As an NBA Draft analyst, my main 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 often be present in school 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 varsity video games throughout November, I attended highschool occasions for the final couple of weeks. Most lately, I traveled to Fort Myers, Fla., for a few days on the Metropolis of Palms Basic. Subsequently, I noticed a variety of intriguing prospects that I believe might turn into NBA gamers. I’d wish to share my impressions and ideas on a few of these prospects for Ballislife from an NBA scout’s perspective:
Editor’s Observe: 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 2024
I first noticed Elliot Cadeau at Pangos All-American Camp in Las Vegas, Nev., and thought he was nice! He’s definitely on the smaller aspect, which is an issue from an NBA standpoint on some stage or one other, and he’s on the older aspect in age for his grade. (He’s already 18 years outdated). 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 2023
One can 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 palms and has an analogous enjoying fashion as Russell Westbrook. He’s consistently pushing the ball north and south and is assertive, making an attempt to make performs — he’s arduous to protect. And Collier additionally appears to be a pure passer and playmaker. From my viewpoint, his exterior capturing seems to be sporadic and appears to be his swing talent. He’ll be a excessive precedence on my watch listing for subsequent season when he fits up for the USC Trojans.
Justin Edwards, Imhotep Constitution (Philadelphia, Pa.)
6-7 | 180 | F | Class of 2023
The Metropolis of Palms Basic wasn’t my first time seeing Edwards, however I’ve nonetheless been making an attempt 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, once I consider prospects, particularly in highschool, I do my finest to take away myself from the “hype” and type my very own uncooked opinions. So concerning my analysis of Edwards, to start with, his bodily instruments are spectacular. His listed measurements of 6-7 and 180 lbs., are deceptive as a result of Edwards is large and lengthy. As I challenge how he’ll develop bodily, I don’t assume he’ll have any drawback enjoying each ahead spots. His recreation is based on slashing to the opening, 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 exterior shooter as a result of that may 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 2024
Every time I watch Fland, I stroll away much more enthusiastic about his future. He’s solely 16 years outdated, 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 palms. Most impressively, although, he can shoot the ball with vary and might make powerful photographs. Fland is presently getting used as a combo guard, however long run, I challenge him to grow to be a main 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 a variety of time between now and once I want to come back to a conclusive analysis. And he must handle enterprise. I’ll definitely be monitoring Fland carefully.
Tre Johnson, Lake Highlands (Dallas, Texas)
6-5 | 180 | G | Class of 2024
Though I consider highschool prospects, I’m not almost as entrenched in the highschool scouting and school recruiting scene as analysts that target that stage as their main 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 presently enjoying at the highschool stage. He has terrific positional dimension, 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 power and weight, and when he does, he will probably be a good greater drawback for opponents.
Karter Knox, Tampa Catholic (Tampa, Fla.)
6-6 | 205 | Class of 2024
A scoring wing with a sturdy construct, Tampa Catholic’s star participant has moved up the ranks for an excellent cause. Knox possesses a number of components that translate properly and are immensely worthwhile: he shoots the ball with vary, scores the ball going to the opening, and could be very explosive — he’ll throw it down on the rim. In consequence, Knox is a excessive precedence for me to proceed watching and protecting a pulse on his development.
Ja’Kobe Walter, Hyperlink Academy (Brandon, Mo.)
6-5 | 180 | Class of 2023
I had an opportunity to spend a while with Walter this previous summer time at Damian Lillard’s System Zero, so I went to the Metropolis of Palms Basic, already accustomed to him and his recreation. At first look, Walter doesn’t have any particular expertise that blow you away. For instance, his handles and capturing mechanics are okay however not value writing dwelling 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. Resulting from his arduous work and athleticism, he’s an efficient defender. Walter can also be an efficient slasher. He’s a succesful exterior shooter, but it surely must be his main 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 may do many little issues to contribute to profitable.
