NY2LA: 2019 Scouting Pt 1
PrepHoopsIllinois attended the NY2LA Sports Invitational over the weekend in Milwaukee. It featured an array of teams throughout the state of Illinois. Here is part one of our scouting report on the class of 2019 prospects at the event.
SG Austin Gates (Mercury Elite 16U)
This was my first time evaluating Gates. I came away very impressed with the 6’3” Bartlett combo guard. He has good size, broad shoulders, and a strong build. First aspect that stood out was his perimeter shooting. He has been working on his shot and it definitely shows. Bit of a long release over the top of his head, but they fell at a great clip off the catch. The strong and tough guard brings a lot of competitiveness to the table. Played both on and off the ball throughout the game. Was very impressed with how he used his length on the defensive end of the floor. Extremely active hands getting steals on the ball and cutting passing lanes. Anticipates great on the defensive end and rebounded well for a guard. Gates could be a D2 prospect down the line.
SG Jamir Price (Quad City Elite 16U)
Price is a rangy defender from Rock Island that made his biggest impact on that end of the floor throughout the event. Wasn’t much of a scorer for most of the tournament, but the athletic 2019 showed flashes of his transition scoring ability on Sunday using his speed to get a few layups. One to continue to track.
SG Deonte Billups (Quad City Elite)
Billups is a 6’3” shooting guard from Moline High School. Good frame and athletic build. Nice strength. Like the physical tools with this 2019 wing. He has potential to be a plus defender if he wants to lock in on that end of the floor. Solid ball handler that attacks in transition. Streaky shooter that far too often settles for jump shots from three when he doesn’t shoot it at that high of a rate.
C Jermaine Hamlin (Quad City Elite)
Hamlin is an intriguing 6’9” post from Lincoln High School. A high school program that is usually known for their skilled guards has a legit sized post with some potential. He is still raw, but definitely has some tools to work with. The lefty isn’t an overly skilled post scorer at this stage. Has some trouble finishing. Once he gets a little more coordinated should improve on this. High points rebounds and snatches them in traffic. Has the ability to grow into a plus rebounder and post defender.
PG Zach Touissant (Kessel Heat 16U)
The “Baby Faced Assassin” had his moments. He wasn’t the dominant scorer that we are accustomed too, but he was still effective. The 6’0” Johnsburg point guard is a fun player to watch that would remind some of former Kings star Jason “White Chocolate” Williams. Slick ball handler that makes flashy passes. What he is best at is letting it fly from deep. Effortless looking perimeter shot with very deep range. Quick release on three ball. Mixes in floaters in the lane. Uses his quickness to avoid opposing guards, but will need to add on significant weight/strength to play at the college level. He is a big time shooter and playmaker that has a bright future.
SG Justin Eagins (Kessel Heat)
Eagins continues to grow on us each time we see him. The 6’1” shooting guard is a bit undersized for the position. His length allows him to play bigger than his height tough. Quality slashing wing that makes plays off the bounce and takes good angles. Great motor. Can hit an occasional three. Should be a nice small college scorer.
SG Wesley Hooker (Kessel Heat)
Hooker is a 6’2” athletic wing. Big time hops out of this Downers Grove South shooting guard. Finishes above the rim with some big dunks and is an outstanding rebounder for a guard. Hooker is a raw offensive prospect skill wise.
PG Nolan Niego (Chicago Lockdown)
Niego is a 6’2” point guard that plays eerily similar to his older brother Harrison. Outstanding leadership skills from the Lyons 2019 prospect. He is a plus passer that makes crisp dishes that are consistently on point. Sound decisions with the rock in his hands. Works well in the pick and roll passing it to his post player and can hit a pull up jumper as well. After initiating the offense Niego moves strong away from the ball to make things happen trying to get open. Tough leader that should have a big year for Lyons.
PF Nate Ferguson (Chicago Lockdown 16U)
This Lemont 6’7” power forward got on our radar in a major way at the NY2LA Sports Invitational. Strong frame and good length. He is a stretch four man that can knock down pick and pop shots with ease. Faded away from drivers on several occasions for feathery jumpers. Was dominant on the glass. Ferguson was a beast on the defensive glass. Also very effective on the offensive glass not only high pointing balls for himself, but when he can’t grab it he taps it out to his guards. Does this numerous times a game. D2 prospect.
SG Matt Dinardi (Chicago Lockdown)
Dinardi is a 6’3” two guard out of Providence Catholic. This wing has solid size and projects as a nice small college shooter at the next level.
PF Austin Filo (Chicago Lockdown)
Filo is an undersized 6’4” post from Neuqua Valley that plays with a lot of toughness and grit. Fights on the glass inside and is a sound passer for a four man. Can hit a mid-range jumper. Hurt his shoulder later in the event. Small college post.
PG Treye Tucker (Team RWA)
Always fun watching this 5’9” point guard from Christian Life play. He is a creative passer that plays with a flair for the game. Makes crisp dishes on the money. Pushes in the open floor. Great understanding of the game. Was looking to set up his teammates rather than score this past weekend.
PF Jeremiah Stamps (Team RWA)
Stamps is a 6’6” power forward from Simeon. The 2019 forward has a strong body and rebounds well within his area. Plays through contact on the offensive end. Physical and athletic post. Not very skilled at this stage. Should see some minutes as a role player for the Wolverines this year.
PG AJ Palmer (Team RWA)
Palmer is a 5’7” point guard out of Romeoville. The quick and shifty guard plays with toughness and pushes the tempo in the open floor. A little wild a times. Good pull up three point shooter that can also get to the rim in transition. Solid foul shooter. Mostly a scoring point guard at this stage.
PG Darnell Nicholson (Team RWA)
The 5’11” Hinsdale Central guard has a thick body. He is uber tough! Competes on the defensive end of the floor and plays with strength. Powerful finisher inside in the paint.
SF Alex Peterson (Team RWA)
Peterson has outstanding size at 6’6”. The lefty is a strong wing that has combo forward type skills. Slow release on shot, but can hit a three on occasion.
SF Adam Taylor (Team RWA)
Taylor is a plus shooter from Providence Catholic. The 6’4” wing has a quick release on his shot from three. Really lets it fly off the catch. Potential to be a nice small college shooter down the line.