Nike EYBL Session 1: 17U Standouts from Friday Night
The gym was loaded with talent which was not limited to the 17U prospects playing. Among notable coaches in attendance for opening night of the EYBL Session 1 in Dallas were Bill Self, Jay Wright, Lon Kruger, John Calipari, Roy Williams, and countless others.
Incredible talent on the court as each Nike EYBL team had something to offer. Here were a few standouts from Friday night’s action.
Vernon Carey Jr (2019)- Nike Team Florida 17U
The #1 prospect in the 2019 Prep Hoops National Rankings definitely drew a crowd Friday night. Not only were the spectator areas packed around the court but the coaches areas were at capacity as well.
Physically, Vernon looks like he could step into an NBA game tomorrow with his build and be able to compete but he will still need to cut up a bit. Tonight he showed why all of the Blue Blood schools are looking to reel him in.
17 points and 6 rebounds for the big fella tonight and he did a nice job around the rim on defense, deterring and blocking many shots. He was at times slow to react off the ball, giving up dunks or layups, unable to impact from the weak side but still an incredible weapon in the middle of the defense.
Looked like he was moving pretty well. Vernon stepped out to guard well past the high school three point line but ran into trouble depending on who he was guarding, as his lateral quickness is not strong enough to apply significant ball pressure and stay in front of his offensive counterpart.
Isaiah Stewart (2019)- Albany City Rocks 17U
Isaiah comes into this first live period with over 35 NCAA Division I offers including Duke, KU, Michigan State, and a slurry of others. The #36 ranked prospect in the 2019 Prep Hoops National Rankings was very active in my time observing City Rocks v Team Takeover.
He battled inside defensively, was a force rebounding the basketball, and a major catalyst for City Rocks. Isaiah even showcased a little mini-fast break that ended in a mid-range jumper for two points.
Physically, very ready for the next level and will continue to garner lots of attention until commitment time. Big man finished the evening nearing a double-double with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Jalen Lecque (2019)- Renaissance 17U
Jalen is another national prospect that was in action Friday night who did not disappoint. The very bouncy 6’4” guard has over 35 NCAA Division I offers next year headlined by Oregon, KU, and UNC.
Jalen showed off his explosiveness in transition with a burst that sends him straight to the rim and a dangerous change of pace in the halfcourt, making him extremely difficult to guard.
He also showed strong perimeter defense and lateral quickness, a true impact guy on both sides of the ball.
Jaden McDaniels (2019)- Seattle Rotary 17U
Jaden has the potential for a huge summer and to really be on the map as a national prospect in the class of 2019. The 6’10” wing features a slender, Kevin Durant type, build and length.
While he could add more to his off the dribble package, he handles it well for his size and can either take you from beyond the arc into the paint or give you some step back action as well. Jaden is versatile and fun to watch.
He also exhibited some toughness, getting to the line for 11 free throw attempts, always seeming to be close to the action.
Jaden currently holds offers from Oklahoma, Washington, Arizona, Montana, San Diego State, and Texas.
Austin Crowley (2019)- Mebo 17U
Despite a tough game as a unit for Mebo, Austin was active offensively and defensively and appeared to be Mebo’s go to player. His defensive intensity led to some fast break opportunities but it wasn’t enough to get past Renaissance.
He showed good change of pace and a nice touch on floaters in the lane over taller defenders. He can also step out and knock down the long ball and is an explosive athletes, with a few plays above the rim.
Austin holds offers currently from Memphis (old staff), Alabama, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State.
Scott Barnes (2020)- Nike Team Florida 17U
While a lot of people may have been there to watch Vernon Carey Jr, Scott Barnes stole the show Friday night.
At 6’8” Scott is an extremely mobile wing player who got to the line for 20 free throw attempts, a Friday night high across all games. His FT% was below average but it did not stop him from ending the game with 33 points for one of the most impressive statistical nights of the evening.
Scott was very efficient from the field, shooting 10-14 and creating real matchup problems with his athleticism and length. He currently holds quite a few NCAA Division I offers including Florida, Kansas, Miami, Syracuse, and Oregon, among others.