Arkansas Basketball Combine: 10 Best by Category
As we continue our coverage from the Arkansas Basketball Combine, hosted by our friends at Arkansas Athletes Outreach (AAO) in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we breakdown the prospects who stood out in several different categories at the event.
Top Stock Riser: 6’4 Sr Freddy Hicks – Searcy
Right from the get go during warm-ups, my first question was “Who is #7 in red?”. Freddy caught my eye from the jump and I had numerous college coaches inquire about him throughout the day and his stock is soaring! He was superb in all facets of the game. As you see the standouts in other areas throughout the rest of this article, understand that Freddy Hicks could have easily been listed in multiple categories.
Top Slasher/Driver: 6’2 Sr Spencer Simes – North Little Rock
Strength, skill, explosion, craft, burst. All attributes that make up an elite driver. All attributes that Spencer Simes possesses. He does not waste many dribbles and gets downhill on you in a hurry. Gets first step separation. Has an array of finishing moves and ultra soft touch off the glass. He had a big day.
Top Shooter: 6’3 So Kade Ruffner – Bentonville West & 6’4 Sr Trenton Bell – Cave City
There were probably a dozen or more to choose from as the sharpshooters were abundant Saturday. In the end, I had to go with the two who found their way into my notes most frequently. Kade was unconscious from long distance in the final game of round robin play. In one half, he drilled five three-pointers and showed the ability to get it off in multiple ways. Keep an eye on this youngster. Trenton, on the other hand, has a lot of intangibles from beyond the arc that translate to the next level. Good size. Elevation. Quick, fluid release. And DEEP range.
Most Athletic: 6’4 Sr Taelon Peter – Russelville
Taelon was mentioned in yesterday’s “Cream of the Crop” write-up and was an easy choice here. The high-flying wing from Russelville is a big time athlete that uses that ability to excel in a number of ways. Yes, obviously, he can hammer home some impressive dunks and lobs. He also is a quick-twitch leaper that has excellent second jump ability, leading to boards and blocks.
Most Versatile Scorer: 6’6 Sr Lawson Jenkins – Har-Ber
Lawson became a household name on the Prep Hoops Circuit for his adaptability and versatility as a scorer, and his game was on full display at the combine Saturday. Take the Top 20 game, for example, where he buried some deep threes, beat the defense down the floor for some bunnies in transition, and scored off the bounce and after offensive boards. He can get it done in every way.
Top Rim Protector: 6’6 Jr Sayvion Brock – Russelville
Sayvion hosted a block party at AAO Saturday and everyone was invited. He is extremely bouncy and was swatting shots like flies around the rim. He had a very impressive chase-down block and did a very nice job of timing his weak side stepovers and altering attempts from slashing wings.
Top Youngster: 6’10 So Kel’el Ware – North Little Rock & 6’5 So Cameron Wallace – Parkview
Kel’el has improved every time I’ve seen him this summer and is going to be one of the top prospects in the state before his time is up. He is already a rim-protector, board grabber, and dump-off finisher. You better box him out or he will put one back on your head. Good looking jumper and surprising range. As he continues to grow stronger and develop, look out. Cameron is another sophomore that caught our eye and had some impressive offensive spurts where he would string together several buckets in a row. His mid-range was butter on Saturday and he used his length and off-hand finishing ability quite well attacking the rim.
Most Improved: 6’10 Sr Lawson Blake – Fayetteville
From the first time I saw Lawson in December, to now, he is a completely transformed player. He’s put on size and gotten much stronger in the paint and with the ball. Snatching and securing boards. Improved footwork and touch with his back to the basket game. Great teammate. Heads up player who is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Top Two-Way Player: 6’4 Sr Elliot Paschal – Rogers
Again, there were several guys who get it done on both ends, but Elliot stood out as the most consistent. He is scrappy, aggressive, and lives to compete. That usually gives him an edge over the opponent. The fearless senior scores at all three levels and can excel at any of the guard positions. He is a smart and tenacious defender both on and off the ball.
Top Dimer: 6’0 Sr Jacob Sanders – eStem
I remember seeing Jacob for the first time in Neosho over the holidays. He has come a long way. Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Sanders can fill it up as a scorer. However, Saturday he stood out with his ability to get teammates involved. He’s a slick passer who threads the needle with no-looks and one-handed lasers. Good vision and IQ. Has the ability to pass guys open.
Swiss Army Knife: 6’3 Sr Lamar Wilkerson – Ashdown
Just like a swiss-army knife, Lamar can do it all. The stat-sheet stuffer seems to consistently make his presence felt in all aspects of the game. Good communicator and leader on the floor. He takes pride in doing the little things necessary to compete at a high level, and he does not shy away from taking over in the big moments.