NIBC Roundtable

This past weekend the NIBC Invitational tipped off at the St. James Sports Complex in Springfield, Virginia. The event in ongoing this week into next weekend and features the top talent from around the country. The Prep Hoops Maryland trio was in attendance for the slate of games this weekend and tackle three questions surrounding the contests. 1. Which player from MD/DC/VA boosted his stock the most this weekend in your eyes? Giacubeno: I was impressed with Travis RobertsTravisRoberts6'4" | SFBishop Walsh | 2022StateMD of Bishop Walsh. His team struggled overall against the stout competition, but it’s clear that Roberts continues to add to his game. The 6-foot-5 guard is always a threat from three, but is getting more confidence operating off the dribble and finishing around the basket in a variety of ways. Ayalew: I’d have to go with Malik BowmanMalikBowman6'8" | PFBishop Walsh | 2023StateMD from Bishop Walsh. The 6-foot-7+ forward showcased his versatility offensively with his ability to shoot from the perimeter but also attack the paint off the bounce and finish in traffic. Bowman exhibited toughness at the rim defensively as well. He protected the rim quite admirably, was aggressive on the glass, and battled effectively in the paint against bigger foes.  Wilson: I have to go with Jalen RicksJalenRicks6'7" | SFOak Hill Academy | 2021State#149NationVA. I wrote about him over the weekend being one of the most underrated prospects on the east coast and I firmly believe that is true. Against some of the most elite high school programs this weekend he held his own and led Oak Hill to a 3-0 record. Ricks showed that he can be beneficial on both sides of the ball at the high major level.   2. Which individual matchup did you find intriguing?    Giacubeno: They weren’t matched up against each other for much of the game, but I really enjoyed M.J. Rice of Oak Hill battle Bryce McGowensBryceMcGowens6'6" | CGLegacy Early College | 2021State#23NationSC from Legacy Early College. It was a tale of two opposite players with Rice being a bull in a china shop and McGowens having a more finesse style of scoring. Rice was aggressive from the opening tip and led Oak Hill to a win with 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting to go with eight rebounds. McGowens got into rhythm after settling in and never looked back as he finished with 23 points (8-of-11 from the free-throw line), eight rebounds and three blocks. Ayalew: I have to give Bishop Walsh guard Jalen MillerJalenMiller6'2" | PGBishop Walsh | 2021State#151NationMD credit for slowing down Kentucky commit Nolan HickmanNolanHickman6'2" | PGEastside Catholic | 2021#29NationUT of Wasatch Academy. Hickman had been getting to his spots at will frequently throughout his team’s first two games, but struggled with the physicality and quickness of Miller.  Wilson: I enjoyed Ryan Nembhard and Kennedy Chandler go at it. They are both the floor generals for their respective teams and have many weapons around them so seeing them running the show on offense and watching them break down each possession was a joy to watch.     3. Which unsigned senior took advantage of the stage this weekend and should be receiving more attention?   Giacubeno: I would say Oak Hill’s Jalen RicksJalenRicks6'7" | SFOak Hill Academy | 2021State#149NationVA is the most obvious answer here and I was surprised that more high major programs aren’t applying pressure with his recruitment. After his performances over the weekend, that will surely change. Ricks is a 6-foot-6 two-guard who shot the three with pinpoint efficiency. His length and athleticism allow him to finish above the rim in the open floor and he even displayed a little bit of an in between game in the mid-range. His size and skillset are going to be a major asset for any program that is lucky enough to land him. Ayalew:  For me, it has to be Jalen RicksJalenRicks6'7" | SFOak Hill Academy | 2021State#149NationVA of Oak Hill. I can’t fathom how he is ranked outside the top-100 on all recruiting sites at this point. He does everything you want a modern player to do and has prototypical size for the wing.    Wilson: 2021 unsigned senior Camryn CarterCamrynCarter6'2" | PGOak Hill Academy | 2021StateVA of Oak Hill Academy continues to have a strong senior season and he showed once again this past weekend on why more mid major and even some high major programs should be on him. Carter can score it a variety of ways offensively and showed that he can defend at a good level. Carter was one of the best unsigned seniors this past weekend.