Indianapolis Day 1: Johnson Paces Phenom on Opening Night
INDIANAPOLIS — The second and final weekend of the spring evaluation period kicked off on Friday. Session 2 of the Nike EYBL continued as Phenom University improved to 4-1 on the season with an opening night win over Indy Heat…
Reece Beekman – 2020 – PG – Phenom University
He’ll probably end up being a mid-to-high three-star prospect, but Beekman’s value exceeds what his final rating will be. A tremendous playmaker, Beekman continued his fantastic spring with a huge surge in the second half to help Phenom put away Indy Heat. Beekman can carry a team as a scorer and a facilitator, which makes him a special point guard prospect. The Milwaukee native, who plays his high school ball in Louisiana, carved up Indy Heat by getting into high percentage areas and taking what the defense gave him. A smooth guard with plus-length that utilizes change of pace nicely, Beekman kills teams as a decision maker in the pick n’ roll. He’s also a fantastic defender, using excellent hands and anticipation in the passing lanes. Beekman scored a game-high 20 points in Friday’s win.
Johnell Davis – 2020 – G – Indy Heat
The Indy Heat were overwhelmed by Phenom University, but Davis held his own. Holding an offer from Kent State, Davis has a chance to be a really good mid-major prospect or better. A plus-length wing who can handle the basketball and create offense, Davis was exceptional in isolation settings. The 6-foot-3 sophomore played everywhere on the perimeter, including point guard. He was able to shake people in the open floor, get things done in transition, and break people down in the half court.
Malik Hall – 2019 – SF – Mokan Elite
Hall’s ability to impact the game in a variety of ways continues to be impressive, however he took on more of a scoring load in Friday’s win over Seattle Rotary. Hall scored 14 of his 18 points after halftime, including six in a row late to help push the game into overtime. An athletic slasher, Hall had some finishes and earned his way to the charity stripe. Hall doesn’t need a ton of shots to stay happy offensively. A product of his team’s system, Hall rarely takes more than a few dribbles per possession, is constantly moving without the basketball, and takes pride in setting good, hard screens to free his teammates. Oregon, Villanova, Purdue, Kansas, Iowa State, and Oklahoma all watched Hall on opening night.
Jalen Johnson – 2020 – G/F – Phenom University
When Johnson is hitting his outside shot, opponents have no answer. Johnson knocked down a handful of jumpers in Friday’s win over Indy Heat en route to a game-high 20 points. The five-star prospect was once again dominant as a scorer and facilitator. On the verge of becoming a Plan A target nationally, Johnson’s positionless style was too much for the opposition. He took guys into the post, shot well from the perimeter, and got to the rim in transition. Iowa, West Virginia, and Wisconsin were all watching Johnson on opening night.
Anthony Marshall – 2020 – PG – New York Lightning
Marshall is one of the better finishers I’ve seen at the 16U level this spring. He’s not overly big or long, but possesses some exciting explosiveness and doesn’t alter his shot if there’s traffic around the rim. Marshall destroyed New York Renaissance in transition, leaking out ahead of the pack and taking on challengers at full speed.
Jaden McDaniels – 2019 – SF – Seattle Rotary
Showing why he’s one of the leading scorers in the EYBL, McDaniels displayed an impressive offensive package in a loss to Mokan Elite. McDaniels had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds on just 11 shots. McDaniels has some very intriguing length, paired with his ability to handle the basketball, the 6-foot-9 junior is a mismatch problem. McDaniels loves to just size his man up inside the arc, create space, and shoot over the top. However, he can play with his back to the basket and displayed some impressive footwork in the post. Being chased hard by Washington, Oklahoma, Texas, and San Diego State hard right now, McDaniels has a chance to explode once he gets to college and his best days appear to be down the road.
Lance Ware – 2020 – PF – NY Renaissance
Really promising big man in the 2020 class. Ware has a nice blend of skill and upside. The 6-foot-7 sophomore is bouncy and impacts both ends of the floor as a rebounder and shot blocker. Ware had a nice all-around effort against New York Lightning, passing well in the high-low game and slashing from the high post. Ware plays with a high motor, but also a soft touch around the rim. The New Jersey native is somewhat of a sleeper in the Northeast right now, but has a chance to really rise.