Summer Recap – Program Profile: Grand Park Premier
When trying to figure out how to best recap the summer basketball scene there was, at first, some paralysis by analysis. With so many great programs featuring talented prospects it is quite the daunting task to try and give everyone…
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Continue ReadingWhen trying to figure out how to best recap the summer basketball scene there was, at first, some paralysis by analysis. With so many great programs featuring talented prospects it is quite the daunting task to try and give everyone the coverage they deserve. Especially with teams spread out across different circuits it can be hard to find a natural way to efficiently break down everything. I’ve decided that the easiest way to do this, and provided the most individual coverage, will be to simply go team-by-team across the state. This exercise will run through the end of August so be patient as we work through all of the teams. With a rankings update coming at the beginning of the month we will have a lot of other content being pushed out as well.
In these program spotlights we will feature a top prospect, a top stock-riser, and an under-the-radar name. Then, I will simply empty out the notebook with some other thoughts and takeaways that have been compiled over the last few months as it pertains to that team. Let’s dive on in.
I will be recapping the Grand Park Premier Black group separately, so stay tuned for that to come some time in the coming weeks.
Top Prospect: Jack Benter Jack Benter 6'4" | SG Brownstown Central | 2024 State #121 Nation IN (Brownstown Central H.S. 2024/Grand Park Premier 2024)
There are few players in the state of Indiana as skilled as this 6’4″ guard. Benter was one of the top scorers on the UAA circuit this spring and summer with Grand Park Premier 2024. He is an elite shooter, an excellent passer, and has the size and strength to play through contact on his way to the basket. The high-scoring guard committed to Purdue on July 14th shortly after getting his offer from the Boilermakers. His success on the UAA circuit should play him into discussions for a national ranking when those are updated next.
Top Stock-Riser: Alex Romack Alex Romack 6'6" | PF Westfield | 2023 State IN (Westfield H.S. 2023/Grand Park Premier 2023)
Not only did Romack move up from the Grand Park Premier Black team to finish the summer on the UAA circuit, but he more than held his own against the top level competition. He is a physical, 6’6″ forward with great athleticism at his size. Romack runs the floor well, can drive it hard in a straight line to his right hand, and finishes very well with a variety of post moves around the basket. Hope College was recently the first to extend an offer, but he has a good amount of interest from schools from a wide variety of levels.
Under-the-Radar Name: Alex Couto Alex Couto 6'0" | PG Carmel | 2025 State IN (Carmel H.S. 2025/Grand Park Premier 2025)
After playing on the junior varsity at Carmel as a freshman, this sharp-shooting guard entered this summer as someone that those outside of Indianapolis basketball circles hadn’t heard much about. However, it didn’t take long to start making a name for himself. The 5’11” guard is an excellent three-point shooter, can act as your primary ball handler, and is a consistent all-around scoring threat. Couto even earned his first scholarship offer from Huntington this summer. You can expect to hear a lot more from him this winter when he suits for the Greyhounds.
Other Program Notes
- We’ve already gone too long talking about this program without mentioning Joey Hart Joey Hart 6'5" | SG Linton-Stockton | 2023 State #214 Nation IN (Linton-Stockton H.S. 2023/Grand Park Premier 2023). The 6’5″ guard was one of the top scorers on the 17u UAA circuit this summer and played his way into a never-ending list of mid-major offers. He is one of the top shooters in Midwest while also possessing great athleticism and an ever-expanding game off of the dribble. One of the most sought after prospects in the state of Indiana at this point. Seeing how his recruitment wraps up will be very interesting.
- I was very impressed with the development of Josiah Gustin Josiah Gustin 6'7" | PF Pendleton Heights | 2024 State IN (Pendleton Heights H.S. 2024/Grand Park Premier 2024) this summer. The 6’8″ forward has gotten stronger and more polished around the basket. Gustin also has the skill to stretch the floor out to three-point range. He’s mobile, rebounds well, and can protect the rim defensively. Intriguing high-upside prospect.
- He didn’t finish off the summer after making his commitment, but point guard Jaylen Mullen Jaylen Mullen 6'0" | PG North Daviess | 2023 State IN (North Daviess H.S. 2023/Grand Park Premier 2023) has been a big part of this program for a long time. He helped run the offense for this group through the spring, shot the ball well, and played without turning it over for the most part. Handled the high level of competition well. Mullen has committed to Oakland City.
- A pair of 6’4″-6’5″ forwards Brode Judge Brode Judge 6'5" | SG Lapel | 2025 State IN (Lapel H.S. 2025/Grand Park Premier 2025) and Bode Judge (Lapel H.S. 2025/Grand Park Premier 2025) are certainly worth keeping an eye on heading into their sophomores seasons. After starting as freshmen, the twins had a strong spring and summer campaign with Grand Park Premier. Both are athletic, strong, and skilled with good size.