Stock Risers: Rapidly Improved Prospects

Versatility and multi-positional attributes are the key components which have enabled Abdou N'Diaye's recruitment to take off. A 6-foot-9 stretch four who can knock down 3-pointers as effectively as he can back down defenders into the post and exploit mismatches, The Nation Prep (FL)'s Class of 2018 prospect's stock is quickly heightening. N'Diaye has an advanced defensive skill-set as a shot blocker. A blend of mobility, 7-foot-3 wingspan, and prodigious handle have propelled a once obscure two-star prospect into a hotly pursued recruit. The combo forward averaged 27 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks this season. He scored 14 points, tore down 11 boards, and had a game-best seven blocks against IMG Academy's national post-graduate team. Illinois State, UNLV, Ole Miss, and most recently Wichita State have offered. Georgia Tech, St. John's, Auburn, Oklahoma, Syracuse, and Miami are intrigued by the recently reclassified senior, who will train in Port St. Lucie this spring. "If the rankings came out today, he's a Top-50 in the Class of 2018," The Nation head coach Mike Woodbury opined. "He can push it in transition, he can pass the snot out of the ball. Everybody is offering him. People late in the game are calling. There were a lot of flaws in his game that we cleaned up a lot. He increased his range. He's a pro, a 3-4 who can flat out play." What triggered the unique prospect's emergence from relative obscurity? His development of a dependable 3-point shot, increased physicality in the trenches, and jack of all trades defensive presence all factored into this late ascension. He's added muscle to a 195-pound frame and bought into the role of interior banger. "He's defending the 1-5 right now, he's switching on screens, he's changing directions," Woodbury said. "He's a freak. The buzz is out all over the country. His handles are tight right now. Guys who handle the ball like him and change speeds like him at 6-foot-10, those are guys who wind up playing in the league. The ball comes out of his hands nicely from 20 feet out. He shoots it well enough to be a four-year starter at an SEC school." Marvins Petion, The Nation The 6-foot-6 guard/forward from Haiti has a high motor and length. A freak athlete who can finish above the rim as well as anyone at this level, Petion still needs to fully grasp the intricacies of the game. While he may be rough around the edges with his feel for the game, he's got the explosiveness and mobility to play Division-I basketball at a high level. Petion averaged 17 points and nine boards on the prep scene this season, displaying length and versatility as a defender. Illinois State, McNeese State, and Lousiana Tech have all plunked down offers. Simon Wal, The Nation The Canada-bred 6-foot-5 combo  guard has evolved into a ready-made knockdown shooter. His quick release stroke and the smoothness at which he gets his shot off (even amid amplified face-guarding and close outs) has garnered notice this season. The Class of 2019 prospect averaged 14 points, six boards and 4.1 assists this past season. Joseph Pena, BK Law and Tech The well-built 6-foot-5 guard has a deft left-handed stroke and can fire in from way, way, beyond the arc. As he displayed during a 25-point performance during the MTG tournament this past weekend, it's his ability to finish at the rim and provide hustle points that differentiates him from other guards. With 2018 graduation claiming 2,000+ point scoring guard and crafty left-handed game changer Larry Moreno (headed to St. Francis NY), Pena is flushed into a prominent veteran role. He'll transition from role player to key go-to source for a team that figures to be more balanced in 2018-19. He must develop a handle to solidify himself as a featured scorer. Davonta "Tank" Cook, BK Law and Tech The 5-foot-11 guard is a facilitator first who has proven he can really operate an offense. After averaging a game-best nine assists as a junior, anticipate Cook to orchestrate an uptempo attack. He'll also fill some of the scoring gap left by Moreno, who had several 30+ performances and a 51-point game this past season. Cook showed a smooth stroke from beyond the arc and fluid scoring production at all three levels. While it would be unfair to compare any returning New York City guard on this side of Molloy's Cole Anthony to Moreno, anticipate Cook to inherit a similar leadership role. Anthony Crillo, Bayside Heady 5-foot-10 guard showed a knack for making timely passes and showed the attributes of a game manager during the recent MTG event. He's got a fluid jumper that he can extend from beyond the arc. Must develop a killer instinct, as he'll need to be more aggressive in scoring the ball for a callow, youth-laden team next season. The Class of 2020 prospect has the IQ and poise to be an under the radar prospect these ensuing two seasons. Weston Edwards, Shooting 4 Greatness Academy The North Carolina native authored a breakout year on the post-graduate scene. Edwards proved his lights out shooting could decimate defenses and kick-start/cap pivotal runs. The 6-foot-1 combination guard progressed from a knockdown specialist to an all around scorer. He averaged 23 PPG this season, scoring and facilitating. A full NCAA qualifier, Edwards showed out on some of the high level post graduate events at the end of the season. He would be an ideal late addition for a low Division-I or high Division II program. Alec Peterson, S4G The 6-foot-7 four-man averaged 16 points and 10 boards on the season. While he adapted to the responsibilities of a big, physical forward, Peterson thrived as a ferocious finisher. Peterson's ability to get into the teeth of the defense and finish acrobatically and above the rim drew notice. Peterson improved exponentially by developing a reliable mid-range game. Also a full NCAA qualifier, Peterson is slipping through the cracks after an impressive spring--one underscored by a 25-point performance at Believe Prep Academy in Athens, Tenn. Kyshon Tate, S4G The 6-foot-8, 240-pound behemoth is a big, space eating presence down low. He subscribed to the role of interior banger, constantly fighting for supremacy down low and securing rebounds. He's got the muscle and body to be a critical hustle player at the next level, a guy who can keep driving guards out of the lane and change shots defensively. Kenny Graham, S4G The uber-quick 5-foot-10 guard is a crafty lefty, one who changes gears exceptionally well. The heady guard is adept at getting into the nooks and crannies of the defense and finding his way to the rim. Spent the post graduate season evolving into a defensive pest with active hands. Very effective at causing turnovers and converting them into transition leakout finishes. Yaraslov Zumuruiev, Scotland Campus Sports The sophomore from the Ukraine improved as a shooter and rugged on-ball defender. With a work ethic and a gritty mentality, Zumuruiev brings a tenacity and a savvy his teammates seem to feed off. Throughout the season he turned in several big, clutch plays in the waning minutes.