Prospect Spotlight: Prince Aurosike (2018)
A considerable barometer of 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward Prince Aurosike‘s mental fortitude was during a two game JUCO showcase at Walters State College.
After putting forth a subpar performance the previous night, one which he received a thorough earful for, Aurosike grabbed 15 boards in a bounce back effort.
Boxing out, getting free for stickbacks and tip-ins, and getting his teammates second chance looks with offensive boards, Aurosike gave a gritty account of himself.
He actually said he was suffering from flu-likeperformance in the previous matchup, albeit he didn’t want to sit one out or come off as having a built in excuse.
Excuses have never been an option for Aurosike, a workmanlike and unassuming forward who applies physicality and hustle. While much of today’s game is predicated on finesse and multi-positional skills and interchangeability, Aurosike is very much a throwback.
So sold on his work ethic and upside, IUPUI head coach (and former Arizona star) Jason Gardner offered him a scholarship after seeing him practice.
Intangibles such as character, accountability, and leadership certainly factored into Gardner’s decision.
Like Tennessee Prep Academy in Memphis, Believe Prep has spent considerable time ramping up its recruiting efforts and establishing a number of different post-graduate programs.
Flanking Aurosike are plenty of lesser known albeit promising post grad prospects:
Latrell Jones, 6-5 G
Louisiana native can pump life into gyms with dazzling displays of electrifying athleticism. A high percentage threat with his ability to carve through the lane and finish, Jones has the potential to be a high impact player at the mid major level.
Roberts Dempskis, 6-9 G
Latvian big embraces the contact and brutal hits in front of the rim, where he is most effective as a scorer. Class of 2018 forward/center also has craftiness and finesse in his around the rim game. Very workmanlike and reliable on the defensive end.
Michee Mianga, 6-5 F
With the build of a fullback, many have tried to pursue the undersize forward to play football. Has defensive toughness and the potential to be key rebounding presence, though he must work on sustaining his focus through four quarters/two halves of basketball.
Damon Tobler, 6-5 G
Built like a blacksmith, Tobler has an in-game savvy to him. A crafty left-handed scorer with sneaky athleticism, Tobler has shown bursts of sheer explosiveness. A 20-point, 8-for-11 performance against Walters State was indicative of his hard-edged style.
Jason Preston, 6-2 G
Orlando native and Boone HS product got hot at the tail end of AAU season, showcasing scoring in clusters capabilities. Has tool-set to play both guard positions. Projected as high Division-2 or low-major Division-1 player.