set for a big year at . The quick, skilled point guard showcased toughness on both ends of the floor.
Baltimore’s Budding Stars Continue Ascent
Baltimore natives Justin Lewis and Che Evans were both selected to the top 40 game at Future All-American. Lewis, a 6-foot-8 rising freshman at Calvert Hall, demonstrated the ability to do a bit of everything. Owning a long wingspan in conjunction with a great work rate, Lewis was solid defensively both in the post and on the perimeter. He rebounded well out of his area, ran the floor, and set good screens. The combo forward has the ability to handle the ball and shoot the three as well as slash into the paint and finish in traffic. Evans, a 6-foot-6 rising freshman guard at , was a standout on both ends of the floor as a result of his high basketball IQ, skill, and athleticism. Evans was comfortable with the ball in his hands, consistently creating space off the dribble and making plays for himself and his teammates. Defensively, he exhibited good instincts and rebounded well from his position.
Abolaji Becoming Dominant
Qudus Abolaji took another step at Future All-American, as the 6-foot-11 center was named to the Top 20 Game. Abolaji was arguably the best big man at the event.The size of the other bigs in camp didn’t appear to bother Abolaji, as his workout parter is top 100 rising senior big man Ejike Obinna. He displayed a consistently high motor, made strong rim runs, and protected the paint as if his life depended on it. He finished strong in traffic, absorbing contact while attempting to stuff it on opponents whenever he got the chance.
6'11 Qudus Wahab of @UncommonBulls controlling the paint and running the floor at a high level here at #FAA16 pic.twitter.com/KfFdAbniV7
— Hoop Group (@TheHoopGroup) August 6, 2016
Dynamic Wings Display Versatility
Mekhi Long showed big time potential on both end of the court at Future All-American. The 6-foot-6 rising sophomore wing out of St. Mary’s Ryken has tremendous potential defensively given his athleticism and length. Long mixed it up nicely on the offensive end as well, showcasing the ability to hit shots from the perimeter as well as find the open man or slash into the lane and finish with either hand. Anwar Gill, the exciting lefty guard out of Gonzaga, will be one of the top sophomores to watch in the WCAC next season. Gill has big time athleticism, but really impressed with his feel for the game and unselfishness. Gill didn’t hesitate to make the right play when called upon.
Lemons Erupts in Top 40 Game
Nate Lemons had a strong week, and capped it off in style as he absolutely caught fire during the top 40 game at Future All-American. The 6’7 lefty out of Anacostia showed some confidence handling the ball. Lemons rained in three consecutive shots from long range at one point, before following it up with a strong drive and finish.
Additional Standouts
Heru Bligen – St. Andrew’s ’19
Bryce Douglas – Bishop Ireton ’19
Jordan Hairston – Bishop O’Connell ’19
Xavier Joyner Jr. – Paul VI ’19
Olanrewaju Olamuyiwa – Capitol Christian ’19
Chris Warner – Wakefield ’19
Kenny Wilburn – Gonzaga ’19
Jahmir Young – St. Mary’s Ryken ’19