11 Players Who Need More Love
With the crazy amount of talent in the Mid-Atlantic Region, particularly within DC, Maryland, and Virginia, it’s natural for prospects to get overlooked. That’s where we come in. While we can’t point out literally everyone who is being slept-on, it’s…
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Continue ReadingWith the crazy amount of talent in the Mid-Atlantic Region, particularly within DC, Maryland, and Virginia, it’s natural for prospects to get overlooked. That’s where we come in. While we can’t point out literally everyone who is being slept-on, it’s only right that we do our best to name those that come to mind. With all that being said, here is a look at 11 local players who need more love.
JOSH ABTEW | 5’11 G | FAIRFAX (VA) ’20
When you ask opposing coaches who from Fairfax or the Nova Cavaliers gives them fits, Abtew is a kid who is often mentioned. All he does is contribute to wins for his team. Abtew has been a key part of many meaningful games for both his high school and grassroots team. He is a proven shot-maker who defends, makes smart decisions and hustle plays.
ANDRE BOTTOMS | 5’11 PG | OSCAR SMITH (VA) ’20
Bottoms has everything you look for in a floor general. He is a reliable lead guard who can run a team efficiently, and we’ve seen this first-hand on many occasions.
MIKE BROWN | 6’3 G | TAKOMA ACADEMY (MD) ’20
In terms of long-term potential, you won’t find many available guards with a higher ceiling than Mike Brown. He’s got a nice blend of skills to go along with an intriguing physical profile. Whoever lands Brown could have a steal on their hands.
DEVIN CEASER | 6’0 G | ST. MARY’S RYKEN (MD) ’21
To this day, it’s astonishing that Devin Ceaser isn’t being actively recruited by any D1 programs. The wait shouldn’t be much longer though, as he’s due for a major breakout. Coaches at the next level could be kicking themselves if he winds up in their league.
Stack Chasing ???? @CapitolHoopsSL @leprechaunfilms pic.twitter.com/CIempBqrwi
— ???? (@DevinCeaser) June 17, 2019
CASHEUS COVINGTON | 6’3 SG | CARROLL (DC) ’20
Covington won’t wow you with his athleticism, but he competes at a high-level and gets the job done on both ends. The lefty guard is polished as they come and has the desire to excel.
DAEMOND FORD | 6’2 G | WISE (MD) ’21
Ford definitely had some bright moments during his sophomore year. It will be interesting to see what he does with the momentum he’s built over the last several months.
'21 6'1 G Daemond Ford (Wise) is an electric combo guard who excels on and off the ball. He's a constant threat to make a play for himself and for his teammates with his shifty ball handling and knack to score on all 3 levels.#OwnYourProcess pic.twitter.com/f9AnELy0K0
— District Basketball Club (@DistrictBC) June 21, 2019
JAO ITUKA | 6’2 G | GAITHERSBURG (MD) ’21
How can someone who averaged 25 points-per-game as a sophomore be overlooked? Good question. All Ituka has done is dominate his peers and win a whole lot of games. Perhaps it’s his style of play, or his unorthodox physical profile. All we know is that Ituka gets the job done when called upon and deserves some legitimate attention from D1 programs.
DOWAR JIOKLOW | 6’8 F | FLINT HILL (VA) ’20
Jioklow has reinvented himself over the course of his high school career and is much better because of it. The hard-playing southpaw forward was part of the winningest team Flint Hill has had in recent memory. Jioklow knows how to compete at a high-level, and his game should translate smoothly to college.
JACK TAYLOR | 6’3 SG | MARSHALL (VA) ’21
This year will tell us a lot about Taylor, but the initial signs are promising. He’s a dead-eye shooter with size, good court vision, and a frame that he will continue to grow into.
SAGE UWEMEDIMO | 6’5 F | BISHOP IRETON (VA) ’21
Uwemedimo is still very raw, but his rate of improvement has been rapid. The uber-athletic forward does things on the court that you simply can’t teach. Uwemedimo has drawn rave reviews from Coach Berkman and is certainly a name to keep on your radar moving forward.
IAN WALLACE | 6’6 F | POLY (MD) ’20
Wallace has come a long way in the last 12-to-18 months, and he’s still got a ton of room to grow. He gained valuable experience during last year’s state title run that should bode him well as the Engineers aim to bring it home again.