Summer Jam: National Evals
PrepHoopsIllinois covered NY2LA Sports Summer Jam all five days last week at Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin. Here we dive into our scouting reports from the events in National Prospect Evaluations!
F Jonathan Kuminga (NY Rens 17U)
Kuminga is a top 10 2021 prospect in our eyes after the way he played at the Nike Elite 100 camp last month. He continued that momentum in Milwaukee. The 6’8” combo forward was throwing down hammer dunks in the open floor. We knew he was an outstanding athlete, but what might have impressed the most was the way he handled the ball with ease for someone his age, size, and playing against a high caliber team in KC Run GMC.
C Kofi Cockburn (NY Rens 17U)
This dude is just a load inside! At 6’11” with a huge body he is practically unguardable in one on one situations. The game is definitely going away from traditional back to the basket players, but this kid will be a star at the college level. Insanely strong moving guys all over the floor with his massive frame. Dunked it so hard. Elite level finisher and rebounder at the next level. Despite his size he actually moves fairly well. Flashed a little face up game hitting a 15 footer, but most of his damage will be done on the block. Was a bit up and down at times during the week, but overall he was impressive with what he can bring to a team at the next level.
SG Zach Harvey (KC Run GMC 17U)
Harvey had a barrage of scores every time we saw him play. A once top 15 type player nationally he might be undervalued somewhat now that he has fallen some in the national rankings. This kid is just born to score the basketball with quick handles and a smooth offensive repertoire. Scored both off the bounce, in transition, and with deep shots. Excellent few days for Harvey in Milwaukee.
PF Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (KC Run GMC 17U)
JRE displayed why he is a top 10 prospect nationally. The Kansas native is a power forward with an elite combination of skill and athleticism. He has a burst off the floor both dunking it with authority as well as getting rebounds. Feel for scoring in the post. Also is a threat to step out and drill a three.
SF Jalen Johnson (Phenom University 16U)
Johnson is a 6’8” point-forward that reminds me a lot of Scottie Pippen. I even heard a T-Mac comp thrown out there. His passing is what sets him apart from everyone that he plays. Unreal vision seeing the floor and hitting guys right on the money. Displayed his scoring game as well with a few jams and feathery pull up jumpers. Complete package for this top 10 national recruit in 2020. Also hit the big shot to send his team to the 16U finals with a half court bank in shot.
PG Reece Beekman (Phenom University 16U)
Beekman is a rangy point guard out of the state of Wisconsin that is sometimes overshadowed by his teammates on the Phenom squad, but he is a high-major player in his own right. Just knows how to play the game with an advanced mindset. Natural in the drive and kick along with using his speed in transition. Sound shooter from beyond the arc.
SF Patrick Baldwin Jr (Phenom University 16U)
In my opinion this 6’8” small forward from Hamilton (WI) is the top 2021 prospect in the country. He is a super long and lean small forward that looks like a young Kevin Durant or Jayson Tatum out there. Everything he does is so smooth! This kid can flat out shoot the basketball from the perimeter. Feathery stroke with a free and ease release with consistent mechanics time after time. Makes it look easy off the bounce as well with his long strides and ability to finish with either hand.
SG Harlond Beverly (REACH Legends 17U)
With a huge hand of coaches on hand including many head coaches to see this top 50 national recruit Beverly put together the best game we have seen out of him this spring. The athletic and fluid two guard knocked down jumpers with ease. Got out in transition for scores where he used his outstanding body control at the rim. Floater game was working as well.
SG Paxson Wojcik (Illinois Wolves 17U)
This La Lumiere (IN) wing and Loyola commit has a high level of skill to his game. The lefty two guard has a great feel for his floater getting it over defenders with ease. He is a solid spot up shooter and passes the ball with a lot of flair. Really like the intangibles he brings to the table as a prospect.
PG DJ Carton (Quad City Elite 17U)
The recent Ohio State commit is back with his guys for QCE and he showed he is on another level than everyone else on the floor. Carton who hails from Bettendorf (IA) is so explosive with the ball attacking the hoop. One of the best layup makers in the country with his ability to finish through or around defenders. Went coast to coast on several occasions. Ran the show at the point guard position and threw several outstanding passes for assists or starting the break.
SF Matthew Moncrieffe (CIA Bounce 17U)
This wing has special ability. We have watched him from afar for several days, but Saturday was our first chance to focus on his game and he brought it. By far and away this 2020 prospect was the best prospect for CIA Bounce. Broad shoulders, long arms, and a projectable body. He handles it insanely well for his size slicing through the defense and using his bounce around the hoop to finish. Likes to use the euro step to avoid defenders or just go right up for a dunk attempt. Elite second jump on the offensive glass.
SG Jayden Houston (Quad City Elite 15U)
This Davenport North shooting guard opened our eyes as well as the PrepHoopsIowa staff a week ago. He continued that momentum in QCE’s last game on Sunday. He is a plus shooter that is at his best working in that 15-18 foot range off the dribble. Gets elevation off the floor and drills jumpers for days.
SG Brandon Newman (Meanstreets 17U)
Newman might have had the best performance of the final day of Summer Jam. The Indiana native is one of the more coveted wing prospects in the Midwest and it is because of his elite shooting from the perimeter. He is an outstanding shot maker drilling threes from all over the floor. About as good of a shooter as I have seen nationally in the 2019 class.
SG Armaan Franklin (Meanstreets 17U)
Franklin is a prospect that had his good games. What you have to like about his game is the strength he brings at the two guard position. Strong wing that can score off the bounce. Solid mid-range pull up jump shooter. Streaky from three.
C Michael Foster (Milwaukee Spartans 16U)
Foster is one of the most talented prospects in the country. Looks and plays like a young Demarcus Cousins. Big five man with tremendous mobility and skill. At times he will wow you with his ability to handle, pass, shoot, and finish. The biggest thing with Foster is trying to improve his consistency and motor game in and game out.
PG Jalen Suggs (Sizzle 17U)
Thursday night might have been the best that I have seen this Minnesota native play. The top 10 national recruit is a lead guard with size and tremendous athleticism. His acceleration to the rim is outstanding. Finished well at the cup. Shot it pretty well against Meanstreets too connecting on a pair of threes.
C Dain Dainja (Sizzle 17U)
Dainja is a huge bodied center that is very powerful around the hoop. Flashes skill both on the block and facing up. At times he can over dribble on the perimeter.