#3SSB Championships: South Standouts Part 2
The adidas 3SSB Championships were the first major shot circuit event for the city of Omaha, and it did not disappoint. The talent was elite, the crowd showed out, and the competitiveness in each game was palpable. Here are the…
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Continue ReadingThe adidas 3SSB Championships were the first major shot circuit event for the city of Omaha, and it did not disappoint. The talent was elite, the crowd showed out, and the competitiveness in each game was palpable. Here are the some of the best performances from Southern region prospects over the weekend:
Evan Eursher Evan Eursher 6'2" | PG Webb-Bell Buckle | 2022 State #244 Nation TN | 6’2″ CG | EAB Tennessee 17U
Eursher was one of the more polished shooters I watched in Omaha over the weekend. He was very comfortable shooting from the corners, but not just as a spot-up option. On one particular three, he started with the ball on the left wing and took two hard dribbles to the corner. He pulled up while drifting to his left, but remained on balance and maintained his pretty stroke despite the difficult movement. On another possession in the semi-finals, Eursher beat a closeout with a pump fake and side stepped into a three. His footwork was very impressive behind the arc.
Somtochukwu Cyril Somtochukwu Cyril 6'10" | C Overtime Elite (GA) | 2024 #65 Nation GA | 6’10” PF | EAB Tennessee 17U (pictured)
I had to do a double take when I saw the imposing rim protector was a 2024 prospect. Cyril not only held his own, but despite playing up two age groups he was dominant for stretches. He was one of, if not the best shot-blocker I saw over the weekend. He showed a patience that is uncommon for players his age. Opponents resorted to shot fakes in an attempt to get Cyril off balance, but he remained ground bound until the ball was released. He exploded off the floor which made it extremely difficult for opponents to get their shot off in enough time, even the lengthy ones.
Colin Porter Colin Porter 5'11" | PG Ashland | 2022 State KY | 5’10 PG | EAB Tennesse 17U
In the semi-finals vs. an extremely talented Utah Prospects team, it was Porter who was the best player on the court. He has perfected the art of finishing against players much bigger than him. He varies the timing and length of his steps in the paint to create space. He further maximizes that space by finishing with a hook shot, or hanging in the air and double clutching. Porter’s lower body flexibility allows him to get low and stay low, and his dribble remains low, too. It makes it hard for defenders to swipe at the ball without fouling, especially bigs and wings who cannot get as low as he can. Usually, a player of his size would live out on the perimeter, but Porter had no fear or hesitation while attacking the basket. He can shoot, though, and hit a big three-pointer late in the game to help stave off a late Utah Prospects comeback.
Ayden Evans Ayden Evans 6'9" | C Elizabethtown | 2024 State KY | 6’8″ PF | Louisville Magic Gold 15U
Evans’ length and versatility on defense stood out in the 15U division. He can guard on the perimeter and stick with drivers, and did a terrific job of anticipating the layup. Opponents caught on to his leaping ability and contesting prowess, and mixed it up with off-foot finishes to try and beat Evans into the air before he could react. Evans identified the adjustment quickly, and was able to rise up in a flash in order to challenge the shot and force misses. His ability to alter his body in the air, adjusting to the opponent adjustment immediately was incredibly impressive.