Top Unsigned Prospects: SIAA and Beyond
Madut Akec, Victory Rock Prep
In leading underrated Victory Rock Prep, of the talent-rich and traditionally powerful SIAA conference, Adec turned in an efficient 16 points and 12 boards.
Akec added four assists, en route to Victory Rock’s wild 60-54 victory over Aspire Academy (KY) in the prestigious Grind Session World Championship this weekend.
Akec, who scores at all three levels with consistency, hit several momentum-rolling shots.
Victory Rock is known to churn out long, highly skilled, multi-dimensional forwards of Akec’s type.
On the biggest stage of the post season, Akec was essential in propelling Victory Rock over a Charles Bassey-led Aspire team.
Jonathon Dos Anjos, Victory Rock Prep
The 6-foot-8, 195-pound Brazil-bred forward possesses hyper-explosive athleticism.
This much was on display during Victory Rock’s 2018 Grind Session World Championship win.
Bolstered by powerful finishing ability, a fluid mid-range game, and an adeptness at scoring in the open court/through traffic, Dos Anjos has the potential to be a heavy impact mid-major forward.
He’s got top tier baseline to baseline mobility and bouncy athletic aptitude.
With deft handle and the ability to spark the break fresh off a defensive rebound, Dos Anjos might lead the SIAA in rim to rim points.
You can’t rule him out as a high major prospect.
Seton Hall, VCU, South Alabama, and College of Charleston have offered.
Tyrese Williams, Oldsmar Christian
The physical and high-rising forward has appealing traits as both a bruiser and high percentage interior scorer.
A 1,000+ point scorer in high school, Williams is known for his explosive above the rim finishes.
He’s got the versatile skill set that enables him to guard multiple positions.
Disciplined and carrying enough muscle to make a seamless transition to the rigors of the ensuing level of play.
Julian Newman, Downey Christian
Since starting his varsity career as a callow fifth grader (yes, you read this correctly), Newman has been on a scoring binge that has paced him to eventually break former Florida Gator guard Teddy Dupay’s state record of 3,744 career points.
Newman, who has grown as a facilitator and a high-scoring threat, has developed NBA caliber 3-point range. He’s known to manufacture points at a torrid pace for Downey, which has improved its strength of schedule considerably these past two seasons.
A.J. Neal, West Oaks Academy
The Class of 2021 guard has hit a number of big shots and timely 3-pointers during his career under head coach Kenny Gillion at West Oaks.
Playing quality minutes as a youngster (he even saw some playing time as a seventh grader on the Andres Feliz and Richardson Maitre-led team) has helped Neal adapt to crunch time pressure.
D’Moi Hodge, Arlington Country Day
Before it’s untimely closing this winter, Arlington Country Day had an under the radar post-grad team featuring the high scoring guard. The 6-foot-4 sharpshooter is known for his motor and ability to reel off points in a hurry. The true draw to Hodge’s game is his motor, which enables him to be highly effective on both sides of the court. Hodge was initially headed to New Mexico junior college. A swift head coaching change, however, has led him back to the recruiting market.
Hodge has posted several 40+ point performances these past two seasons.
Demetrick Coney, Arlington Country Day
A facilitating 6-foot-2 point guard, Coney made the most of his time at now defunct ACD. Adept at making the right reads and whizzing pinpoint passes inside, Coney led by example.
His ability to create offense with a minimal number of dribbles garners notice.
Johannes Kirsipuu, Scotland Campus Sports
A promising Class of 2021 prospect, the sharpshooter showed advanced level scoring ability for a freshman.
In his first time playing in the states, the freshman thrived in the catch-and-stick game and developed spurt-ability as a scorer.
He had a 38-point performance, on the strength of 10 3-pointers, against Augustine.
Jonathon Kuminga, Huntington Prep
A versatile 6-foot-7 guard/forward, Kuminga pulls off dazzling displays of athleticism which only an elite core of athletes are capable of. The Class of 2021 had plenty of highlight reel worthy finishes.
If he can develop a steady and reliable mid-range game and some ball skills to supplement his superior athleticism and multi-layered defensive acumen, he could evolve into a high-major prospect down the road.
Charlie Cochrane, Believe Prep Academy
The 6-foot-5 volume shooter has shown he can light up a defense. A 31-point eruption against Montverde Academy earlier in the 2017-18 campaign was indicative of this.
With length, defensive versatility, and a vastly improved attacking game, the Kentucky native has grown beyond the 3-point trigger man role. Very underrated.
Abdou Ndiaye, The Nations Prep
The 6-foot-9 forward is a menacing shot blocker and an advanced defensive player. He’s improved as a knockdown shooter and can finish above the rim as well as anyone in the country.
A reliable passer who can put the ball on the deck the way few at his size can even simulate, Ndiaye has the potential to be a very high upside and unique threat at the Division-I level.
Trey Quartlebaum, Lawrence High
An athletic point guard who can score at all three levels, Quartlebaum has established himself as an efficient scorer who can take leadership matters into his own hands.
His ability to create his own shot and score the ball with consistency makes him one of the top guards in Kansas.
Should soon be sifting through a stockpile of Division-I offers.
Brandon Redendo, Trinity Pawling HS
A knockdown shooter with a propensity to get hot and reel off points in a hurry, Redendo can spark an offense with quick-strike 3-point shooting. An aspect of his game that’s always elicited notice is deep, deep 3-point range.
His ability to read defenses, see the court, and dish the ball give him an advanced IQ at this level of play.