HARDWOOD: Kansas’ All-Tournament
LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Hardwood Classic wrapped up action on Sunday with several standout performances taking place in the final stages of pool play.
Here, Prep Hoops Kansas takes a look at several in-state players who stood out throughout the event.
0 — Christian Braun, 6’6, G, 2019, Blue Valley Northwest, MoKan Elite
Braun has blown up this offseason and has added a host of new offers, including Minnesota, Tulane, St. Louis, Wake Forest, DePaul, Kansas State and others after a strong performance at Peach Jam and Hardwood. He has a terrific basketball frame, good size and athleticism and an all-around skill set, able to create off the bounce and knock down 3-pointers.
25 — Levi Braun, 6’3, G, 2019, Hayden, SSA Elite Black
Braun is a versatile guard with good size who can play on the ball or off the ball. Braun has developed into a knock down perimeter shooter who can run off screens away from the ball, or create his own shot a little off the dribble. He has put together a big offseason for SSA Elite Black and his play throughout the weekend came against a tough slate of opponents as SSA suffered its only two losses to MoKan Elite and Howard Pulley EYBL and hung tough in the process. He currently holds an offer from Washburn and is drawing interest from several other programs as well.
2 — Cevin Clark, 5’11, G, 2019, Arkansas City, Heat Elite
Clark is one of the state’s top shooters and all-around players and continues to expand his game at both ends of the floor. He had a big performance on Saturday against MoKan Elite, pouring in 29 points and showcased an all-around game, knocking down 3-pointers, a pull-up jumper and a floater in the lane. He handles the ball well under pressure and brings poise and leadership to the court.
13 — Tyon Grant-Foster, 6’6, G, 2018, Schlagle, Team KC
Foster has taken his game to new heights this offseason and had a big weekend with Team KC. He has plenty of bounce, is capable of throwing down highlight reel dunks, can handle the ball and create his own shot off the bounce, and can shoot the 3. He has a long, rangy frame that helps him challenge shots at the defensive end and often comes up with blocked shots, surprising opponents.
7 — Malik Hall, 6’7, G/F, 2019, Sunrise, MoKan Elite
Hall is a terrific blend of size, athleticism and versatility as he can score at all three levels and play inside-out basketball. He is comfortable handling the ball on the perimeter, can shoot the 3, or punish opponents with his play in the paint. And he combines it all with a strong, athletic 6’7 frame. He has a host of high major offers, including Kansas, Louisville, Oklahoma, Oregon, Purdue, Texas, Villanova and a host of others.
24 — N’Faly Dante, 6’11, PF/C, 2020, Sunrise, MoKan Elite
Wondering what a future pro looks like? For those who saw 6’11 2020 N’Faly Dante compete in Lawrence at the Hardwood, imagine him playing down this weekend at the 16U level. As it stood, Dante was among the tournaments most talented and impressive players in a 17U field that featured several future high major recruits. Dante has all the physical tools at 6’11 with elite athleticism, length and fluidity for a big man. He is a terrific shot blocker and challenges everyone in the paint. Offensively, he is a nightmare for opponents on lobs and alley-oops, but is also skilled enough on the block to post up and score. He has offers from Kansas, Kentucky, LSU, Oklahoma State, Oregon and St. John’s.