As an NBA Draft analyst, my major focus is evaluating imminent draft prospects and figuring out if and the way they match into the skilled basketball ecosystem. All through the basketball season, I can normally be present in faculty arenas taking in video games, however I additionally make a concerted effort to get a head begin on future drafts as properly. So after aggressively touring to school video games throughout November, I attended highschool occasions for the final couple of weeks. Most not too long ago, I traveled to Fort Myers, Fla., for a few days on the Metropolis of Palms Traditional. Subsequently, I noticed numerous intriguing prospects that I believe might become NBA gamers. I’d prefer to share my impressions and ideas on a few of these prospects for Ballislife from an NBA scout’s perspective:
Editor’s Notice: The Metropolis of Palms semifinal matchups are FAB 50 No. 1 Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) vs. No. 12 Columbus (Miami, Fla.) and No. 10 Imhotep Constitution (Philadelphia, Pa.) vs. No. 14 Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.).
Elliot Cadeau, Hyperlink Academy (Branson, Mo.)6-1 | 165 | Guard | Class of 2024I first noticed Elliot Cadeau at Pangos All-American Camp in Las Vegas, Nev., and thought he was nice! He’s actually on the smaller facet, which is an issue from an NBA standpoint on some stage or one other, and he’s on the older facet in age for his grade. (He’s already 18 years previous). Nonetheless, apart from these issues, there’s not a lot else to not like about Cadeau: he’s fast, explosive, has a excessive basketball IQ, appears mature and composed, and is only a terrific ground common general. Within the recreation I watched, he scored 12 factors on 6-12 capturing and impressively dished out 9 assists whereas solely turning the ball over as soon as.
Isaiah Collier, Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.)6-3 | 190 | Guard | Class of 2023One could be remiss in the event that they didn’t level out Isaiah Collier’s bodily profile instantly. At 6-3 190 lbs., Collier is already constructed like a grown man. He’s a bodily guard, particularly at this early stage in his profession. Collier is only with the ball in his arms and has the same enjoying fashion as Russell Westbrook. He’s always pushing the ball north and south and is assertive, attempting to make performs — he’s laborious to protect. And Collier additionally appears to be a pure passer and playmaker. From my viewpoint, his outdoors capturing seems to be sporadic and appears to be his swing talent. He’ll be a excessive precedence on my watch record for subsequent season when he fits up for the USC Trojans.
Justin Edwards, Imhotep Constitution (Philadelphia, Pa.)6-7 | 180 | F | Class of 2023The Metropolis of Palms Traditional wasn’t my first time seeing Edwards, however I’ve nonetheless been attempting to achieve a greater grasp of him as a prospect. And contemplating he’s one of many top-ranked prospects within the Class of 2023 and is dedicated to John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats, expectations have been excessive. Nonetheless, after I consider prospects, particularly in highschool, I do my finest to take away myself from the “hype” and kind my very own uncooked opinions. So concerning my analysis of Edwards, to begin with, his bodily instruments are spectacular. His listed measurements of 6-7 and 180 lbs., are deceptive as a result of Edwards is huge and lengthy. As I venture how he’ll develop bodily, I don’t suppose he’ll have any downside enjoying each ahead spots. His recreation is based on slashing to the outlet, with capturing from the perimeter being very a lot secondary. Edwards routinely makes use of his lengthy wingspan and instincts to successfully make issues occur on the defensive finish, whether or not getting free balls, rebounds, deflections, or blocks. I’m projecting Edwards to grow to be a slashing hybrid ahead that may be switchable on the defensive finish. And I’m hoping he can develop right into a dependable outdoors shooter as a result of that can open up the sport for him. At this level, I can see some resemblance to a younger Thaddeus Younger, who has had a terrific NBA profession.
Boogie Fland, Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.)6-3 | 165 | Guard | Class of 2024Each time I watch Fland, I stroll away much more enthusiastic about his future. He’s solely 16 years previous, however he’s already doing many nice issues on the court docket. His handles are tight as he has the ball on a string. He’s a artful scorer, creates off the dribble, and might end successfully with each arms. Most impressively, although, he can shoot the ball with vary and might make robust pictures. Fland is at present getting used as a combo guard, however long run, I venture him to grow to be a major ball handler and on-ball creator. His mixture of being a artful creator and hard shot maker with vary jogs my memory of a younger Darius Garland. I’m enthusiastic about Fland’s potential, however there’s numerous time between now and after I want to come back to a conclusive analysis. And he must deal with enterprise. I’ll actually be monitoring Fland carefully.
Tre Johnson, Lake Highlands (Dallas, Texas)6-5 | 180 | G | Class of 2024Although I consider highschool prospects, I’m not practically as entrenched in the highschool scouting and faculty recruiting scene as analysts that concentrate on that stage as their major duty. So I’m not fairly positive how daring of an announcement I’m about to make, however right here we go: Tre Johnson is the highest NBA prospect at present enjoying at the highschool stage. He has terrific positional measurement, can create for himself, has a bursty first step, and has a candy stroke with vary. All in all, Johnson is only a pure scorer. And though I believe he’s already an distinctive prospect, Johnson has a body that may add practical energy and weight, and when he does, he will probably be an excellent greater downside for opponents.
Karter Knox, Tampa Catholic (Tampa, Fla.)6-6 | 205 | Class of 2024A scoring wing with a sturdy construct, Tampa Catholic’s star participant has moved up the ranks for a superb motive. Knox possesses a number of components that translate properly and are immensely useful: he shoots the ball with vary, scores the ball going to the outlet, and may be very explosive — he’ll throw it down on the rim. Because of this, Knox is a excessive precedence for me to proceed watching and holding a pulse on his development.
Ja’Kobe Walter, Hyperlink Academy (Brandon, Mo.)6-5 | 180 | Class of 2023I had an opportunity to spend a while with Walter this previous summer time at Damian Lillard’s Method Zero, so I went to the Metropolis of Palms Traditional, already accustomed to him and his recreation. At first look, Walter doesn’t have any particular abilities that blow you away. For instance, his handles and capturing mechanics are okay however not value writing house about. However the extra you watch him play, Walter’s worth turns into clear-cut. He has a motor that doesn’t ever cease. He competed on each possession within the one recreation I watched in Florida. On account of his laborious work and athleticism, he’s an efficient defender. Walter can also be an efficient slasher. He’s a succesful outdoors shooter, but it surely must be his major point of interest for improvement transferring ahead. I believe there will probably be a direct correlation between his progress as an out of doors shooter and his long-term success. Regardless, one factor is certain: Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears are getting a real competitor subsequent season that can do many little issues to contribute to successful.
