Maryland/DC Summer Stock Risers: 2021 Forwards
We are about to wrap up what has been the most unprecedented summer in AAU basketball history as COVID-19 prohibited any live evaluations periods to occur. Nevertheless, programs and facilities worked together in order to give players a platform as…
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Continue ReadingWe are about to wrap up what has been the most unprecedented summer in AAU basketball history as COVID-19 prohibited any live evaluations periods to occur. Nevertheless, programs and facilities worked together in order to give players a platform as college coaches watched via live stream. Before May, it looked like the chances of having any basketball this summer were very slim, but fortunately that wasn’t the case and players were able to boost their stock along the way.
For this series, we’ll be taking a look at stock risers from the area in various classes.
For guards part one, click here!
For guards part two, click here!
For wing prospects, click here!
Abdou Samb Abdou Samb 6'8" | C Frederick Douglass | 2021 State MD | 6’8 | Frederick Douglass/DC Premier
Samb was one of the biggest overall stock risers regardless of class in the area this spring/summer as his recruitment boomed. In the span of May-July, the 6-foot-8 forward picked up 10 of his 12 current offers. East Carolina, East Tennessee State, Elon, George Mason, Hampton, Kent State, Rhode Island, Robert Morris, Southeastern Lousiana and Towson were among the 10 schools with Mount St. Mary’s and Stony Brook rounding out the full 12. Samb plays with outstanding energy on both ends that translates in his big rebouding numbers. While he isn’t the most athletic prospect, Samb has great length to distort shots around the rim defensively. He scores with soft touch around the basket, knows how to use the backboard to his advantage and can even stretch the defense with his outside shot off the catch.
Bobby Hill Bobby Hill 6'5" | PF Reservoir | 2021 State MD | 6’6 | Reservoir/Team STAT
Hill is more of an undersized four than he is a wing at this point in time and has shown steady progress through the summer months. He’ll still need to add some muscle to his 6-foot-6 frame, but the southpaw has a smooth approach as a scorer. He can mix it up and score around the rim, in face-up scenarios while operating in the mid-post or even knock down the occasional three. He commands the glass well for his size and is becoming more assertive as a scorer trailing in transition. Hill is starting to garner interest from low-major Division I and Division II programs.
Clarence Obiajulu Clarence Obiajulu 6'7" | C National Christian | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | Virginia Beach Sports Academy/Team Thrill
Obiajulu logged a productive summer as he provided the muscle in the paint for Team Thrill, who finished with a perfect 12-0 record. He plays with brute strength thanks to his linebacker frame, which ultimately allows him to dominate the glass especially on the defensive end. Even with his frame, Obiajulu moves well and is light on his feet to the point where he can hold his own in ball screen scenarios until the guard switches back. Offensively he doesn’t force plays that are outside his limitations. He’s an effective screen-setter, displays good hands on screeching passes from guards through small windows and can finish over the rim routinely. Low and mid-major Division I programs are starting to track Obiajulu.
Jamai Felt | 6’9 | Randallstown/Team Choo
Felts summer has been nothing short of incredible. Entering May, not many in the area let alone the region knew who he was. Since the conclusion of the high school season he grew from 6-foot-7 to 6-foot-9. Along with getting more comfortable with his body, the lefty also developed his overall game and extended his shot out to the perimeter. Division I programs took notice quickly after Hoop Group’s Summer Jam fest as SMU and Towson both extended offers. He also collected Division II offers from Bowie State, Chestnut Hill and Miles.
Thomas Whitley Thomas Whitley 6'6" | PF Eleanor Roosevelt | 2021 State MD | 6’6 | Eleanor Roosevelt
Whitley has proven himself this summer with an endless motor and the willingness to compete on both ends of the floor. He presents a great frame with wide shoulders that he continues to grow into and comes into play when battling inside with opposing bigs or challenging shots at the rim. Whitley screams versatility and can guard multiple positions defensively. He’s an explosive athlete who can finish above the rim, knock down mid-range shots with efficiency and can be a massive threat from the corner on three’s. Division II’s have really come onto Whitley as he received his first offer from Chestnut Hill last night. I’ve been in contact with a few others specifically about Whitley, all of which are very intrigued by his upside and ability to play anywhere on the floor.
Thomas Whitley
Class of 2021
6'6/185lbs/WF
GPA: 3.5
LINK TO FILM:https://t.co/QeKRk9t0U3Great Frame. 3 level scorer. Great Outside shooter…uses size and agility to rebound on both ends…Can guard 2-5….excellent floor runner….finishes with both hands@houston_wilson1 pic.twitter.com/Ql268So5ko
— Devin Williams (@MeetMeOnDaBench) September 1, 2020