5 Impressions from 2023 CO. Rough Riders and CO. Hawks
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Baye Fall Baye Fall 6'11" | C Luthern Christian | 2023 State #13 Nation CO is an elite shot blocker. This isn’t breaking news by any means, but his timing, reach and motor inside are special. I lost count at…
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Continue ReadingBaye Fall Baye Fall 6'11" | C Luthern Christian | 2023 State #13 Nation CO is an elite shot blocker. This isn’t breaking news by any means, but his timing, reach and motor inside are special. I lost count at 12 blocks, and he easily altered that many as well. I loved what he showed in the post as well, made two great post moves getting to the middle of the floor, extending his hook shot well above the rim. His length is his best offensive weapon in the post and will be hard to stop going forward. He also showed his passing ability from the post to cutting teammates for easy scores, which I love for two reasons: It’s going to keep defenses honest from sagging in on him, and it is making his teammates better.
Assane Diop Assane Diop 6'10" | PF Belleview Christian | 2023 State #107 Nation CO has guard skills and could develop into the ability to steal some point guard minutes down the road. Along the lines of Ben Simmons, Diop showed his ball-handling and ability to control the pace of the game. Although he had a couple of outlet pass turnovers trying to throw the ball deep, I loved his ability to control the pace of the game in the half-court. The ability to not let the defense speed up a ball-handler is an underrated skill that all the great guards possess, especially big guards. I also loved his stance and how he got low on both offense and defense. His understanding of leverage and how to use his body is excellent and impressed me.
Baye Ndongo has a combination of power game and footwork finesse is rarely seen in players of his size. His ability to control his body and pace in the open court is terrific and his euro-step package at full speed is excellent. His competitive drive, endless energy, and high-octane motor round out his inside and physical presence in the paint. I loved his strength and ability to score in traffic off the rim. Baye showed me he is the complete package and looks prepared to have a huge summer.
Christian Hammond Christian Hammond 6'3" | SG Colorado Prep | 2023 #160 Nation CA-S impressed me with his eagerness to sit down and pressure the ball. His defensive battle with Vinny May set the tone for the competitiveness of the entire game. Hammond hit multiple huge threes to open the second half that blew the roof off the Sports Stable sending the crowd into a frenzy. I liked his ability to use both hands in the paint and create for his teammates off penetration and timely passes.
Rickey Mitchell Rickey Mitchell 6'3" | CG Smoky Hill | 2023 State CO is poised to have a breakout summer. Smooth stroke and quick release make him an offensive threat at all times. Loved his shooting footwork and ability to get on balance quickly in transition.
I was impressed with Vinny May’s defense and passing ability. His pit-bull mentality pressured the opponent’s backcourt all night and his quick hands led to multiple steals and layups on the fast break. His ability to get in the paint and set up easy scores for his teammates was on full display. Looking forward to seeing his development over the coming months.