Jack’s EYBL Session 4 Standouts (Part 4)
A lot of things went on in Hampton, VA last weekend, as it was the final session of Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League. With only five spots clinched coming into the weekend, there was a lot at stake and many of the stars came out to shine. There were big time performances from players throughout the weekend, so I will be giving a number of my standouts over the next week. We’re lucky enough to have one of the best tournaments in the country in our backyard, so we feel it necessary to bring you coverage of players from all over the country, not just in VA.
On a more somber note, we’d like to wish our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of James Hampton, a rising senior from Washington, DC who was playing with Team United out of Charlotte. Hampton collapsed during their game Saturday afternoon and passed away at the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the Team United family.
Enjoy the write ups!
*Sorry for the wait, this session took place about a week ago.*
Symir Torrence | 6’4” G | City Rocks 17U
Torrence isn’t the most highly touted recruit on his talented City Rocks group, but the 2020 guard showed a lot of poise and talent playing up in the EYBL. In a close loss to CIA Bounce, I watched Torrence succeed playing at both guard positions and on both ends of the floor. He gets after it on both ends, he has a high IQ both on and off the basketball and he can make plays for himself and for others. He has the ability to score it from all over the floor, but is a team guy who simply knows how to play and continuously makes the right play.
DJ Jeffries | 6’8” F | Bluff City Legends 17U
Jeffries plays alongside the number one player in the country, but don’t get it twisted, the Kentucky commit is one of the most talented offensive players that I saw at the event. A hybrid forward, Jeffries can run the floor, he feels comfortable playing inside and out and he can defend multiple positions. His athletic style of play will fit perfectly with Coach Cal, and he’s efficient and versatile which makes him extremely dangerous. In their one point win over Seattle Rotary that I watched, he finished with 26 points on 11-for-15 shooting from the field, he grabbed six rebounds and dished out three dimes while only turning the basketball over once.
Armando Bacot | 6’10” PF | Team Takeover 17U
When he’s motivated and challenged, there aren’t many bigs that are better than Bacot in the country, and despite being on one of the most talented EYBL teams I have ever seen he still is going to be one of the go-to guys when they need a bucket. His versatility in the paint is incredible, as he has good footwork, can score with both hands, he can step out and face up, pass out of double teams and is a strong finisher above the rim when he gets position. They don’t need him to be super dominant, but when they want to establish him inside he was productive and efficient. He scored 18 points in their win over NY Lightning on just seven shots from the field, and he finished with 17 points in their win over LV Prospects on just eight shots from the floor. He’ll have to be motivated, hungry and productive for TTO to continue their dominance come Peach Jam.
James Wiseman | 7’0” PF | Bluff City Legends 17U
The top ranked player in the country is loaded with upside and talent, and he has a unique skill set that should translate to not only the next level but the NBA as well. At 7’0”, Wiseman is a utility guy that can play and guard many different positions, and with his length and ability to move he’s able to impact the game across the board. He runs the floor effortlessly and can play in transition with the ball in his hands or running the wing, he finishes plays above the rim on both ends of the floor and he’s a guy who can switch and guard on the perimeter. He east at the glass when he wants to, and while he needs to fill out he still is wiry strong and a big impact in the paint. He’s a special type of talent with a very bright future moving forward.
Chris Harris | 6’3” G | Houston Hoops 17U
The Texas A&M commit is part of a trio of high major guards that make the Houston Hoops group so dynamic. Along with Kentucky commit Tyrese Maxey and Oklahoma commit De’Vion Harmon, Harris is the sniper from deep that can catch fire quickly. In their win over Boo Williams on Sunday morning, Harris did just that going for 15 points, hitting three three’s in the first half. After shooting it well in the first half, Harris stepped it up defensively and from a playmaking aspect, getting others easy shots and playing a big part in their press and forcing turnovers. His ability to make shots and play both on and off the basketball will be something that translates well to the Big 12.
Addison Patterson | 6’7” WG | CIA Bounce 17U
With one of the top individual performances I watched all weekend, Patterson showed that he’s an elite wing in the 2020 class. I saw him with Athletes Institute at the beginning of last high school season and was impressed, and the best part about him is that he’s obviously improved and will continue to get better with time. A smooth athlete that can play above the rim, shoot the deep ball and put it on the floor and create his own shot, he has all of the tools to be a next level superstar and a pro. He finished with 21 point on 8-for-14 shooting from the field and 3-for-5 shooting from deep when I watched them beat City Rocks out of NY.
Posh Alexander | 6’3” PG | NY Lightning 17U
While the buzz for point guards on NY teams are mainly for Cole Anthony and Jalen LecQue, Alexander showed that he can play with both of them and anyone else you put in front of him. The 6’3” guard is super quick and athletic, gets after it on both ends of the floor and he’s a dual threat guy that touches the paint with ease and can get others easy shot opportunities. He has the grit of a NYC point guard and his ability to make plays and make others better will bold well for him at the next level.
Aminu Mohammed | 6’5” WG | BWSL 16U
The WCAC leading scorer as a freshman, Mohammed has put up huge numbers playing up in the EYBL 16U. In their first game of the weekend, a close loss to We All Can Go from Tennessee, Mohammed poured in 38 points, showing his ability to score it from all three levels. He has a great frame and a big time motor, allowing him to crash the glass and use his size to finish in the lane through traffic. He can create space off the bounce and knock down shots, he can attack the basket and he’s a good finisher in transition. With more polishing, Mohammed will be one special player in the future.
Jaylani Darden | 6’3” G | BWSL 15U
One of the best young guards in the state, Darden has a unique blend of size and skillset that makes him very special for his age. At 6’3”, he has good length and looks like he’s nowhere near done growing, he can get downhill with the ball in his hands and make plays for others and he’s a good finisher around the basket in transition and he has a natural feel for the game. If he can improve his shot from deep, he’s going to be a guy who can play both on the ball and on the wing and a stat sheet stuffer who does a little bit of everything to help his team.