Grind Session (Jan 7-17th): USBA Top Performers
In this article:
After making their debut at The Grind Session last November, the United States Basketball Academy, based in Blue River, OR, returned to Arizona in January for the second rendition of “The Phoenix Bubble.” Sporting a modified lineup with multiple new…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAfter making their debut at The Grind Session last November, the United States Basketball Academy, based in Blue River, OR, returned to Arizona in January for the second rendition of “The Phoenix Bubble.” Sporting a modified lineup with multiple new faces, USBA closed out their second trip with a three-game win-streak, making themselves heard on a national stage.
Here’s our top performers from USBA’s second trip to Phoenix:
Dane Erikstrup (2021 Hamilton, AZ)
As one of a few standout additions this month, Erikstrup was able to display an expanded toolset on the offensive end for USBA, scoring baskets both around the rim and from the outside. After playing limited minutes for Arizona Compass Prep in the first “Phoenix Bubble,” Erikstrup was ready to step into a larger role this time around for USBA. At 6-foot-10, the senior forward was quite the force inside throughout the trip, leading his team in rebounds on multiple occasions. Additionally, Erikstrup was effective at the foul line, consistently drawing contact around the rim to ensure himself a chance at points. In USBA’s final game, Erikstrup poured in 19 points to go alongside eight rebounds, four assists, and a steal in a win against Balboa School (CA).
Marquis Cook Marquis Cook 6'6" | SF AZ Compass Prep | 2023 State #6 Nation AZ (2023 Jefferson)
It came as no surprise that Oregon’s most sought-after recruit once again impressed in Phoenix this January. As one of the only primary contributors to make both trips, Cook was dazzling once again this time around, flying high and dominating physically to help lead an improved USBA lineup to four wins in the bubble. Throughout the trip, Cook was the most consistent scorer, posting the most double-digit games of the bunch. Furthermore, Cook’s electric play-style goes beyond the numbers in a box score. As a world-class leaper with a 6-foot-6 frame, Cook can take a game by the throat when his shots are falling. In USBA’s first matchup of the second “Phoenix Bubble,” Cook flew around for 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in a loss to Michigan Elite.
Tevin Smith (2021 Danville, IL)
Smith, a recent Cal-State Fullerton commit, fully exposed his bag of tricks this time around in Phoenix after a minor injury held him out of multiple games back in November. As a confident scoring guard with tremendous shooting ability, Smith was finally able to make his presence felt offensively each time USBA took the floor. Additionally, Smith possesses tremendous athleticism, making him both a great rebounder and a great defender at 6-foot-3. This month, the Danville native showed many why he held numerous Division-I offers at the time of his commitment. In a tight win against Bella Vista Prep (AZ), Smith scored 19 points to go alongside eight rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
TJ Wainwright (2021 Westchester Senior, CA)
As another new addition, Wainwright provided outside scoring and ball-handling to USBA’s overhauled lineup. At 6-foot-3, Wainwright can realistically play either guard position, and although Leo DeBruhl largely handled point guard duties, Wainwright was able to relieve some of the pressure from USBA’s primary facilitators. Additionally, Wainwright served as a very impressive scorer, consistently looping in three-pointers with his tough-to-guard left-handed release. With the absence of Lamar Washington Lamar Washington 6'4" | CG AZ Compass Prep | 2022 State #128 Nation AZ , guys like Wainwright were required to step up offensively if USBA wanted to compete. In a matchup with Central Pointe Gray (FL), Wainwright scored 18 points to go alongside five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 65-58 win.
JoJo Hunter (2022 San Joaquin Memorial, CA)
Hunter, a newly-acquired four-star shooting guard, was perhaps USBA’s most consistent player this time around in the bubble. With great size for a guard at 6-foot-5, Hunter was able to score in a variety of ways and quietly make his impact felt as one of the higher-touted recruits on the roster. Alongside Wainwright, Hunter provided deadeye shooting to help replace the likes of Washington. Additionally, the junior guard was among the best defenders on the roster, consistently checking the opponent’s best perimeter players. In a nice outing against PHH Heat (AZ), Hunter scored 17 points, grabbed three rebounds, and dished out four assists to help USBA come away with a dominant win.
Leo DeBruhl (2021 Seattle Academy, WA)
At 6-foot-2, DeBruhl has consistently been a coach’s dream throughout both trips to Phoenix. The senior point guard plays incredibly smart, excels as a ball-handler, and quite simply makes things happen for USBA on the offensive end. Since joining USBA last autumn, DeBruhl has rightfully seen his college options expand as he continues to standout amongst fellow Division-I prospects. At his best, DeBruhl is one of the most polished players at The Grind Session in terms of a feel for the game. In a big win against PHH Heat (AZ), DeBruhl scored 12 points to go alongside six rebounds, seven assists, and a steal.