A Scout’s Take: Geico Nationals’ Standouts (Part 2)
A Scout’s Take: Geico Nationals’ Standouts (Part 2)
NEW YORK, NY— Christ The King, best described as a storied program when it comes to high school folklore, was the tournament host for the Geico Nationals. Montverde Academy was a force to be reckon with sans the sharp shooting Lone Peak (UT) squad in the quarterfinals. The lethal combination of consensus No. 1 player in the country RJ Barrett and a bevy of D1 caliber sidekicks—Andrew Nembhard comes immediately to mind—would be too much for University to handle in the title game. As a result, this would be the 4th Geico Championship for Head Coach Kevin Boyle and company—and I’m sure there will be a number of reinforcements putting their name in the hat to re-stock a roster that will graduate a bevy of talent.
Best shooter
Michael Devoe (Montverde Academy/FL)
2018, SG, 6-foot-4, 175 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Georgia Tech signee should make an immediate impact due to his shooting prowess. His mechanics are tight and he can shoot it off the catch or off the dribble. He plays at a great pace and he can set up teammates with the pass. In transition he can finish at the rim and with either hand. However, it is his shooting ability that will get him on the court for Head Coach Josh Pastner.
Nifty Playmakers
Tyger Campbell (La Lumiere School/IN)
2018, PG, 6-foot, 160 pounds
Joel’s Take: Campbell has been in the headlines since the 8th grade due to the moxie he brings as well as his playmaking acumen. He does need to improve his assist/Turnover ration as exhibited in the 1st round (8 TOS). However, he oozes confidence and he makes plays with scoring and facilitating in mind. In transition he shows good speed and strength and his passing ability is high-level, especially in traffic. With Aaron Holiday and Jaylen Hands both declaring for the draft, Campbell has the experience to step in immediately.
Will Richardson (Oak Hill Academy/VA)
2018, PG, 6-foot-4, 170 pounds
Joel’s Take: The future Oregon Duck was one of my favorite players to watch on the circuit last summer and he proved his mettle at this tournament. He is a slick lefty point guard with a nifty handle as well as a clever mindset. He slips and slides through defenders and can either score at all three levels or drop off the high-level assist. Look for Richardson to make an immediate impact for Head Coach Dana Altman
Multi-skilled Big
Filip Petrusev (Montverde Academy/FL)
2018, PF, 6-foot-10, 215 pounds
Joel’s Take: Petrusev is a multi-skilled 5/4 headed to Gonzaga. He needs to gain weight and overall strength to do battle in the interior, but his skill set speaks volumes. He can step out and nail 17-foot jump shots and has the feet to maneuver in the paint area for finishes with either hand. He runs well in transition and plays with a solid motor and savvy.
Most Productive
Reggie Chaney (Findlay Prep/NV)
2018, PF, 6-foot-7, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: The Arkansas-bound Chaney is all about production. He has the body-type, athleticism, and mindset to make an immediate impact. He can score inside-and-out and he shows natural scoring instincts. In the paint he exhibits good hands and feet while on the perimeter he knows how to face-up an opponent and attack him. Not too mention in transition he can finish with authority and through contact.
Projects with Potential
Balsa Koprivica (Montverde Academy/FL)
2019, C, 7-foot, 240 pounds
Joel’s Take: If you’re looking for a skilled 5-man with an exceptional shooting touch, look no further than Koprivica. He has soft hands, good feet, and he is bouncy as well. However, in order for him to take his game to a new level, he needs to bend his knees and import better fundamentals (brings the ball down). With added strength and coaching though, he has talent and skill.
Connor Vanover (Findlay Prep/NV)
2018, C, 7-foot-3, 220 pounds
Joel’s Take: The willowy 5-man has been around high school basketball forever it seems. He too needs to gain strength and play more on balance, but his shooting touch is impressive. He is a pick-and-pop 5-man that exhibits a feathery shooting touch that extends out to 22-feet. However, in the paint he struggles holding position at either end.