Jackson Already holds a Pair D-I Offers

Zeb Jackson-2020

As most of our loyal followers know, the Buckeye Prep Report begins following the state’s elite players as early as the 3^rd or 4^th grade.  One such player is Zeb Jackson (5’9/PG/2020/Toledo), who began attending Buckeye Prep events when he was in the 4^th grade.  He did not always make an all-star team in the early years when he was playing up 2-3 grades, but since about the 5^th grade, Jackson has been a perennial all-star at our events.  Based on his consistent success, both statewide and nationally, it came as no surprise to us when we learned Jackson has already received at least 2 scholarship offers from Mid-American Conference programs.

Reports have it that Jackson has received offers from Akron and Toledo before he ever suited up for a high school program.  We recently caught Jackson in action at the UA Next Combine Series-Midwest and our Elite 60 Midwest Challenge, in May where he once again excelled against some of the top players in the region.  Jackson is a super skilled and dynamic PG who can both score the ball and create shots for teammates. Jackson also has a high basketball IQ and knows how to run a team. 

Obviously, both Coach Keith Dambrot (Akron) and Coach Todd Kowalczyke (Toledo) are already convinced Jackson can make an early impact on their programs in 2020. If you have not seen Jackson go, you can check him out on September 17^th when he will suit up for the North squad in the Ohio North vs South and Ohio vs Michigan All-Star Games.  In those games, Jackson will compete with and against the top 20 players in the class of 2020 in Ohio and the state of Michigan.  Congrats to Zeb and his family for his hard work and dedication to the game.  From what we know of Jackson’s talent, more offers should follow! One last note, don’t let anybody try and fool you into believing that college coaches aren’t following the progress of theses young players!

Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase Information Page

Wolves Capture National Championship

Dayton Wolves-2021 USBA American Division Champions

This past weekend Coach Tony Dixon’s 7^th grade Dayton Wolves Squad made the trek to Charlotte, NC to participate in the USBA National Championships. After finishing 1-2 in pool play with losses to Team Power (58-50) and the Georgia Stars (40-41) and a win over the Charlotte Dragons (52-34), Dixon’s team made a 3-0 run in the American Division of the tournament to capture the crown. Dayton’s run to the championship included wins over the Diamond City All-Stars (72-59), NC Flames (57-50) and the WB Jaguars (41-17). It’s important to note that the Wolves’ pool was absolutely stacked, as the 2 teams they lost to made it to the semi-finals (Team Power) and finals (Georgia Stars)! North Carolina’s Team United won the National division with a 62-53 win over the Georgia Stars.  It could be legitimately argued that the top 3 teams in the tournament were placed in the same pool.  Standouts for the Wolves included Chance Amerson (5'9/SG/Trotwood) and Anthony McComb (5'8/SG/Dayton).  Congratulations to Coach Dixon, his players and parents for a job well done!

Skyler Schmidt Continues to Develop

Skyler Schmidt-2021

Skyler Schmidt (6/5/C/2021/Goshon) has consistently performed at a high level.  Rolling with the Cincinnati Royals during the spring and summer, Schmidt has proven to be a force both offensively and defensively. Not only can Schmidt put up solid numbers in the paint, he has proven to be an elite rim protector as well.  He possesses good footwork, a soft touch and the ability to finish at a high rate around the basket.  Thats not all, Schmidt can also step outside and hit the trey ball as well. Last September Schmidt participated in his first Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase and walked away with all-star honors.  In addition, in March, Schmidt did even better, as he not only made his second all-star game appearance; he grabbed Top 5 honors as well.  In the video below, Schmidt demonstrates his many skills on both ends of the floor.  You can catch Schmidt in action in Columbus on September 17^th and 18^th when he represents the South team in the Ohio North vs South game, and then suits up for Team Ohio in the Ohio vs Kentucky All-Star game.  With continued growth and development, Schmidt has a shot at college basketball.

Skyler Schmidt Highlight Video

Go Hard in the Paint Claims Title

Go Hard In the paint-Nike Summer Championship Champions

Despite being down early and trailing for most of the first half, Coach Tony Rogers’ 2021 Go Hard In the Paint (GHITP) squad fought back to defeat All-Ohio Purple in the championship game of the Nike Summer Championships in Columbus on Sunday.  The Kentucky-based GHITP was sparked by the heroic efforts of Jaden Rogers (5’8/PG/2021/Louisville, KY), who exploded for a game-high 29 points to lead his team to a 72-69 win over the #1 ranked All-Ohio Purple.  GHITP was down as many as 8 points early in the opening period, but took their first lead (22-21) with 3:10 left in the first half. GHITP would later take a 1 point lead (32-31) into the break.   All-Ohio would score first to start the half and retake the lead, but the lead would change hands for most of the second half.  Every time All-Ohio mounted a charge, Rogers answered with a score.  Possibly the most impressive performance of the tournament, Rogers was virtually unstoppable as he scored at all three levels and made it look easy.  Highly skilled and clutch best describes Rogers’ game on Sunday.  He hit triples, pulled up in the lane and drove to the basket at will.  Also playing well for GHITP was Sam Conley (6’1/WF/2021/Shelbyville, KY), who finished with 13 points.  For All-Ohio, Montev Ware (5’10/SG/2021/Cincinnati) was impressive, finishing with a team-high 22 points, followed by Rob Thompson (5’11/SG/2021/Cincinnati) who added 17 points.  We also saw some good things out of Jadaka Stone (5’7/SG/2021/Cincinnati).

Wilson, Rogers, Nichols, Henderson & Crawford

It’s important to note that Seth Wilson (6’1/P/SG/2021/West Lake), the state’s #1 ranked player, was running with All-Ohio Purple for the weekend.  Unfortunately for Purple, Wilson sustained a hairline fracture to his right thumb during the semi-final game against All-Ohio Red.  In that game, despite playing with the thumb injury, Wilson also proved unstoppable as he went off on Red to the tune of a game-high 26 points.  Wilson hit contested threes, hit stop and pop pull-ups in the lane, and used his strong frame to finish at the rim.  Just when you thought Wilson’s game was all about using his size and strength to bully his way to the cup, he displayed an elite skill set and the ability to score at all three levels.  For those people who expected Wilson’s development to stall, forget about it, he’s still developing and he still sits atop the rankings!  In that semi-final game, it’s also important to mention the play of Keon Henderson (5’6/PG/2021/Detroit, MI).  Despite Red’s eventual 67-43 loss to Purple, Henderson was the lone bright spot as he finished with a team-high 17 points, most of which were on drives to the cup.  Although he can create space for his jumper, Henderson’s game is about beating his defender off the dribble and getting to the basket.  Montev Ware was great in that game as was Adrian Layson 6’0/WFD/2021/Cincinnati) who finished with 11 points.

Ohio Clutch-Nike Summer Championship-4th Grade Champions

Congratulations to Coach Steven Hightower and his 2024 Ohio Clutch team for capturing the 4^th grade title with a 59-45 victory over All-Ohio Blue.  The 2 teams were neck and neck for most of the game, but the Jonah Nichols-led Clutch was simply too big and too talented in the end. Nichols (5’7/C/2023/Akron) was a monster in the paint and All-Ohio simply had no answer for him. Nichols finished with an impressive 21 points in the win. For the record, Nichols is an “age eligible” 5^th grader. Behind Nichols in scoring was Jonathan Powell (5’1/SG/2024/Akron), who finished with 13 points.  Juan Crawford Jr. (5’2/WF/2024/Dayton) was the leading scorer for All-Ohio with a team-high 16 points.  Although he’s a big, Crawford sets on the perimeter waiting for catch and shoot 3-ball opportunities.  Both teams are loaded with talent and will crack our top 10 team rankings when we publish them for next season.

In some of the other finals results, the Ohio Bulldogs defeated TNBA South 56-35 to claim the 8^th grade title, while King James took down Tri-County Canada 56-27 to grab the 9^th grade crown, All-Ohio Red got by TNBA West Flash 54-31 in the 10^th grade division and All-Ohio Red bested Hidden Gems Black to take the 11^th grade gold.  Congratulations to all of the tournament winners as many teams wrap up their 2016 season.

Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase Invitations Extended

Below is a copy of an email that went out this morning along with an invitation to the September 17th & 18th Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase.  The email provides details about the event.  We don't have everybody's email who deserves an invitation, so please feel free to contact us at taylorobe@aol.com to receive a copy.  All ranked players and any players we have listed or written about on this website is eligible to attend.  Also, if you have attended our elite showcases in the past you are also invited.  Finally, we will accept nominations from coaches for invitations.

Parents, Coaches, Players,

We are now a little over 60 days before the September 17^th and 18th Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase (fall).  Attached is an invitation for your son/player.  As was the case last September, the event will be loaded with talent and will represent another opportunity for your son/player to compete against the best players from around Ohio, the Midwest and the nation.  As is the case with every Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase, the exposure opportunities will be great, as there will be numerous scouting services, video guys and small college coaches in the house to document the action.  In addition, with the return of the prestigious Ohio North vs South All-Star Games, your son/player will have the opportunity to compete against the very best. 

As I have done before, I will be maintaining a running list of players who have committed to the event (right hand side of the website).  This is not an official list and will not hold your son/player a spot in the showcase, as only a full payment of the $149.00 registration fee by the deadline will guarantee a spot. Also, for your convenience, I have placed a Pay Pal link in the upper right hand corner of the website if you would like to pay the fee online with a credit card.  When using Pay Pal, please make sure you enter your son/player’s name, grade, height and position in the space provided, as this will assist me to match your payment with the registration forms. Also, please make sure you note the Pay Pal receipt number on the registration form, and then bring the receipt with you the morning of the event.  If you plan to attend the event, please email us with your intentions, provide me with your son’s name, grade, height and position, then send in the registration forms and fee ASAP. Please do not send registration forms without the fee!  Every player must submit completed registration forms.

Once again, we will be hosting a 2^nd-5^th grade division for the younger players. Because of the smaller numbers with these age groups, this division may be combined into 1 division. As the date of the showcase gets closer, I will be sending out emails and updating the website.  It is very important that you continue to follow the website up until the day of the event (http://www.BuckeyePrep.blogspot.com) for updates, as things may change. I know I don’t have email addresses for everybody, and some people don’t use the internet very often; therefore, please help me spread the message and share the information and updates with those parents who you know may not receive the information they need.  If you know of a ranked player, or any kid who may be talented enough to attend the event, have them contact me for an invitation.

For those of you who have not attended Buckeye Prep showcases in the past, below are a number of links to articles and videos from past events. Please take the time to go through the material as they offer some great insight into the nature of the events.  For those you who have participated in the showcases, you know that the competition is fierce; the right people are there watching; and the event is always well run.

Based on the level of participation last September, the positive feedback we received after the event, this event will likely be SOLD OUT. Because of facility limitations, once all of the spots have been filled, I cannot add additional players. Spots will be filled on a “first come, first served basis.” If you have any questions or concerns, emailing me is the best option, but feel free to call me at 614-203-2929.  I hope to see you in March!

PS. I’m always looking for quality coaches.  If you enjoy working with kids, have a coaching background, can be objective and are interested in coaching at the event, please email me. Coaches will receive a free admission ($20 value), showcase T-shirt and free meals and drinks in our coaches and media only hospitality lounge. This year, the coaches/media lounge will be sponsored by Roosters Restaurant, so we will be eating good!! Please note, you cannot coach your son or player(s), and every attempt will be made to schedule around your son’s games.

Rob Taylor

Editor

Buckeye Prep Report

Committed player list, updates, media & video links from past events:

Information Page: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X4CIserff98selJqtwFyl81Zdt2eRH-2rvnT1agnc8U/edit

Nike Summer Championship Day 2 Recap

Johnson, Walker, Nichols, Walker & Conley

We had the opportunity to spend the day on Saturday at the Nike Summer Championship in Reynoldsburg, OH.  Approximately 60 teams participated in the first-year event that represented a collaboration between the All-Ohio Program and TNBA.  Although the field was small I numbers, there were several talented teams and compelling match-ups. With a roster full of talent, Chris Anthony’s Ohio Bulldogs appeared to be the class of the 9^th grade division. Marcus Johnson (6’2/WF/2020/Columbus) was his explosive self and excited the crowd with a powerful dunk.  Von Cameron Johnson (6’2/PF/2020/Columbus) was productive in the paint while CJ Anthony (6’1/P/SG/2020/Columbus) was on his game. Despite their close loss to the Louisville, Kentucky-based Go Hard In The Paint (GHITP), Marty Finta’s 2021 All-Ohio Red team looked good on Saturday. The addition of Detroit’s Keon Henderson gives the team more scoring and toughness at the point guard position.  In addition, Henderson’s motor and hawkish defense set the tone for All-Ohio.  Of course Brent Walker (6’5/C/2021/Huber Heights) was dominate, as he finished at a high rate around the basket and protected the rim from would be scorers.  Wil Sizer (6’2/PF/2021/Mt Orab) had a big day as well as he almost willed his team to victory over a tough Key Player team.  We also saw some good things out if Isaiah May (6’1/WF/2021/WV) who hit a pair of big treys in a loss to GHITP.  May has good length and a nice skill set which allows him to be a multi-level scorer.

GHITP had several studs including Sam Conley (6’1/WF/2021/KY), Chandler Strong (6’1/SG/2021/KY) and Selah Brown (6’1/C/2022/KY).  Both Conley and Strong are super skilled, while Brown is big and strong and able to finish at a high clip near the cup.  The fact he was so productive playing up a year suggests he’s worth tracking going forward. You can catch Conley and Strong in action when they return to Columbus on September 17^th & 18^th for the Ohio vs Kentucky All-Star Game. We got out first look at Ohio Crush (2024) and were very impressed with what we saw.  They only rolled with 6 players, but the starting five were as good as any 5^th graders we’ve seen this season.  The Clutch is anchored in the paint by Jonas Nicholas (5’7/C/2023/Akron), who is big, strong and athletic. Surrounding Nichols are 4 guards who can all go. Jonathon Powell (5’1/SG/2024/Akron) seems to be the best of them, but Amaree Pickens (5’1/SG/2024/Erie, PA), Jalen Hightower (4’9/SG/2024/Copley) and Levelle Sharpe (5’1/SG/2024/Akron) are all very talented and make this team a tough out.  We were also really impressed with Chase Walker (5’10/C/2023/Columbus) who was all most unstoppable around the rim. Speaking of impressive, Coach Jeff Rike’s All-Ohio Blue (4^th grad) squad is absolutely loaded with talent! Delamarr Blanton (5’2/SG/2024/Dayton) and Javon “Tank” Vaughn are the engine that makes this team go, but there are several other guys including Bryce Johnson (5’2/PF/2024/Dayton) and Mason Carpenter (4’7/PG/2024/Richmond, IN) who contribute and make this team tough to beat. There are also some good-looking Canadian teams playing in the event including Grassroots Canada.  Big Hunter Harding (5’10/C/2023/Toronto, CA) is a huge space eater and has potential written all over him, while Ryan Regault (5’0/SG/WF/2023/Toronto, CA) brings toughness to the table and Sean Blake (4’11/PG/2023/Toronto, CA) runs the show.

Davis, Sizer, Henderson, Regault & Vaughn

Below is a list of the standout performers we saw on Saturday. Marcus Johnson (6’2/WF/2020/Columbus), Von Cameron Davis (6’2’/PF/2020/Columbus), CJ Anthony (6’0/PG/2020/Columbus), Jordan Jackson (6’1/PG/2020/Loraine), Brent Walker (6’5/C/2021/Huber Heights), Wil Sizer (6’2/PF/2021/Mt. Orab), Keon Henderson (5’6/PG/2021/Detroit, MI), Isaiah May (6’1/WF/2021/WV), Chandler Strong (6’1/SG/2021/Louisville, KY), Sam Conley (6’1/WF/2021/Shelbyville, KY), Selah Brown (6’1/C/2020/Louisville, KY), Isaac Merchants (5’8/WF/2020/Toronto, CA), Ethan Hunte (5’7/PG/2022/Toronto, CA), Elijah Aedo-Castillo (5’9/W/PF/2022/Toronto, CA), Chase Walker (5’10/C/2023/Columbus), Jonas Nichols (5’7/C/2024/Akron), Jonathon Powell (5’1/SG/2024/Akron), Amaree Pickens (5’1/SG/2024/Erie, PA), Jalen Hightower (4’9/PGH/2024/Copley), Levelle Sharpe (5’1/SG/2024/Akron), Bryce Johnson (5’2/PF/Dayton), Mason Carpenter (4’7/PG/2024/Richmond, IN), Cannen Howser (5’1/SG/2024/Ft Wayne, IN), Hansen Haffner (4’11/PG/2024/Ft Wayne, IN), Hunter Harding (5’10/C/2023/Vaughn, CA), Delamarr Blanton (4’2/SG/2024/Dayton), Javon “Tank” Vaughn (PG/2024/Dayton), Sean Blank (4’11/PG/2023/Toronto, CA), Ryan Regault (5’10/SG/WF/2023/Toronto, CA), Jalen Simmons (2022), Clayton Thomas (2021), Brady Dingess (2022), Jordan Williams (2021), Christopher Snyder (2022) and Joshua Jones (2021).

Standout Performer Pictures

Photo Gallery

NEO Finishes 3rd in the Nation

Congratulations to Coach Danelle Love and her2021 NEO Tru Games squad for their 3^rd place finish at the AAU Nationals last weekend.  In pool play, NEO finished 2-1 with wins over Arc 13U Elite (76-29) and NJ Bulldogs (77-57), and a loss to Seattle Rotary Style (74-64).  In bracket play, NEO got by Seattle Select Warriors (64-61) and North Carolina Wolves (62-54) before taking a loss to Michigan-based The Family Black in the semi-finals (53-39).  In the 3^rd/4^th place game, NEO defeated New York’s RENS 72-68 to claim 3^rd place.  For the record, the Atlanta Celtics defeated The Family 56-52 to claim the championship.  Standouts for NEO included Seth Wilson who was twice singled out as a Top Performer my AAU and J. Nob Cameron who was described as having “played at another level.” Other players who had standout performances included Jayden Hawkins-White, Malachi Branham and Trey Woodyard.

Danny Young’s 2022 All-Ohio Northeast squad finished 7-0 on their way to the championship of the Gym Rat Nationals in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Sunday. On their trek to the title All-Ohio took down Indiana Speed (52-17), Whitney Panthers (46-34), Team Future (49-47), Chicago Predators (44-22), Gym Rats, Lima Gators and Indiana Always 100 (39-33).  Standouts for All-Ohio were Jordan Huff, Danny Young Jr., Jonah Dieterie and Trey Martin.  For the season, All-Ohio has a very impressive 45-8 record.

Malcolm Walter’s 2020 NEO Shooting Stars team made a sweet sixteen run at the Peach State Tournament in Augusta, GA.  Grant Huffman had a big tournament and was recognized by Insider Prep as one of the top performers at the event. Also playing well were Kenny McElreth, Marvin Davies and Nicholas Walters.  It should be noted that NEO was without the services of Devonte Blanton and Isaiah Kennedy.  You can catch many of these players at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase September 17^th & 18^th in Columbus.

Middle School All-American Game Returns

Last summer the Middle School All American Game kicked off the Basketball Spotlight Future Phenom and the event was outstanding. It brought together the top players in the USA to compete against each other on the grand stage. The best of the best in the country got busy. This year the Middle School All American Game returns and will once again feature the best players in the country and will be held August 26th in Washington, DC. Basketball Spotlight will be a part of the selection process for this event. P2.bball.com breaks down the entire selection process for this event. Don’t miss out on this historic event. Click on the link below for the selection process. 

Ohio North vs South All-Star Game on Tap

On September 17^th, the Buckeye Prep Report will once again play host to the very popular Ohio North vs South All-Star Games in grades 6th-9th.  In fact, a number of invitations to this prestigious event have all ready been submitted to the top players in each of the above-mentioned classes. This event was developed as a platform to feature the top players in the state of Ohio based on their geographical residence and graduation class.  Participation in this event is an honor, and will provide selected players with the opportunity to compete against the best players in the state in their respective classes, while also receiving exposure from local and national media outlets.  Past participation in this event as represented a springboard to middle school, high school and college success. 

Players who have received an invitation to the event must confirm participation ASAP in order to retain their spot. After July 30^th, a new round of invitations will be extended and rosters will be finalized.  In addition to the Ohio North vs South games, an Ohio vs Michigan game for rising freshmen is also scheduled. This game will the feature game and will include the top players from both Ohio and Michigan.  Past participants have gone on to play major college basketball and the NBA. This is an invitation you want!  As soon as rosters have been solidified they will be posted along with player profiles.  This is a unique, one-of-a-kind event that has a long linage of excellence. Look for additional details in the next few weeks.

Buckeye Elite Showcase Information Page

Prior Media Write-up

Prior 2016 Ohio vs Michigan Roster

Team Michigan Pictures

Team Ohio Pictures

Prior 2016 Ohio North vs South Roster

Prior 2015 Roster

Prior 2017 Roster

UA Next Combine Series-Bay Area Recap

Walker, Harris, Beasley, Askew & Clark

The 6^th and final session of the UA Next Combine Series jumped off in the Bay Area, CA. on Friday and the talent level in the gym did not disappoint.  Unique to this session was the event’s connection to the Stephen Curry Camp and the fact the UA Next participants had an opportunity to observe some of the top high school players in the country go through skill sessions on their last day of the camp.  UA Next participants were also able to play in the same state of the art facility as the high school guys.  Needless to say, the rising freshman were inspired by what they saw.

In terms of the talent, no one performed better than Kyree Walker (6’4/PG/2020/Oakland, CA), who strengthened his case as the #1 player in the class of 2020 with his dominate play.  Walker did pretty much anything he wanted.  He’s an elite scorer at all three levels, but he’s also one of the best playmakers in his class.  Walker is also a match-up problem as he’s too big for most guards and he’s too skilled for bigger players.  In addition, Walker has excellent court vision and can deliver pinpoint passes to teammates for easy buckets.  That’s not all, Walker is an explosive athlete who plays above the rim, collects numerous rebounds and although he’s a guard, he’s an elite rim protector.  In addition, Walker is extremely confident and he’s more than wiling to let you know that he’s unguardable.  We were also really impressed with Jason Harris (6’7/WF/2020/Gilbert, AZ), who like Walker, arrived at the event with a big time reputation.  Also like Walker, Harris lived up to the hype as he displayed a developing perimeter game and the ability to consistently knock down 3 pointers. Harris already has high major length and still seems to have more room for growth.  Harris’ ball skills continue to improve, as he showed the ability to take guys off the bounce and score. Based on what we saw on Friday, Harris is a sure fire high major D-I prospect and should be drawing interest from college coaches now!

Burton, Scott, Hall, Washington & Cottrell

In terms of guards, Robby Beasley (6’1/PG/2020/Dublin, CA) was one of the best on Friday.  Beasley is a highly skilled PG who is equally equipped to score or create opportunities for others.  The dynamic floor general is quick, easily changes speed and direction, has an explosive first step and has a number of dribble moves he uses to break down his defender and get into the lane. Beasley also has an elite motor and is a lock down defender.  Moreover, he can hit the three ball, pull up off the bounce or hit you with a floater.  Beasley easily projects as a D-I prospect.  Although he started slow, by the second game, Devin Askew (6’0/PG/2020/Sacramento, CA) was hitting on all cylinders.  Askew had everything working including deep threes, pull up jumpers and drives to the basket.  Also, Askew showed an elite skill set and the ability to both score the ball and find open teammates.  Askew is crafty, he plays with good pace and changes speed and direction well.  We’ve seen him twice in the last couple of weeks and his growth, development and consistency are evident.  The fact he’s reclassifying to 2021 will only strengthen his growing national reputation. Askew should be playing college basketball in a few years.

Any discussion about skilled guys with upside potential has to include Hunter Clark (6’4/PG/2020/Morage, CA).  Clark impressed us with his elite skill set, non-stop motor and energy level.  Clark, the son of a college coach, does just about everything, including scoring at multiple levels and using his advanced vision and passing ability to get his teammates open looks.  Clark has great size for a young PG, is surprisingly athletic and clearly understands how to be effective from the point.  Clark is another division I prospect with continued growth and development.  We also saw some real good things out of Fred Burton (6’1/combo guard/2020/Sacramento, CA).  Burton has grown a bit since we last saw him and so has his game.  Burton is good at using his size to exploit smaller guards.  He might be physical and explosive, but Burton’s skill set is also a weapon.  Although Burton can score at an elite level, he’s also a hell of a playmaker as well.  We like Burton’s potential going forward.  Jalen Scott (5’11/PG/2020/Rodeo, CA) showed flashes of some good things.  Not only does Scott have the ball on a string and is proficient at creating space with his elite handle and craftiness, he is a catch and shoot threat and always seems to be making positive plays.   Keshawn Hall (5’10/PG/2020) caught our eye several times with his hawkish on-ball defense and high energy.  Hall handles the rock at a high level and he has a few dribble tricks he uses to create space.

Rogers, Rider, Gwananji, Rogers & Thomas

Tyrone Washington (5’9/PG/2021/Tempe, AZ) was one of the better guards at the event.  Washington has a solid handle, excels at driving and dishing, but can also create space for his own shot.  We also liked Washington’s ability to convert the step-back jumper if his defender plays him too closely.  He’s not going to blow by you with blazing speed, but he’s smart and crafty enough to get his game off.  We’ve seen Washington on a number of occasions and it’s clear he is continuing to develop.  Isaiah Cottrell (6’7/PF/C/2020/ Las Vegas, NV) has potential written all over him.  Cottrell is long, with long arms and big feet, suggesting he still has room to grow.  Although he more advanced defensively right now, as he puts on weight and adds strength to his frame, Cotrell’s stock will only rise.  We saw him erase several shots and finish a few plays at the rim.  Contrell upside potential could be significant. Tyrese Rogers (6’1/combo guard/2020/Phoenix, AZ) did a few nice things on Friday including knocking down treys and displaying solid ball skills. Dallas Rider (6’1/combo guard/2020) is always a threat from beyond the arc with his quick release and ability to shoot from deep.  In terms of players to watch, Jamir Thomas (5’8/combo guard/2020/Berkley, CA) fits that description. Thomas is small but scrappy and understands how to play the game.

Some of the other standout performers we saw included Isaiah Dwelle (6’0/combo guard/2020/Milpitas, CA), Anthony Rosier (6’0/PG/Anthem, AZ), Elijah Alonzo (6’0/combo guard/2020/Pleasanton, CA), Peter Gwananji (6’5/WF/2020/Sacramento, CA) and Trevor Rogers 6’2/PF/2020/Sunnyvale, CA).  With the conclusion of the Bay Area session, the inaugural year of the UA Next Combine Series is in the books.  Based on the feedback we have received through this season, Under Armour’s newest platform was an overwhelming success! Over the next couple of weeks decisions will be made relative to the players who will be selected to participate in the Elite 24 rising freshman game in New York and the rosters will be posted on the Buckeye Prep Website.

UA Next Combine Bay Area Player Pictures

Photo Gallery