Category:

Featured

Top Players from USA’s OT Win at the Nike Hoop Summit

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Portland, OR – The USA men’s team needed overtime to get past the World team 124-114 at the Nike Hoop Summit which was held at the Moda Center on Saturday evening. The USA was led by 24 points from both AJ Dybantsa (BYU) and Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) with 24 points each. Dybantsa scored most of his points in the first half while Acuff Jr. came on in the second half. Cameron Boozer (Duke) added an impressive 22 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Trey McKinney (Michigan) also came on late and finished with 22 points.  6’5 Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor) led the World team with 24 points.

Most of us who were at the practices during the week thought the USA team would likely win the game by a fairly large margin, so the competitiveness of the game was a bit of a surprise. The World team took a nine-point lead into halftime. Then the USA used a 37-point third quarter to storm out to a 15-point lead. The World team then made a late comeback and tied the game at 98 on a Yessoufou layup to send the game to overtime. McKinney helped the USA take control in  overtime with nine points and Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville) closed the game out with ten points at the foul line. The 124 points scored by the USA was a Hoop Summit record.

Much has been written about the top USA players (Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Acuff Jr. etc.) so we’ll review some of the World players that impressed us during the game and at the practices earlier in the week.

Yessoufou was the most impressive World player, both in the game and at the practices. At 6’5”+ and 216 pounds he’s a strong lead guard who can score on penetration as well as from outside. The Baylor commit has the strength and ability to step right into a starting role as a freshman. Yessoufou is from Benin and is ranked No. 14 in the 2025 class.

Dame Sarr, a 6’7.5” shooting guard from Italy impressed with 17 points and four rebounds. Sarr checks all the boxes for an NBA level shooting guard and has a 6’11.75” wingspan. He has been in the Barcelona club system since 2022 and played for their top team in Liga Endesa this season, averaging 5.8 points in 13.4 minutes per game. Sarr has excelled in the European youth championships he played in, averaging in double-figures. Sarr appears likely to play in college next season with Illinois, Duke and other high majors in the picture.

Bogoljub Markovic, a 6’11 forward from Serbia was solid with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Markovic showed the ability to score inside and out, connecting on 3-of-4 three-pointers and 6-of-7 from the field overall.  This season he averaged 13.7 points on 39.1% three-point shooting, with 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists playing for Mega in the Adriatic League. He’s projected as an early second round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

UConn recruit Eric Reibe, a 6’11.75” center from Germany showed a nice skill set during the week and had 11 points and eight rebounds in the game. Reibe is another big who can score inside and out and runs the floor well. He’s had some injury problems in the past but if he can stay healthy, he’ll be in UConn’s rotation next season.

This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Nikola Cvetinović

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Career Goals

Nikola is trying to leverage his European basketball network into an assistant coach position at a Division 1 school that would like to emphasize international recruiting.

College Experience

Nikola played for four years at the University of Akron, starting for two years and making the All-MAC second team in his junior season.  He averaged in double-figures his final two years and still holds the Akron record for most games played.

Serbian National Team

Growing up in Serbia, Nikola was a member of the Serbian National youth teams. Cvetinović was member of the team that represented Serbia at the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China finishing as the gold medal winners.

Professional Career

Nikola’s professional career spanned 11 years, ending in 2023. He played professionally in Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Spain, Lithuania, Belgium, Romania and Serbia. He enjoyed his greatest success in Spain where he played for six seasons including time in Liga Endesa the top domestic league in Europe. He was one of the leading scorers in the Spanish LEB-Gold league twice.

Professional Network

Nikola career throughout Europe has given him many contacts, both on the player and agency side. He is now scouting the Serbian youth leagues as well as talking with his contacts throughout Europe and would be a great hire for any schools looking to expand their European talent.

Young Stars from the NPSI

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Here is Part 2 of our National Prep School Invitational scouting articles. This article is consisted of brief overviews on some of the most promising class-of-2026 and class-of-2027 recruits who participated at the NPSI this year, as well as a few rising stars from the class of 2028.

Top Class of 2026 Recruits

Hunter Te Ratana (6’4”, Darrow School)           

Among the recruits who had a breakout performance at the 2025 NPSI. Te Ratana showcased his high potential on both ends of the floor. A deceptive athlete, the New Zealander is an explosive leaper with plenty of creativity in his dunks. His quick, repeatable and nearly automatic stroke off movement, catches and dribble suggest he would be a sniper as a two guard at the next level. Tough as nails on the defensive end with an endless motor. Te Ratana will excel in transition/fast paced plays.

Promis N’landu (6’3”, Fort Erie International Academy)                                                   

A high-major point guard with an impressive scoring game and long 6-foot-5 wingspan. N’landu will be a crafty 3-level scoring PG with great court vision and passing abilities. Has nice handles and ability to change speeds and directions creating for himself or his teammates. Going down the lane he will take advantage of his well-developing upper body, tight handles and explosive hops. He holds offers from Arizona State, Seton Hall, George Mason, Colorado State, and St. Bonaventure, he’s recently been getting more and more interest from HM schools.

Quinn Costello (6’10”, Newman School)               

A tall and long promising big man who will stretch the floor nicely thanks to his impressively smooth and fluid shooting mechanics from long range for his size. His game has plenty of upside. Very mobile, expected to put pressure on the glass and roll well to the basket, being a lob target too.

Lucas Morillo (6’7”, Newman School)

A skilled combo guard from the Dominican Republic who displays a very smooth offensive game. Seems to read it exceptionally well, showing advanced decision-making skills. Will be an effective 3-level scorer and crafty handler/facilitator in pick-and-roll actions.

Top Class of 2027 Recruits

Nalajah Christopher (6’3”, Darrow School)    

A very talented lengthy guard with a developing athletic frame which he is expected to fill out nicely with time. Christopher displayed great feel for the game and impressively mature decision making for his age (played two years up). Has high upside to turn into a high IQ lead guard with solid defensive presence. Reportedly has a great work ethic.

DJ Hawkins (6’7”, Saint Thomas More) 

A promising tall wing with athletic and lengthy frame (+3 wingspan). Expected to be a deadly 3-point shooter at the next stage, especially off spot ups.  Has high upside as a two-way player.

Deng Ngor (6’7”, Fort Erie International)                        

Another intriguing prospect in the class of 2027 who seems to be destined to only get better, Ngor is a 6-foot-7 tall wing who has elite physical attributes and great motor. Displayed promising perimeter skills and high potential on the defensive end thanks to his great effort and physical tools. Already holds offers from Stonehill, Colorado State, George Mason and Arizona State.

Jaylin Williams Crawford (6’7”, CATS)

Another tall wing with a good deal of athleticism and physical attributes, Williams Crawford has a smooth offensive game and could be lethal from long range.

Elijah McNair (6’4”, St. Andrew’s)

A big, strong and physical 6-foot-4 wing who plays beyond his age. McNair can do a bit of everything, thriving in scoring the ball – he can drive aggressively to the rim, hit shots from mid to long range, rebound well and execute off pick-and-roll actions for himself or his teammates.

Class of 2028 – Potential Rising Stars

Malachi Odugbela (6’4, St. Andrew’s)

Among the youngest and most promising players at the event, Odugbela proved he belonged to play there despite his age. Having solid basketball genes (father played D1 basketball), Odugbela plays well beyond his age, showing good understanding of the game and great shooting touch from long range, despite his railway thin and developing frame. He is expected to grow several more inches and fill out his frame well with time. Odugbela has high potential as a two-way player thanks to his elite physical tools and advanced instincts. College coaches should keep tabs on his further development.

Kyle “Bright” Delves (6’2.5”, Mount Saint Charles)

Arguably one of the best guards in the class of 2028 in the States. The future seems “Bright” for the kid from Providence. He could turn into an elite lead guard with time and reps. Extremely talented, he has   shifty handles and the ability to change pace and directions. Ambidextrous and tough, he doesn’t shy away from any contact going down to the hoop. On top of that he’s very bouncy for a guard. Reportedly Delves firstly played football but once he started playing basketball, he realized that’s his sport. Kyle Delves seems to have all the needed prerequisites to turn into an elite guard at the next level.

Quinn Costello

This article was written by Simeon Marinov, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

C

Top Class of 2025 Recruits from the NPSI

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

From February 6 through February 9 at Rhode Island College we were able to scout live all 28 games at the National Prep School Invitational.

Here is Part 1 of our NPSI scouting articles. The first article is consisted of brief overviews on some of the top class-of-2025 recruits who participated at the NPSI this year. Most, if not all, of them seem capable to play a significant role or contribute from the jump on a Division 1 program.

London Jemison (6’8”, Saint Thomas More)                     – Committed to Alabama

A quick-twitch athlete who stands at 6-foot-8 with a plus two wingspan, Alabama commit Jemison seems more than ready to storm the NCAA world next season thanks to a promising blend of great physical tools and intriguing versatility. Jemison has the potential to be a 3-level scorer with a two-way value who can impact the game off the ball thanks to his good feel of when to cut combined with a nice stroke off the catch and movement.

Jaylen Harrell (6’5”, CATS)                                                    – Signed with Providence

Watching him participate at the NPSI for second year in a row, Harrell seems to be a poised and mature 6-foot-5 wing with a thick frame who knows how to be an effective scorer for his team. He is expected to be a reliable 3-point shooter off the catch and a player who can take an advantage of mismatches, bullying his opponents close to the basket.

Efeosa Oliogu (6’7”, William Academy)                               – Committed to Butler

Another recruit who seems destined to contribute right away in college next season. Oliogu, a 6-foot-7 strong and big guard with very solid base to go along with plenty of athleticism and power, for most of the time at the event he looked like a man among boys. Oliogu demonstrated intriguing decisiveness going down the lane fueled by his advanced leaping and scoring abilities. If he keeps honing his outside shot, Oliogu should have a successful collegiate career.

Mouhamed Camara (6’8”, NBA Academy)

Arguably the best defender at the tournament, the 6-foot-8 Senegalese player is extremely physically gifted with great tools (body frame, long wingspan and big shoulders), Camara could turn into a lockdown defender at the next level and a nightmare for opponents’ passing lanes. He will excel thanks to his athleticism in transition and open court plays. Offensively he seems to be pretty raw in half court sets at this point of his development, if he manages to develop a reliable 3-point shot, he could be an elite 3-and-D guy at the next stage.

Lual Machol (6’10”, Drive Academy)

A talented frontcourt player who displayed flashes of an eye-opening blend of fluidity and versatility in his game. Standing at 6-foot-10, his ball handling skills and understanding of the game to go along with his ability to create his own shot and also knock down threes were pretty impressive.

Ashton Reynolds (6’4, Williston Northampton School)

A Brooklyn native, Ashton Reynolds showcased his elite and eye-popping athleticism terrorizing the rims  to go along with a promising 3-point stroke (despite jumping pretty high) and solid defensive commitment. An intriguing two-way guard with crazy hops, Reynolds’ great showcase earned him offers from Bryant, Delaware State and Fairfield.

Brandon Benjamin (6’8”, Saint Thomas More)

A physically gifted athletic frontcourt player, New Jersey native Brandon Benjamin has a huge +6 wingspan, strong shoulders to go along with nice mobility and hops. Offensively he seems to be pretty versatile, being able to attack off the bounce, hit spot-up threes or finish aggressively above the rim off cuts. Will bring energy and good motor. Thanks to his solid performance at the event, he got an offer from University of Massachusetts.

Teshaun Steele (6’7”, Darrow School)

A 6-foot-7 lefty athletic wing with nice length and a high two-way upside. He displayed promising defensive versatility, solid rebounding and very good verticality within the paint. His stroke from long range looks good too.

Tomas Valentiny (6’7”, Get Better Academy)

A 6-foot-7 Slovakian forward, Valentiny has gotten stronger since the last time we scouted him at the 2024 NPSI. Playing a main role on their pro team in the Czech top division this season helped Valentiny become more confident. He is expected to be a reliable and consistent 3-point shooter, mainly off spot-ups and a good scorer/driver off the catch. Shows solid verticality. Should be a nice pick up for a MM school.

Abdullah Amzil (6’7”, Drive Academy)

A big wing from Finland, Amzil displayed his versatility. He could be a threat from long range. Has good hands on defense, will be a plus help defender thanks to his nice awareness, quick reactions and good verticality. His older brother, Mustapha has been playing college basketball (started at Dayton, now at New Mexico).

Kieran Mullen (7’0”, Saint Thomas More)

A long and mobile Canadian 7-footer who displayed pretty good skill set for his position and size. Should be a reliable lob catcher and rim protector, a solid roller and big man who will understand the game well. On top of that, his mid-range stroke looks good and capable of being a decent 3-point shooter with time and reps. Holds offers from Montana State, James Madison and Seattle, while still getting other interest.

Josue Kangudi (6’5”, Bridgeport Prep)

An explosive leaper, Kangudi embraces every single contact he plays through going down the lane. His physicality and level of sheer strength is hard to be matched whether in transition or in traffic, with his great verticality you get a hard-to-be-stopped slasher. Kangudi displayed decent shooting ability from mid to long range as well.

London Jemison

This article was written by Simeon Marinov, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

2025 NBA Mock Draft

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Version 1.1 (February 13, 2025)

This is basically a Big Board. We will include the team order and base some selections on teams needs after the draft lottery is completed.

Round 1

  1. Cooper Flagg, 6’9/205, CF, Duke, Freshman
  2. Dylan Harper, 6’6/220, PG, Rutgers, Freshman
  3. Ace Bailey, 6’9/200, CF, Rutgers, Freshman
  4. V.J. Edgecombe, 6’4/180, SG, Baylor, Freshman
  5. Kasparas Jakucionis, 6’6/205, PG, Illinois (Lithuania), Freshman
  6. Tre Johnson, 6’6/185, SG, Texas, Freshman
  7. Asa Newell, 6’10/205, Georgia, Freshman
  8. Egor Demin, 6’9/190, PG, BYU (Russia), Freshman
  9. Liam McNeeley, 6’8/185, SF, UConn, Freshman
  10. Jeremiah Fears, 6’4/185, PG, Oklahoma, Freshman
  11. Khaman Maluach, 7’2/245, C, Duke (South Sudan), Freshman
  12. Nolan Traore, 6’3/185, PG, France, International
  13. Kon Knueppel, 6’7/215, SF, Duke, Freshman
  14. Noa Essengue, 6’9/195, SF, France, International
  15. Ben Saraf, 6’5/200, PG, Israel, International
  16. Derik Queen, 6’10/245, C, Maryland, Freshman
  17. Ian Jackson, 6’4/180, SG, North Carolina, Freshman
  18. Rasheer Fleming, 6’9/245, PF, St. Joseph’s, Junior
  19. Kam Jones, 6’5/200, CG, Marquette, Senior
  20. Hugo Gonzalez, 6’6/205, SF, Spain, International
  21. Jase Richardson, 6’3/185, CG, Michigan State, Freshman
  22. Labaron Philon, 6’4/180, CG, Alabama, Freshman
  23. Boogie Fland, 6’2/185, PG, Arkansas, Freshman
  24. Alex Karaban, 6’8/220, CF, UConn, Junior
  25. Thomas Sorber, 6’10/250, C, Georgetown, Freshman
  26. Noah Penda, 6’7/225, CF, France, International
  27. Dink Pate, 6’8/210, SF, G-League
  28. Sergio de Larrea, 6’6/200, PG, Spain, International
  29. Adou Thiero, 6’8/220, CF, Arkansas, Junior
  30. Danny Wolf, 7’0/250, C, Michigan, Junior

  • 31. Nique Clifford, 6’6/200, SG, Colorado State, Senior
  • 32. Miles Byrd, 6’7/190, SG, San Diego State, Soph.
  • 33. Collin Murray-Boyles, 6’7/230, CF, South Carolina, Soph.
  • 34. Johni Broome, 6’10/240, C, Auburn, Senior
  • 35. Darrion Williams, 6’6/225, SF, Texas Tech, Junior
  • 36 Bojoljub Markovic, 6’11/190, CF, Serbia, International
  • 37. Ryan Kalkbrenner, 7’1/250, C, Creighton, Senior
  • 38 Chaz Lanier, 6’5/210, SG, Tennessee, Senior
  • 39. Jojo Tugler, 6’8/230, PF, Houston, Soph.
  • 40. JT Toppin, 6’9/225, PF, Texas Tech, Soph.
  • 41. Alex Toohey, 6’8/225, SF, Australia, International
  • 42. Will Riley, 6’9/195, SG, Illinois, Freshman
  • 43. Rocco Zikarsky, 7’3/230, C, Australia, International
  • 44. Walter Clayton Jr., 6’3/195, PG, Florida, Senior
  • 45. Tomislav Ivisic, 7’1/255, C, Illinois (Croatia), Soph.
  • 46. Maxime Raynaud, 7’1/245, C, Stanford (France), Senior
  • 47. Joan Beringer, 6’10/230, PF, France, International
  • 48. Carter Bryant, 6’8/225, CF, Arizona, Freshman
  • 49. Michael Ruzic, 6’9/220, CF, Croatia, International
  • 50. Drake Powell, 6’5/185, SG, North Carolina, Freshman
  • 51. Tyrese Proctor, 6’5/185, CG, Duke, Junior
  • 52. Johann Grunloh, 6’10/235, PF/C, Germany, International
  • 53. Jamir Watkins, 6’7/210, SF, Florida State, Senior
  • 54. Izan Almansa, 6’10/215, PF/C, Spain, International
  • 55. Xaivian Lee, 6’4/180, PG, Princeton, Junior
  • 56. Payton Sandfort, 6’8/215, SF, Iowa, Senior
  • 57. Eric Dixon, 6’8/260, PF, Villanova, Senior
  • 58. Hunter Sallis, 6’5/175, CG, Wake Forest, Senior
  • 59. Mackenzie Mgbako, 6’8/195, CF, Indiana, Soph.

2024 NBA Mock Draft

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Heading Title

NetScouts Basketball’s 2024 NBA Mock Draft is featured among the top nine mock drafts on NBA.com.

Last version pre-draft:

Round 1

1AtlantaZaccharie Risacher6-9205SFFranceIntl.
2WashingtonAlex Sarr7-1220PF/CFranceIntl.
3HoustonReed Sheppard6-3185CGKentuckyFr.
4San AntonioStephon Castle6-6200CGUConnFr.
5DetroitDonovan Clingan7-2265CUConnSo.
6CharlotteMatas Buzelis6-10195SFG-League 
7PortlandRob Dillingham6-3175CGKentuckyFr.
8San AntonioTidjane Salaun6-9215CFFranceIntl.
9MemphisDalton Knecht6-6215SGTennesseeSr.
10UtahNikola Topic6-6200PGSerbiaIntl.
11ChicagoRon Holland6-8200SFG-League 
12OKCCody Williams6-8185SFColoradoFr.
13SacramentoJa’Kobe Walter6-5180SGBaylorFr.
14PortlandYves Missi6-11230CBaylorFr
15MiamiDevin Carter6-3195CGProvidenceJr.
16PhiladephiaTristan da Silva6-9225SFColoradoSr.
17LA LakersZach Edey7-4299CPurdueSr.
18OrlandoJared McLain6-3196SGDukeFr.
19TorontoTyler Smith6-11225PF/CG-League 
20ClevelandKyle Filipowski7-0230PFDukeSo.
21New OrleansTerrence Shannon6-6220SFIllinoisSr.
22PhoenixIsaiah Collier6-3205PGUSCFr.
23MilwaukeeJohnny Furphy6-9205SFKansasFr.
24New YorkBub Carrington6-5190PGPittsburghFr.
25New YorkKe’lel Ware7-0225CIndianaS0.
26WashingtonKyshawn George6-8205SFMiamiFr.
27MinnesotaJaylon Tyson6-7215SFCaliforniaJr.
28Denver
Tyler Kolek6-3195PGMarquetteSr.
29UtahKevin McCullar Jr.6-6210SFKansasSr.
30BostonBobi Klintman6-9212SFSwedenIntl.

Round 2

 TeamPlayerHWPos.SchoolClass
31TorontoRyan Dunn6-8215SFVirginiaSo.
32Utah
Justin Edwards6-7180SFKentuckyFr.
33Milwaukee
DeRon Holmes6-10225PFDaytonJr.
34PortlandBaylor Scheierman6-7205SFCreightonSr.
35San AntonioPacome Dadiet6-8210SFFranceIntl.
36Indiana
Harrison Ingram6-7230SFNo. CarolinaJr.
37MinnesotaCam Christie6-6190SGMinnesotaFr.
38New York 
Oso Ighodaro6-11235CMarquetteSr.
39Memphis
Melvin Ajinca6-8215SFFranceIntl.
40PortlandAdem Bona6-10240CUCLASo.
41PhiladelphiaJamal Shead6-1200PGHoustonSr.
42CharlotteNikola Djurisic6-8185SGSerbiaIntl.
43MiamiDillon Jones6-6215SFWeber StateSr.
44Houston
Juan Nunez6-4190PGSpainIntl.
45SacramentoKJ Simpson6-2190PGColoradoSr.
46LA ClippersUlrich Chomche6-11235CNBA AcademyIntl.
47OrlandoN’Faly Dante6-11260COregonSr.
48San AntonioA.J. Johnson6-5165CGIllawara (NBL) 
49IndianaJonathan Mogbo6-7220PFSan FranciscoJr.
50IndianaTrentyn Flowers6-8190CGAdelaide (NBL) 
51WashingtonTristan Newton6-5195CGUConnSr.
52Golden StateAjay Mitchell6-5190PGUCSBJr.
53DetroitJaylen Wells6-7210SFWashington St.Jr.
54BostonJalen Bridges6-7220SFBaylorSr.
55LA LakersBronny James6-2210CGUSCFr.
56DenverAntonio Reeves6-6195SGKentuckySr.
57
Memphis
Enrique Freeman6-7215CFAkronSr.
58Dallas
Pelle Larsson6-5210SGArizonaSr.

National Prep School Invitational Day 4 + All-Tournament Team

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

February 4th (Sunday)

Game 25 – St. Andrew’s (RI) 99 vs. GB Academy (Czech Republic) 101  2OT

St Andrew’s (99) – #11 Anthony DeThomas (8), #33 Luke Michalski (26), #45 Ryan Weiss (19), #5 Raphy Tawil (14), ##42 Graham Einkenberry (6), ##4 Christophen Bianco (12), #21 Amir Panagiotis (4), #3 DJ Dixon (2), #30 Braeden Bryne (3)

GB Academy (101) – #4 Miks Zviedrans (5), #6 Tomas Valentiny (38), #7 Theo Alexandersson (6), #8 Witold Czerenciewicz (2), #9 Benjamin Navratil (5), #10 Kristijonas Strackaitis (9), #14 Toms Linens (21), #15 Oliver Stafanovic (19)

Game 26 – The Newman School (MA) 76 vs. Helsinki Basketball Academy (Finland) 50

Newman (76) – #10 Luka Toews (19), #0 Wyatt Nausadis (2), #2 Khalil Badru (11), #5 Kasean Shilingford (4), #13 Hudson Geremia (21), #12 Reggie Grodin (2), #34 Collins Onyejiaka (9), #23 Sam Morris (8)

Helsinki (50) – #37 Olavi Suutela (17), #3 Jalani Towa (10), #20 Kalle Kuhalampi (4), #8 Christian Blomfelt (5), #7 Jonas Kaivos (2), #19 Matias Karlin (5), #23 Samu Adler (7)

Game 27 – Brimmer and May (MA) vs. Lee Academy (Maine) 68

Brimmer (53) – #1 BJ Dawan-Abdullah (2), #3 Winston Legentus (31), ##4 Bryce Dortch (7), #10 Cole Gaffney (2), #11 Owen Haglund (4), #14 Ladanion Payne (3), #13 Cam Thornton (2), #30 Ryan Sserunkuma (2)

Lee Academy (68) – #1 Tyrell Green (8), #2 Landon Varos (2), #3 Drazen Sinigoj (9), #5 Wilbur Meija (11), #15 Jason Gibbs (6), #34 Amadou Doumbia (22), #40 Mamadou Kane (4). #10 Alec Mercer (3), #4 Noah Meyer (2),

Game 28 – South Kent School (CT) 65 vs. Great Futures Prep (WA) 57

South Kent (65) – #2 Luke Razi (1), #3 Oliver Jones (4), #13 Nate Guerengomba (14), #23 JoJo Wallace (19), #4 Kevin Odih (11), #5 Jacob Hogarth (8), #1 Badara Daakite (2), #21 Clemson Edomwonyi (3)

Great Futures (57) – #1 Ravjeet Randhawa (2), #2 Tait Spencer (27),  #3 Myles Moore (1), #4 Xavier Santana (8), #6 Lucius Fox (2), #12 Eesher Sarai (9), #35 Mouhammed Diao (8)

Game 29 – Bradford Christian Academy (MA) 77 vs. Macduffie School (MA) 55

Bradford Christian (69) – #2 Jayden Colon (10), #3 Antonio Pemberton (9), #4 Warren Keel Jr. (18), #5 Umari Seney (15), #7 Owen Crowley (4), #10 Sean Ngenga (3), #11 George Turkson (10), #14 Jordan Summer (1), #24 Kur Teng (1), #25 Anthony Troncellito (2), #15 Collin Charbanneau (5)

MacDuffie (55) – #1 Rayan Sablon (3),  #3 Tahlan Pettway (13), #5 Dayn Campbell (13), #10 Jake Lemelman (9), #11 Javon Perry (8), #32 Isaac Nyakundi (6), #23 Johnny Bol Akot (1), #24 Asiatic Allah (2)

Game 30 – St. Thomas More (CT) 60 vs. Drive Academy (Finland) 65

St. Thomas More (60) – #3 Shamiere Green (2), #5 Tyler Betsey (26), #10 Will Davies (2), #11 London Jemison (3), #12 Izaiah Pasha (10), #15 Roy Igbwe (1), #23 James LaFrance (8), #24 AJ Rodriguez (8)

Drive Academy (65) – #20 Tom Guma (3), #12 Nantii Ruuhilahti (6), #33 Okku Federiko (16), #51 Aaron Ekwere (8), #14 Abdullah Amzil (15), #25 Lual Machol (5), #32 Garang Machol (8), #1 George Vassilakis (2), #35 Brunel Medzou (2)

Most Outstanding Player

Warren Keel Jr. – Bradford Christian Academy

All Tournament Team

Winston Legentus – Brimmer and May School

Jovan Milicevic – Canyon International

Amer Ali – Canyon International

Jaylen Harrell – CATS Academy

Sekou Kourouma – Darrow School

Okku Federico – Drive Academy

Chris Jeffery – Mt Zion Academy

Eternity Eguagie -J Addison School

Tyler Betsey – St Thomas More

Luka Toews – The Newman School

This post was tagged as:

2024 national prep school invitational, 2024 NPSI, national prep school invitational, NPSI

You enjoyed this post? Don’t hesitate – Share now!

Austin Spurs Nip G-League Ignite

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Henderson, NV – The G League Ignite took on the Austin Spurs Tuesday night at the Dollar Loan Center. The Ignite were without two of their top players – Izan Almansa was out with an illness and Ron Holland was rested – as the Ignite lost a heartbreaking 105-104 contest. The Spurs were without Dominick Barlow and Mamadi Diakite, who are with Austin’s parent club, the San Antonio Spurs.

The Ignite missed Holland and Almansa’s presence in the paint, as the Spurs nearly doubled the home team in points in the paint (30-16) and were dominant on the boards (28-17 edge, 11 offensive). The Ignite were able to counteract that with some hot shooting from beyond the arc (8-18, 44.4%) and solid shooting from the floor (21-41, 51.2%). The Spurs could not get out of their own way, turning the ball over 10 times and committing 12 fouls compared to the Ignite’s six in each category. Austin would pull down two offensive rebounds and former West Virginia guard Erik Stevenson would hit a three to cut the Ignite’s lead to just five with 3:06 remaining in the first half, but the home team would have a 56-49 lead at half.

The second half was a different story for the Spurs, who would cut the deficit to four points with 6:24 to go in the third quarter. Stevenson would score 10 of his 24 points in the quarter, including multiple three-pointers to keep Austin in it. Austin would never have a lead bigger than four points, but all they needed was one more point at the end.

However, two technical fouls – one on Spurs’ head coach Will Voigt and the other on former Fresno State guard Paul Watson Jr. – would halt the Spurs’ momentum. The Ignite would convert both of the free throws for four points and hold onto their decreasing lead each time.

Stevenson kept Austin in it, but it was former Florida State forward RaiQuan Gray who was consistent all game for the Spurs, including the go-ahead basket with six seconds left. Gray would finish with a team-high 28 points and nine rebounds to go along with five steals and four blocks. Julian Washburn (12 points) and Yauhen Massalski (10 points) were the other Spurs players to finish in double figures.

Gray in particular was very impressive, providing timely bucket after timely bucket and scoring from all over the floor. At 6’7” and 269 lbs., he used every bit of his size to bully his way into the paint, making whoever the Ignite threw at him look small.

For the Ignite, five players finished in double figures – projected first round picks Matas Buzelis and Tyler Smith, former Washington State forward Will Davis, former NBA veteran John Jenkins and former Gonzaga guard Admon Gilder. Jenkins was tied for the team lead in points with 19, but it was Buzelis who really shone. Buzelis would finish with a game-high 15 rebounds to go along with two blocks, constantly rotating to provide help-side defense along with looking to push the ball in transition. Buzelis was also tied for the most made free throws in the game with Austin’s Stevenson with four.

Former NBA champion Norris Cole was a steadying presence for the Ignite, finishing with eight assists when the Ignite needed them most.

The Ignite are right back at it at home tomorrow, same start time – 7 p.m. PST – this time against the Iowa Wolves. The Spurs don’t play again until Friday and will take on the Sioux Falls Skyforce at the Sanford Pentagon at 8 p.m. EST.

This article was written by Mason McFee, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Butler Romps Over Georgetown

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Washington, D.C. – Georgetown came into this game with an 8-10 record, looking to stop a three game schneid. Unfortunately, they were no match for Butler, as they shot 62% FG and 50% from three in the first half. The Bulldogs led the Hoyas by 12 points at halftime, scoring a lowly 32% from the floor and 27% from deep. As the second half was underway, the Hoyas cut the lead to nine several times, but Butler responded, extending the lead back to double digits. Georgetown eventually fell to Butler 90-66. Butler was simply too physical, had all their starters in double figures while the Hoyas couldn’t get consistent offensive production. Butler guard Pierre Brooks led the team with 20 points and 11 rebounds and DJ Davis finished with 17 points, five dimes and four boards. Georgetown’s Jayden Epps led the Hoyas with 16 points and three assists, Supreme Cook added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Brooks is a junior who is having a good year for Butler. He averages 17 points and four boards on 48% shooting. Brooks is also efficient from beyond the arc averaging 44%. He made 4-of-6 threes in this game and went 8-of-15 from the floor. He is very crafty and plays in control, he has an overall high IQ. When he has the ball in his hands, he does a good job looking for players in the right spots, though he didn’t record a dime. He created angles to give himself space and while undersized he plays big. Brooks used his body to carve out 11 rebounds, which is the most he’s had this year. He just has an excellent feel for the flow of the game and great court vision. Fellow guard DJ Davis had his fingerprints on this game as well, using his quickness to gain separation on the floor. He was aggressive, driving to the basket and having the wherewithal to stop on a whim for pull up jumpers and runners. He succeeded in transition and was not afraid of contact. Davis made good cuts and came off screens. He shot 50% FG with only one made three, though he has a nice shooting touch.

Georgetown’s guard Epps did not have his best night. He led the team in scoring once again but was very inefficient. He shot 4-for-19 for the night and frankly didn’t play to his strengths. He was very hesitant to drive because there were no lanes for him to get to the basket. When Epps doesn’t get the driving lanes to the hoop, he starts to press and takes bad shots. He was very poor from downtown only making 2-of-13 attempts. Butler overmatched the team with a strong defensive performance and frankly got in his head. He added five turnovers to his stats as well which was a problem since he is the primary ball handler. Epps had a nice night from the charity stripe as he only missed one foul shot. Cook had a double-double in this game and seemed to be the only Georgetown player up to the task. He showed heart and put his arms in the body of the defenders to gain his ground. Cook is very raw but seems to be coming into his role by finishing better and being aggressive.

Butler is now 13-7 on the year and face Villanova next while Georgetown is 8-11 and goes up against Providence on the road. Butler is 8th and the Hoyas are 10th respectively in the Big East.

This article was written by Kenneth Moore, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

San Francisco Runs Past Minnesota

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Dons (5-2) took an early 9-1 lead against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2).  The Gophers were 0-for-5 from the field for the first four minutes of play.  San Francisco’s lead swelled to 11 points with 6:31 on hot three-point shooting from point guard Ryan Beasley who hit a pair of threes and Mike Sharavjamts added another which made the score 26-15 San Francisco.  Mike Mitchell Jr. stemmed the tide with a smooth short corner jumper.  Mitchell’s jumpers proved to be the first steps toward the Gophers comeback as they cut San Francisco’s lead down to eight points (37-29) by the end of the first half.

In the second half, the Dons and Gophers traded baskets for the first three minutes.  Then, the Gophers’ Elijah Hawkins made two jumpers in a row that cut the Don’s lead to four points – 43-39.  Minnesota’s Cam Christie’s three ball cut the Dons lead to just one – 47-46.  But this was as close as the Gophers would get. Sharavjamts made a jumper to push the lead back to three points. The Gophers could not keep pace and succumbed to a rash of turnovers and missed shots.  Despite Christie and Mitchell being above average three-point shooters the Gophers insisted on getting the ball to their bigs Dawson Garcia (19 points and 6 rebounds) and Pharrel Payne (15 points and 6 rebounds) who scored almost exclusively in the paint during the second half.   San Francisco pulled away to win the contest 76-58.

USF’s Jonathan Mogbo, (So,. Forward) scored 28 points with 10 rebounds and three assists.  Mogbo’s chiseled frame is perfect to dominate mismatches and he’s a versatile defender who scores efficiently, shooting 76% from the field.  t the rim.  Mogbo scored exclusively at the rim, he could be an interesting NBA prospect if he can establish at least some three-point shooting effectiveness.

USF’s senior guard Marcus Williams scored 20 points.  While he was 0-of-3 from 3, he effectively pushed the tempo and scored in a variety of ways – jumpers, layups as well as free throws.

Senior forward Dawson Garcia is the hub of the Gophers scoring.  Garcia has a nice touch around the rim and even stepped out and nailed two threes.  However, at 6’11” he averages just 1.1 blocks per game.  The Gophers will need Garcia to make a much bigger defensive impact if the they are going to make any noise in the Big 10 come conference play.

Minnesota’s freshman forward Cam Christie scored seven points on 3-of-7 shooting (1-3 3PT).  Cam is the younger brother of Max Christie, the Lakers 2022 NBA second round draft pick.  For a freshman Christie looked smooth and completely comfortable.  He had three turnovers but with time and experience he showed glimpses of a high ceiling with his shooting and shot creation. 

Minnesota’s Mike Mitchell Jr., a transfer from Pepperdine, scored nine points with six rebounds and four assists.  Mitchell, a natural point guard, plays the shooting guard position for the Gophers, no doubt because of his +40% three-point shooting on high volume his previous two years.  The Gophers play a traditional slow it down offense that doesn’t seem to play to Mitchell’s strengths.  Look for Mitchell to be a big part of the Gophers scoring arsenal going forward.

This article was written by Damon Burris, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Newer Posts
Older Posts