2022 Next Up NYC 17u
The Next Up NYC is a grassroots basketball program that operates under the auspices of Next Up NYC, which is a non-profit organization with the goal of providing opportunities for underserved teenagers and young adults in the New York City area.
Its 17u team is coached by Ravi Moole and Moustapha Mbaye.
Here are some of the squad’s promising players:
Chiekh Tall (2023) 6’1 guard, Murry Bergtraum High - Physical guard with great defensive awareness and paint presence. Versatile offensively with ability to bang in the post. Functions greatly out of the high post and handles the ball well.
Mourtalla “Malik” Mbaye (2023) 6’2 point guard, Eagle Academy (Harlem) - Patient guard with excellent IQ. Defensively sound, physical with great lateral quickness on the perimeter. 3 level scorer that can really get going from deep and change the complexion of a game in a few possessions.
Jaiden Ortiz (2023) 5’9 guard, Frank Sinatra School of The Arts High- Crafty Shooting Guard with great intellect. Greatest strength is body movement without the ball and being able to find teammates open. Efficient scorer within the flow of the offense and a pesky defender who is known to create turnovers in a press. Can do his thing and make noise without needing plays drawn up for him
Jose Beras (2022) 6’6 wing, Carnise High - Lengthy wing player who can equally play on the perimeter and also get in the paint and change/block shots or score in the low post. Magnetic on the glass and extremely tough to match up with given his size and ball handling ability. Elite level length, even for a 6’6” kid