Top Wings at MLK Day Classic
Top Wings at the Arizona MLK Classic This report takes a look at some of the top wing performers at the Arizona MLK Classic that was held January 16-18 at the Arizona Grand Resort. 6’4 W/G Michael…
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Continue ReadingTop Wings at the Arizona MLK Classic
This report takes a look at some of the top wing performers at the Arizona MLK Classic that was held January 16-18 at the Arizona Grand Resort.
6’4 W/G Michael Ajayi of Kentwood HS (WA) 2021 (West Coast Prep)
Ajayi was a pleasant surprise at this event and put himself firmly on the 2021 Division 1 radar.
He’s an athletic guard/wing with solid skills. He’s a confident handler who makes plays in transition. He can pass it well and he has an impressive pull-up game on the break.
Ajayi shoots it ok with 3 range and is effective at catch and shoot. He has a solid pull-up game and is a consistent rebounder.
He proved his worth as a D1 guy without a doubt.
6’6 W Miles Byrd Miles Byrd 6'6" | SF Lincoln | 2022 State #174 Nation CA-N of Lincoln HS (CA) 2022 (Port City)
Byrd is a long and athletic wing with a nice skill set. He had one critical thing on his “need to show” list. That is/was to be more aggressive and mix it up. And lo and behold, he showed signs of that in this event.
He played more in the attack mode and did not back down to anyone. He can score in a number of different ways and he can rebound and block a shot.
Byrd is starting to prove that he merits high-level consideration. He does need to develop some bulk/strength to prepare for the next level but all signs are pointing in a high-level direction.
6’7 SF/PF Yousef Elkugia of Elite Prep (WA) 2020 (Elite Prep 17 Black)
Elkugia was big-time early on in this event and proved he merited the high-level attention he is receiving. But he suffered an ankle injury mid-way through the event and was unable to sustain it. But he left no doubt he was one of the best players at the event.
The best way to describe him is to think of a taller version of Charles Barkley. He is a strong-bodied combo forward with a nice skill set.
He’s a confident ball handler who finishes well-both in transition and in the half court. He passes it well and does a nice job finding the open man.
Elkugia shoots it fairly well with 3 range which makes him a very difficult matchup for the opponent.
He IS a high-level prospect who can impact the game in a big way.
6’5 W Kendale Johnson of Colorado Prep (CO) 2021
Johnson is one of the many casualties of the COVID era. It is impossible to conceive that he does not have any Division 1 offers. The kid was a stud at this event.
He is an athletic and skilled wing who can really score in many ways. He shoots it really well with range and he has a very nice floater.
Johnson has a most impressive mid-range pull up and he breaks down defenders on the drive almost at will.
He IS a legit Division 1 player and coaches need to get on him!
Quin Patterson Quin Patterson 6'7" | SF Mount Si | 2022 State WA of Mount Si HS (WA) 2022 (Team Lavine MS)
Patterson is a MAJOR-LEAGUE shooter. Think of him as the second coming of Klay Thompson in that regard. (He’s not that good but he is in that mold.)
He’s real effective at catch and shoot and he moves well without the ball. But he is starting to master the pull-up game off the dribble. He also has a solid floater.
Patterson is a good passer and a capable rebounder as well. And he has a nice jump hook on the block.
He is showing that he is not one-dimensional which helps to add to his even-increasing stock. Patterson is a probable mid plus prospect.