We are now less than a month away from teams suiting up for official practices. I speak for all of us at Prep Hoops when I say we are more than ready. In the meantime, Adam Ayalew, Houston Wilson and…
We are now less than a month away from teams suiting up for official practices. I speak for all of us at Prep Hoops when I say we are more than ready. In the meantime, Adam Ayalew, Houston Wilson and myself tackle some more interesting questions regarding the hoops scene in the DMV.
What local college team are you most excited to watch this season?
Giacubeno: For me, it’s Maryland. This is head coach Mark Turgeon’s most talented team since taking over and in my opinion, this team has a chance to make it to the final four. There are plenty of DMV players who will have significant impact on their success. Point guard Anthony Cowan (Bishop O’Connell) is expected to not only facilitate the offense, but be a consistently high-powered scorer as he showed last year. Jalen Smith (Mt. St. Joe) has emerged as a potential All-American candidate and with a much stronger frame since stepping on campus at College Park, it only raises his ceiling to become an absolute stud on both ends. Darryl Morsell (Mt. St. Joe) is the junkyard dog that every championship team needs. His toughness and versatility defensively is a valuable weapon that will be showcased when playing against some of the top teams in the country.
Other names who I think will have a big impact include Aaron Wiggins. He reportedly drastically improved his body and physically looks like an NBA type of wing. If that’s the case, he’ll play a major factor. Eric Ayala has reportedly dropped a few pounds and should be quicker to help Cowan in the backcourt. Look for Donta Scott to have an immediate impact as a freshman. The hardhat, versatile wing can contribute in just about every way on the box score.
Ayalew: I have to say I’m most excited to watch Georgetown this season. I think they exceeded expectations a year ago and are in a good position to do that again. The Hoyas have assembled a very strong roster that features two ultra-competitive guards in James Akinjo and Mac McClung. Pro prospect Omer Yurtseven, a transfer from NC State, will fortify the interior along with incoming freshman Qudus Wahab. Look out for Josh LeBlanc as he could become an x-factor on the wing.
Wilson: Georgetown. There is a lot of hype surrounding the Hoyas this year as they have realistic NCAA tournament expectations. They have not been in the big dance since 2015 but with the talent coming back like James Akinjo, fan favorite Mac McClung, the 2019 recruiting class Patrick Ewing bought in that includes DMV’s own, Qudus Wahab and NC State transfer, Omer Yurtseven, I expect us to see Georgetown’s name called on selection Sunday.
2. Who is the most underrated senior, in your opinion, that has yet to make his college decision?
Giacubeno: Will Thomas fits this mold for me. The 6-foot-5 guard/wing hybrid can do pretty much anything on the floor. This year, he’ll play a mixture of on and off the ball thanks to some off-season additions. I recently saw Thomas in that role during a fall league game. Not that you can put a ton of weight on fall league performances, but Thomas showed to be one of the most skilled seniors that is still effective without the ball.
Thomas is implementing more of an old school approach to his offensive attack, using his size and physicality to create looks for himself in the mid-range and painted area. He has excellent vision and the capability of being one of the top play makers off the dribble in the area. Most of all, he competes. It didn’t matter to Thomas that it was a regular season fall league game. You would’ve thought it was a state playoff game, and that’s something you have to admire.
Ayalew: There are plenty of underrated seniors in this area, but if I had to pick one I’d have to go with DeLonnie Hunt. The lefty lead guard, who has been battling injuries for a good portion of the last two years, has been fully healthy for a while now and playing at a very high level. One thing that most people won’t notice immediately about Hunt is the fact that he embraces being a leader in every way. Whoever lands him will certainly have a steal on their hands.
Wilson: Malcolm Alexander. The 6’4 shooting guard is slated at 43 in our 2020 rankings but this is a guy that has shown a lot of potential due to his athleticism and versatility. He can do a little of everything and always seems to be able to do anything a coach will ask for which is always beneficial at the next level. Look for him to be one of the go-to shot makers for Bullis this year. Whatever college program lands him at the next level is getting a good shot maker with versatility that can contribute right away in my opinion on both sides of the ball.
3. Give your top 3 scorers in the DMV area regardless of class.
Giacubeno: 2021 Dulaney point guard Ryan Conway is the first that comes to mind. He proved his ability on the EYBL level and was ultra efficient while putting up big scoring numbers. I think we’ll see a few elite scoring outings from him this winter, as he’ll shoulder most of the scoring for the Lions this season especially in big games.
DeMatha’s Earl Timberlake (2020) is another one that really impressed me with his play on the EYBL Circuit. Timberlake is a bull in a china shop when he desides to take it to the hoop and will rise up and dunk on a defender if they try and contest. His jumper has always been the flaw in his game, but I’ve seen progression that makes him a capable threat from beyond the arc. If he can become even more consistent, I really don’t see anyone in the area being able to lock him down.
2021 Gaithersburg guard Jao Ituka is one of the most electric scorers you’ll find in the DMV. His team will need his skill set more than ever this season after his fellow 2021 sensation Jordan Hawkins transferred to DeMatha. Ituka is capable of putting up 30 whenever he walks onto the floor. He’ll hit an occassional jumper, but he’s at his best breaking down his man off the dribble and pulling up from mid-range or attacking the rim. In transition, Ituka can rise up and give the crowd exciting finishes. Similar to Conway, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ituka consistently log crooked scoring numbers in the box score.
Ayalew: In no order, I’d have to go with Ryan Conway, Jao Ituka, and Terrance Williams. Conway is a flat-out assassin who can efficiently put the ball in the hole from all three levels. Ituka is a physically imposing, relentless scorer who can get to the rim at will and embraces contact around the basket. Williams is a matchup nightmare with marvelous touch from outside but is also a technician in the post who displays excellent footwork.
Wilson:
Jao Ituka (Gaithersburg): We have seen it since his freshman year that Jao is a straight
bucket getter no matter what the situation is. I would expect even more points from him this year due to the transfer of Jordan Hawkins to DeMatha.
Ryan Conway (Dulaney): At first this number does not seem a whole lot impressive but given the amount of players and talent in the league it is nothing to be shy about, but Conway was the 32nd leading scorer in the EYBL this past summer. He has shown that he can score at the highest of levels against some of the best talent across the nation averaging 17.7 points per game. Look for the junior to have a big winter as multiple colleges continue to pursue the highly touted point guard.
Justin Lewis (Baltimore Poly): 4 spots below Conway at 36 was his Team Melo running mate and Marquette bound, Justin Lewis. Justin Lewis finished with an average of 17.4 points per game this year during the EYBL. I think Lewis is in the position to have a huge senior season with not only scoring the ball but also on the boards and blocking shots. Could he maybe be Maryland Gatorade Player Of The Year?