Difference Maker Elite Sessions: October Standouts
In this article:
Julian Dunkley and prospects at a recent Difference Maker Elite session. Photo: @differencemakers1 Before the Pennsylvania high school season officially tips off tonight / this weekend we wanted to check in across the river in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBefore the Pennsylvania high school season officially tips off tonight / this weekend we wanted to check in across the river in Cherry Hill, New Jersey to get one last off-season report from Julian Dunkley and his Difference Maker Elite training sessions and scrimmages.
“We have been stressing mindset and midrange,” Dunkley told me about the October sessions. “Meaning just how we want to approach the game – Mamba Mentality – and we have overemphasized the importance of a strong midrange game,” Dunkley continued. Additionally Dunkley said, “As the season approaches, we also have been doing more film break down from last year, talking about individual and team expectations.”
In our most recent conversation Dunkley and I discussed which area prospects impressed at the Difference Maker Elite sessions during October. Below is a review of six prospects who stood out last month accompanied by an insight or two from Dunkley.
Mo Abdullah Mo Abdullah 6'4" | SF Imhotep Charter | 2022 State PA – 6’4” / Senior / Imhotep Charter / NJ Scholars Elite / Wing: Abdullah is an explosive and versatile athlete who is a threat from behind the arc all the way to the rim. His ability to drain threes sets up his dribble drive game nicely. After two or three makes from deep, defenders frequently rush to close out on Abdullah. When that happens this Rider commit throws a head and ball fake, puts the ball on the deck and streaks to the cup for a bucket. His ability to slash to the basket without the ball is noteworthy as well. Abdullah may not grab the national headlines others on this Imhotep roster receive, but make no mistake, this kid can ball.
Dunkley says: Great scoring ability. Excellent defender and 3-point shooter.
Jaden Colzie Jaden Colzie 6'0" | PG Plymouth Whitemarsh | 2024 State PA – 5’10″ / Sophomore / Plymouth Whitemarsh / NJ Scholars Elite / Combo Guard: A backcourt player with an excellent feel for changing speeds and direction at exactly the right moment, Colzie was a freshman starter for PW in 2020-21. Those dribbling skills allow Colzie to score at the rim in transition or in the half-court. As a bonus, his 3-pont shot is automatic and he possesses a nice mid-range jumper. Colzie plays with an intensity and confidence that is rare among underclassmen.
Dunkley says: Exciting young PG. Can score at any time, but also make other guys better.
Zubair Lee – 6’8” / Senior / Phelps School / JT Elite / Wing: Lee is one of the most versatile big men in the Delaware Valley. In 2020-21 Lee averaged 20 ppg. at Eastern HS (NJ). He is now at Phelps School and that already stacked roster gained a tremendous all-around talent. With his size Lee is a force in the paint and can score over or through opponents. But Lee has a bit of stretch-4 in his game. So, he can hold his own on the perimeter, including knocking down a few threes. At the other end, his athleticism and wingspan make Lee a solid defender, rim protector and rebounder.
Dunkley says: One of the best kept secrets for guys with size in the state. Should make some college coach incredibly happy.
Isaac Moore Isaac Moore 6'7" | PF Life Center Academy | 2025 State NJ – 6’6” / Friends Central / Philly Pride National UAA / Power Forward: The improvement Moore showed this summer at the offensive end was dramatic. A jump shot with range out to the three-point line, a better touch around the rim and enhanced dribbling skills are three specific areas Moore’s game progressed. His imposing size allows Moore to convert offensive rebounds in to points at a high clip. Moore has a high basketball IQ and plays with composure even when double teamed. As his ball handling and jumper develop, Moore is going to be a legitimate inside-outside threat.
Dunkley says: Plays at his own pace. Amazingly comfortable on perimeter but has toughness to finish inside.
Tamir Powell – 6’3” / Senior / Abraham Lincoln / Hidden Gems / Point Guard: Powell is an athletic, lefty lead guard who can make shots from all over the court. When he is not knocking down spot up threes or mid-range jumpers off the dribble, Powell is capable of running the pick and roll game. Or if the coach wants to use isolation play for a stretch, Powell can blow past a defender off the bounce and finish through contact. Even with his vast scoring abilities, Powell always gets his teammates involved.
Dunkley says: Ultra crafty point guard. Great shot making ability.
Cornelius Robinson – 6’6” / Junior / Camden / NJ Scholars Elite / Wing: Since Camden’s (NJ) 2021-22 schedule contains several opponents from the Pennsylvania side of the river, it makes sense to profile Robinson. Robinson (a.k.a. “Boog”) is a consistent 3-point shooter with an improving mid-range game which makes him an exceptional running mate for DJ Wagner. His explosiveness and ability to finish with either hand below or above the rim will grab the attention of college coaches. On defense, Robinson has the lateral quickness and instincts to lock down multiple positions.
Dunkley says: Had a great summer working on his all-around game. He has shown tremendous growth on transitioning into a complete big guard.