Indianapolis: Sunday Prospect Standouts
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INDIANAPOLIS — Breaking down the top performers from Sunday’s action at Under Armour Session 1 and Recruit Look Indy… Xavier Booker Xavier Booker 6'11" | PF Cathedral | 2023 State #4 Nation IN – 2023 – F – George…
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Continue ReadingINDIANAPOLIS — Breaking down the top performers from Sunday’s action at Under Armour Session 1 and Recruit Look Indy…
Xavier Booker Xavier Booker 6'11" | PF Cathedral | 2023 State #4 Nation IN – 2023 – F – George Hill All-Indy
Booker came on ferociously against Howard Pulley over the last 10 minutes or so to lead a comeback. While it came up just short, Booker showed why he’s a consensus top 100 prospect with a ridiculously high upside. A 6-foot-10 prospect who can play small forward, power forward, and center, Booker has a lot of different tools. Booker was able to knock down 3’s, size his man up and attack off the bounce, hit the offensive glass, and play a little with his back to the basket. Booker has crazy length, really good leaping ability, a high motor, and a budding perimeter skillset. He’s got a great offer list already, but think he’s a guy bluebloods should be taking a look at come July.
Cole Hansen Cole Hansen 6'4" | SG Legacy Early College | 2024 State SC – 2024 – SG – Wisconsin Playground Club
Hansen had all 12 of his points in the second half as PGC was able to hold off WER1. After a slow start, Hansen was able to get himself going with some stuff around the rim. Thought he finished well with his left hand in traffic. After seeing the ball go through the hoop, Hansen knocked down two triples in the final minutes that all but sealed the deal. Currently a top 10 prospect in Wisconsin’s 2024 class, Hansen is a skilled scorer who’s a threat from just about anywhere on the floor, including well past the arc. Not going to blow anybody away athletically right now, but has good patience and body control to get the angles he wants when the 6-foot-4 guard gets in the paint.
Jaquan Johnson Jaquan Johnson 5'10" | PG Pius XI | 2024 State WI – 2024 – PG – Wisconsin Playground Club
Johnson had 19 points in a Sunday morning win over WER1. A speedy, strong guard who’s got the ball on a string, Johnson got to the rim at will and converted a number of three-point plays. The Pius XI star has some serious takeover ability on the offensive end of the floor. Perhaps forces the issue too much at times, but you also appreciate that Johnson has no off-switch. Johnson is tough as nails and doesn’t back away from a challenge at the rim. He’s so quick on the ball and can often freeze defenders with a hesitation. Johnson is also a good enough and dangerous enough shooter to pull up and hit well beyond the arc, making defenders pick their poison.
Jacoby Mehrman Jacoby Mehrman 6'4" | PG Harrisburg | 2024 State SD – 2024 – SG – South Dakota Attack
My goodness can this kid shoot the basketball. The 6-foot-4 sniper just wouldn’t miss at times and if he was left open, it was an automatic three points. Triples felt like layups for Mehrman on Sunday as he connected on seven of them. Finishing with 27 points, Mehrman had the best display of shooting I had seen in three days across three different tournaments. In an up and down game, Mehrman killed the opposition by trailing up the floor and just following the ball where he could step into rhythm 3’s. Mehrman also scored it and facilitated the ball very well in the pick n’ roll. He’s pretty slithery when he gets his momentum downhill, knows to go shoulder to shoulder to put the help man on an island, and then makes very good decisions.
JT Rock JT Rock 7'1" | C Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2024 #37 Nation SD – 2024 – C – South Dakota Attack
Rock posted 28 points in a dominant effort against All-Iowa Attack. Was expecting to see more of a project, but Rock is much further along and way more exciting of a prospect than I anticipated. The sophomore moves very well for his size, has some skill, and knows how to do his work early on the interior, while not being afraid to mix it up physically and battle for post position. Featuring a more advanced frame than you’d think for a young seven-footer, Rock isn’t a guy you can push around. He’ll also essentially run the offense at times with a four-out, one-in set and direct where he wants the ball to go, so he can seal his man for an easy basket. Rock can step away from the basketball and shoot the ‘3’. Saw him try some fade away stuff in the high post as well that was very exciting. With his mobility, Rock can be effective in the pick n’ roll and pick n’ pop game, able to roll hard quickly to the rim or flare out for an open shot. Think this kid has top 50 potentially nationally and already holds a handful of power-five offers.
Nolan Winter – 2023 – F – Howard Pulley
Winter ended the weekend with his best performance. Showcasing the mismatch nightmare potential that high major programs are hoping will blossom on a consistent basis, Winter had 18 points and three assists in a win over George Hill All-Indy. Winter is able to set defenders up with his sweet shooting ability from beyond the arc. When they start getting over-aggressive on their closeouts, he’s able to put the ball on the deck and blow by them. The 6-foot-8 junior could be a three-level scorer down the road. He’s more willing to shoot in the 16-18 foot range than people think. Sunday was one of the most exciting games I’ve seen of Winter’s as he just gave the defense fits with his versatile scoring skillset.