Stock Boosters at Underground Invitational V
Underground run V happened this week, and it continues to get better and better. It was the highest number of prospects in the gym at once with some new players in the gym and elevated play by some of the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingUnderground run V happened this week, and it continues to get better and better. It was the highest number of prospects in the gym at once with some new players in the gym and elevated play by some of the returners. Here are some of the top stock boosters on the day.
Christian Hammond Christian Hammond 6'3" | SG Colorado Prep | 2023 #160 Nation CA-S — Cherry Creek
Hammond is a top 5 player in his class, so it ironic to call him a stock booster, but this was my first time seeing him play this summer and he is much improved. He is going to be quite a player. This was his first time at the run, and he came in with extreme confidence and ready to score. He gets it done in every single way and is a natural scorer that has a swag to his game. He takes challenges personally, attacks players that he does not think can defend him, and goes after it on both ends of the floor. Hammond fit right in with some of the top players in the state, and you would not have guessed that he is only a 2023 player. He has a mature calmness to his game and is polished. Hammond, as a scoring machine that also can distribute, will take him a long way, but it was great to see him in this setting. I am high on Hammond.
Marzouq Abdur-Razaaq Marzouq Abdur-Razaaq 6'7" | SF Accelerated Prep | 2023 State CO – Overland
The 2023 standout came in and had himself another solid day, and he is a player that I expect to jump on our rankings update that comes out within the next week. Marzouq is a player that plays the right way when he is on the floor and is a multi-dimensional player that plays multiple positions. He rebounds extremely well and keeps plays alive, he runs the floor and finishes and has incredible hand-eye coordination as he reads where guards are going to give him the ball. He uses his size but is also a finesse finisher that knows his way around the rim. He scored with ease and created mismatches. His stock is growing, but so is his game, as he seems to be getting better every week.
Xavier Harris Xavier Harris 6'1" | PG Hillcrest Prep | 2023 CO – Horizon
Harris is a player to build around as he makes the right basketball play no matter what it is. It has been great to see him take on more of the true point guard role rather than being the scoring guard that he was months ago. Harris, as a playmaker, is dangerous because he is an excellent finisher around the rim, and he makes quick decisions on fast breaks. He is not a flashy passer but is a willing passer that keeps the defense guessing as he can score or kick it. Harris is a strong guard that is one of the best two-way options in the 2022 class. He stood out on the day on both ends of the floor as he challenged some of the best scorers with his defense and pushed the pace offensively.
Adrian Price Adrian Price 6'5" | C Eaglecrest | 2021 State CO — Eaglecrest
This was Price’s best day, and it came at the best time. Price is a traditional big man that rebounds exceptionally well. He has an incredibly long wingspan and uses that length to keep plays alive, and he either goes right up or is smart enough to reset the offense. He is a bruising finisher that backs players down, and he finished more frequently. He gets to wherever he wants on the floor; it is about getting his timing right for finishes. Price gave his team multiple second-chance opportunities, got out in transition for dunks, and showed his mobility. Price’s motor is getting better, and with that, he has put together better showings. I loved what I saw from Price this week.
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO — ThunderRidge
Bilello was not as aggressive as last week, but when he did decide to score, he made it happen. But that is the thing with Bilello; there can not be an on and off switch. He has to be aggressive at all times as he becomes an X-factor whenever he is on the floor. Bilello is one of the best inside and out scorers in the 2022 class when he makes up his mind to be. He is efficient and makes the right basketball play. He sets screens, moves without the ball, has a great motor, and creates a calmness on the floor. Biello plays solid defense as he moves his feet and alters shots. He rebounds the ball well and is a tremendous two-way option that can be put in any situation.