15U Preview-Team Durant
As we continue to meander through the early summer, the chances of seeing an actual live period become murkier. Nevertheless, teams and their prospect deserve exposure and at the moment, writing about them is the most strategic way to do…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue to meander through the early summer, the chances of seeing an actual live period become murkier. Nevertheless, teams and their prospect deserve exposure and at the moment, writing about them is the most strategic way to do so. We continue our program preview articles here at Prep Hoops and will move onto the 15U Team Durant squad, a roster that boasts immense talent and gives you a chance to see the up and coming prospects who college programs will be tracking closely.
Kwame Evans Kwame Evans 6'9" | SF Montverde | 2023 State #20 Nation FL Jr. | 6’8 | Poly
Evans headlines this stout group after establishing himself as a top player in the 2023 class. A 6-foot-8 wing with elite length and skill for his size and age, Evans has a chance to be an elite prospect with a limitless ceiling. He’s also left-handed, making even a tougher assignment for his defender. Evans is a great shooter from three, efficient around the rim, a reliable rebounder and a major shot-blocking presence. Evans is already being pursued by over a handful of high major programs including Auburn, DePaul, Georgetown, St. John’s, San Diego State, TCU, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and Xavier, all of which have extended offers.
Shawn Simmons | 6’6 | Friends’ Central
Simmons is another prospect on this roster with a high ceiling. At 6-foot-6 and a versatile skill set offensively, Simmons also brings athleticism to make him a handful in transition situations. He rebounds out of his area, pushes the tempo himself and makes sound decisions as a distributor.
Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #204 Nation MD | 6’3 | St. Frances
Lamothe was fortunate enough to be on a nationally ranked St. Frances team where he played a key role off the bench. Known for his shooting ability, Lamothe is an underrated threat off the dribble as we should see more this season. He’s made drastic improvements to his body and flexibility since the winter, which should set him up for a successful sophomore campaign on another talented St. Frances team.
Ace Valentine | 6’1 | Mount St. Joe
Valentine is a skilled, three-level scorer at the guard spot. While he can score in bunches and in a variety of ways, it’s important to also note his high IQ and instincts as a passer. He can read defenses quickly and make proper passes off the bounce to open teammates. He competes on the defensive end and brings an intense, winning attitude every time he steps on the floor.
Cam Gillus Cam Gillus 5'10" | PG Sidwell Friends | 2023 State MD | 5’10 | Sidwell Friends
Gillus is a skilled, high IQ floor general who can make defenses pay from outside. An efficient decision maker, the 5-foot-10 guard has proven he can facilitate a team in the half court while controlling pace in transition as well. He’s a competent defender who can pressure the ball without fouling.
Mason So | 6’1 | Bishop O’Connell
So is a 6-foot-1 primary ball-handler who is effective at changing gears and using quick bursts of speed to get by his defender. The southpaw plays at a very smooth tempo and makes tough passes look fluid. He has some craft and swagger to his game that brings some excitement while watching him. He’s a capable shooter off the bounce in the mid-range and can hit an occasional three off the catch.
Raymond Watts Raymond Watts 6'4" | SG St. John's | 2023 State MD | 6’3 | St. John’s
Watts is a fun player to watch first and foremost because of the effort level he gives on every possession. He plays intense defense and brings the toughness and grit to guard taller players above his position. Offensively he can get it going from three off the catch while showcasing that toughness on his drives to the rim while finishing through contact.
Jayden Harris | 6’4 | Christ Chapel
Harris is a 6-foot-4 lefty who supplies outside shooting and size as an off-ball guard. Brother of current North Carolina Tarheel, Anthony, Jayden also brings the tough mindset it takes to make winning plays on both ends. He has good length for his age, which should only make him more dangerous as he matures and becomes more comfortable.
Chris Russell Chris Russell 6'5" | C Sidwell Friends | 2023 State MD | 6’6 | Sidwell Friends
Russell presents good size and length on the interior along with a willing motor that helps him capitalize in transition either as a rim-runner or trailer. He has good footwork, soft touch on his turnaround hooks and gives effort on the offensive glass. He’s a willing defender who can provide physicality and toughness in the paint.
Corey Chesley Corey Chesley 6'5" | SF Good Counsel | 2023 State MD | 6’3 | Good Counsel
Chesley is a 6-foot-3 guard who is at his best catching and shooting from beyond the arc. He has good size and athleticism that allows him to defend either guard position and some wings depending on the opponent’s lineup. Like a lot of the players on this team, he provides the toughness and grit that helps teams win.
Caron Smith | 6’2 | Parkville
Smith is a gifted scorer who can hurt the defense off the catch-and-shoot or operating off the bounce. The focus for Smith and his development going forward is staying locked in and providing maximum effort throughout the time that he’s on the floor.
Ayinde DeLeon | 6’5 | Poly
DeLeon has some room to go in terms of development, but he’s a willing worker who has a frame that can be disruptive on the defensive end. The 6-foot-5 lefty wing can score it efficiently from mid-range and in. His confidence off the bounce will come as he gets experience at the varsity level this season. He has the potential to be a versatile player who can impact the box score in multiple categories.
***These were the players present at Durant’s training camp last weekend. Some players may be missing.