Way to Early: Mr. Basketball Candidates (2020)
Way to Early: Mr. Basketball Candidates Prep Hoops Indiana Top 5 Pre-Season Mr. Basketball Candidates It’s not to often that two of the top candidates for Mr. Basketball in the state of Indiana are on the same high school team.…
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Continue ReadingWay to Early: Mr. Basketball Candidates
Prep Hoops Indiana Top 5 Pre-Season Mr. Basketball Candidates
It’s not to often that two of the top candidates for Mr. Basketball in the state of Indiana are on the same high school team. Lawrence Central is going to be a major problem for opponents this year with Nijel Pack at the point and D’Andre Davis on the wing. There is little left to prove for this duo after their successful summer on the EYBL circuit.
A recent transfer with Jaden Ivey to La Lumiere changed the list a little by adding in Kiyron Powell. Ivey boosted his stock here recently and was an invite to the USA Basketball Academy at the end of the summer. Purdue is getting a strong scorer with him.
Another note is that all of the candidates have already committed to college programs. Recently, there has been a trend of a few of the top players in the state holding their recruitment till the Spring but that won’t be the case this year. Two of the candidates listed here are staying in-state to play at Indiana University for Head Coach Archie Miller. Miller has been heavily recruiting top in-state talent to stay and play which is a new phenomenon to the state. Last year’s Mr. Basketball Trayce Jackson-Davis and candidate Armaan Franklin were two of last year’s top ranked Indiana players who committed to play at Indiana with the trend continuing this year.
D’Andre Davis – 6’6” | SF | Lawrence Central | Nebraska Commit
D’Andre Davis seems to be the front-runner at this point for the title of Mr. Basketball in Indiana next year. His game has progressed to an elite level over the past few months with the ability to create off the bounce, shoot at a high level from deep, and finish over defenders at the basket. Davis has added strength to his frame around his shoulders and through his base that have allowed him to add confidence going to the basket and finishing against elite shot blockers. Davis exploded this summer on the EYBL circuit and helped carry his team to a bid at the Peach Jam. Look for him to continue to showcase his offensive prowess while also showing how he can impact the game on the defensive end. He has great length for a guard and his improved athleticism should help him become more of a presence on the defensive end. D’Andre should be able to find more success on the defensive and offensive glass as well to round out his game.
Anthony Leal – 6’5” | SG | Bloomington South | Indiana Commit
Anthony Leal is one of the most recent commitments in the high school basketball scene. His list was cut down to two final schools in Indiana and Stanford. Leal is a lanky guard with a great shooting stroke. Leal is one of the most efficient scorers from deep in the state. His strengths lie in his ability to stretch the floor, usually working off screens and finding ways to create space for his jumper. Anthony has proven the ability to create a little off the bounce here recently with the added strength to his frame. With the added confidence in his game, he will prosper this upcoming season as one of the top scorers in the Class of 2020. Leal thrives in the open court with the ability to find open space and create offensive opportunities for himself and teammates alike. While he has the ability to take over a game with his scoring repertoire, he has proven that he can create opportunities for teammates to score as well. Leal is an unselfish, elite offensive threat who will be a great fit at the next level in the Indiana offense.
Trey Galloway – 6’5” | SG/SF | Culver Academy | Indiana Commit
Trey Galloway also committed to Indiana in the past couple of weeks. The Indiana Elite teammate of Anthony Leal, the duo proved the ability to play together this summer on the Adidas circuit. Galloway is a tall, long wing player with great slashing ability. He finishes extremely well around the basket with both hands and always seems to make the right play. His long-range shooting has been improving over the last few months but he is the best when he’s being aggressive and going to the basket. Trey finished up, over, around, and through some of the most elite rim-protectors this summer. He is creative off the bounce and is a great passer as well. Galloway doesn’t ever seem to be sped up or not in control. He reads defensive tendencies very well and understands the natural progression of the game and how he can take advantage of certain situations. Look for him to lead this seasoned Culver Academies team late into the post-season for the third straight year.
Nijel Pack – 6’1” | PG | Lawrence Central | Kansas State Commit
Nijel Pack has set himself apart as the top point guard in the state following his all-around progression. He keeps defenders off balance from tip to buzzer with his ability to change pace and direction instantly. Pack has well-rounded handles, great court vision, and exceptionally quick hands and feet that allow him to create opportunities whenever he wants. He has a quick pull-up and step-back move that he used to create space to get his shot off while being creative in the paint finishing around the basket. Nijel is an elite playmaker that uses his size and quickness to his advantage by getting into the teeth of the defense and creating opportunities. By-in-large a much-improved shooter and was extremely efficient with his opportunities on the EYBL circuit this summer including posting a triple-double at the Peach Jam. There is no shortage of skills for Pack on the offensive end of the floor. He is a great on-ball defender with extremely quick feet and hands. All-in-all, Lawrence Central should be one of the toughest teams to beat in the Indianapolis area with Pack at the helm. There is no slowing down or speeding up his pace of play.
Kiyron Powell – 6’9” | PF/C | Evansville Bosse | Houston Commit
Another recent commitment, Kiyron Powell is by far one of the most-improved prospects in the state of Indiana. With his length and athleticism, he had the build to be an impact guy on both ends of the floor, just needed a little polishing. There is no doubt that he has spent time in the gym perfecting his craft in the past few months as his progression as a rim protector and contributor on the offensive end isn’t going unnoticed. Powell has great length that he uses well around the rim but has progressed in his timing around the basket. Another note is that he has become a shot-blocker that keeps the ball in play and turns it into a possession for his team. Powell’s touch around the basket is getting better and he’s starting to add some moves with his back to the basket, going over both shoulders. Kiyron does best with space around him and attacking the glass jumping off two feet. As a late bloomer in the landscape of the Class of 2020, he has proven his place amongst the Mr. Basketball candidates in Indiana.