Midwest Regional U.A. Next Combine-Early Look

Elmore James III, Paul McMillan IV, Grace VanSlooten, Jaden Schutt & Donovan Jones)

As is the case in most events of this type, there are a few players at the Midwest Regional U.A. Next Combine in Chicago that have already shown some early promise even before the real action begins this afternoon when the games tip off.  You can never identify all of the top players by watching a few drills, but Emore James III (6’1”/WF/2022/South Euclid) has already impressed us with his combination of size, power and skill.  As we have noticed before, Elmore’s skill set has continued to develop and his ability to handle the rock at his size and strength is starting to pose a problem for defenders.

He’s the highest nationally ranked kid at the event and his play so far reflects that.  Paul McMillan IV(6’1”/PG/2022/Cincinnati, OH) already has good size for his position and is proving to be strong and explosive to the cup.  We don’t know if he’s dunking the ball just yet, but his first step is explosive and his drives to the basket are powerful and effective.  Let’s see how he matches up later to the other top players at the event. 

He may not look like it, but Jaden Schutt (6’2”/PG/2022/Yorkville, IL) may be the most athletic player at the combine!  We were initially impressed with his skill set and agility, but during an impromptu dunk contest during lunch, Schutt was the most creative and consistent dunker in the group.  His play during 5-on-5 competition this afternoon should tell the rest of the story.

We also plan to keep an eye out on Donovan Jones (6’0”/SG/2022/Chicago, IL), who flashed some athleticism during drills.  Jones also has good length and could be a standout later today.  Raymar Prior (6’1”/SG/2022/Canton, OH) has gotten off to a good start, as has Grace VanSlooten (6’0”/PF/2022/Toledo, OH), Lacy Bradshaw (5’8”/PG/2022/Elsmer, KY), Margo Mattes (5’9”/PG/2023/Mason, OH) and Janyah Bohanon (5'11"/WF/2022/East Cleveland, OH).  Although there are several quality big men at the combine, the nature of the morning drills was not conducive to standing out.  We will keep an eye on the bigs later today.