On Saturday, the UA Next Combine Series (East) debuted
at St John’s College High School in Washington DC. Forty elite level players from around the
region assembled for this “invitation only” 1-day event. At stake were a few coveted spots for UA’s
rising freshman Elite 24 Game in New York City.
The day kicked off with a series of high level skill and drill sessions in
the morning designed to emphasize skill development. In the early afternoon players were treated to
a inspiring presentation by Rowland Houston, former Head Coach at George Mason
and George Washington Universities. In
the afternoon, games began, with each of 4 teams playing 3 games. Once play started, players demonstrated a
willingness to pass and play defense which can sometimes be rare at events
like these. Also, the games were close
with many of the outcomes undetermined until the final seconds of the game.
Finally, most of the games were played at a high level, with kids playing hard.
One of the best
prospects we saw all day was Trey Hall
(6’7/PF/Connecticut). Not only is Hall a
physical specimen, he’s skilled with an elite motor. Hall has the ability to hit the trey, but he is
strong and explosive enough to finish at the rim. From what we saw, Hall has high major written
all over him. Any discussion about long-term
prospects with big upside potential has to include Elijah Taylor (6/8/PF/Pennsylvania). The best part of Taylor's game is
his elite motor, as Taylor was extremely active both offensively and
defensively. Big time athleticism with a strong frame, Taylor owned the glass
and protected the rim. In fact, Taylor was the second leading shot blocker with
8 blocks in 2 games. Big and strong, Taylor already has a college-ready
body. Finally, Taylor set bone-crushing
screens all day. Jordan Toles (6’2/Combo/Maryland) was a monster, as he got to the
rim with ease and knocked down treys and mid range jumpers. Toles is best at
attacking the cup, but his developing skill set and shot mechanics suggests a
greater upside. He’s just a guard, but
his big time motor allowed him to lead the combine in rebounding, Toles grabbed
20 rebounds in 3 games (6.7 average) and was third is assists with 9 and an
average of 3 per game.
 |
| Hall, Toles, Taylor, Wilcher & Conway |
AJ Hoggard (6’2/PG/Pennsylvania) continues to prove
he can excel against elite competition.
Hoggard has good size for his position, is smooth, poised and patient
with the rock. Hoggard’s combination of
size and handle makes it tough for defenders to stay in front of. Hoggard works well off of picks and can
either score or find open teammates. In addition, Hoggard changes speed and
direction well, and he has a number of dribble moves he uses to get into the
paint. Hoggard put up solid numbers on
Saturday, averaging 10.7 points per game.
EJ Evans (6’4/combo/New
Jersey) is another sold athlete that displayed a number of nimble moves to the
bucket including a nifty spin move in the paint for the score. Evans is not just a slasher; he’s crafty and
can also drain deep treys (avg 50% from beyond the arc). Evans was the 3rd
leading scorer at the event, averaging 14 points per game. Arguably the best shooter at the combine was Okay Djamgouz (6’2/Combo/Ontario, CN)
who demonstrated the ability to hit the 3-ball on a consistent basis. Djamgous is an extreme marksman and when he
gets hot, he’s a problem. Although he was more of a catch and shoot threat on Saturday, we've seen video of Djamgous and he much more dynamic and skilled than that. He can handle the rock, creat his own shot and get it done off the bounce as well. Djamgouz was
the event’s leading 3-point shooter with 8 treys made.
 |
| Hoggard, Evans, Djamgouz, Farrakhan & Surendran |
Cameron Byers (6’5/PF/Maryland) had a good day. Big, powerful with a willingness to get physical in the paint are his calling cards. For his size, Byers is quick off his feet, has good agility and appears to be working on his perimeter game. In a few games, Byers had solid rebounding numbers. Big Cam finishes with both hands, and although he does not play above the rim, it’s hard to get a shot off on him. Byers also proved he could convert free throws, as he led the combine 15 and an average of 5 boards per game. Byers was also 4th in scoring with 35 points and 11.7 ppgs. If Byers can get a few more inches and continue to develop ball skills, he has a chance. Qaadir Maneri (6’0/Combo/New York) was workhorse on Saturday. We were really impressed with Maneri’s ability to get into the lane and finish, often with contact. Maneri is poised under pressure and is a willing and able passer. He’s also a threat to shoot it if given space. We also like Maneri’s vision and play making ability. There's more to Maneri’s game, as his defensive pressure resulted in 8 total steals, an average of 2.7 per game. Jeffery Woodard (6’9/C/Pennsylvania) already has great size for his position, a strong frame and is highly skilled. He handles it well for a big and has developed a nice little mid-range shot. He can also put the rock on the floor and can get his shot off the bounce. Woodard also blocked 7 shots (2.7 avg). From what we saw, there’s little doubt that Woodard has college basketball in his future. While we are on the subjects of skilled bigs with D-I potential, we have to mention John Vrdoljak (6’9/C/Ontario, CN). Vrdojak is long and lean with deceptive athleticism. He’s great in pick and pop situations and with his long wingspan he’s a elite rim protector. We also saw Vrdoljak hit a guy with a euro step and finish!
 |
| Byers, Maneri, Woodard, Vrdoljak & Johnson |
 |
| Demby, Dorsey, McArdle, McPherson & Wilson |
Although this
was only their first of 6 regional events in this platform, early returns indicate
that the UA Next Combine Series will represent a home run Under Armour! Their emphasis on skill development and elite
competition will set this event apart from like events. The Buckeye Prep Report
is proud to be working with Under Armour to provide this unique opportunity to
the best 8th graders in the country.
Next up is the Midwest combine in Columbus, Ohio May 14th.
No comments:
Post a Comment