2023 New York Lightning 17u-Pope College Prospects
The New York Lightning (NYL) is one of the region’s most highly regarded grassroots programs, known for producing high talent, high character college-bound players and being stacked with a deep bench of excellent coaches. The New York Lightning 17u-Pope team this season continues those traditions. It is coached by Malcolm Pope. Pope is also the Assistant Basketball Coach at national power, Our Saviour Lutheran School.
Chris Judge (2024) 6’0 point guard, John Bowne High - Lead guard, that can really shoot the basketball. Efficient from the field and makes the right decision off ball screens.
Reggie Grodin (2025) 6’4 shooting guard, Greenwich Country Day School CT) - Has grown so much offensively in the half court and still gets out on the break and plays above the rim. Will have a breakout summer and be one of the top players in his class.
Jack Niedarko (2024) 6’9 power forward, Northwest Catholic High CT) - In the Steven Adams mold. Can stretch the defense by hitting perimeter shots. The veteran out of the group, leads by example and has a college ready body.
Anthony Parker (2024) 6’4 guard, Xavier High School (CT) - Play maker in every sense! Able to get down hill as well as hit outside shot. Ability to change game because he’s able to create for others.
Ryan Williams Jr. (2023) 6’4 shooting guard, Our Saviour Lutheran School - Athletic is an understatement! Plays about the rim as well as rebounds and alters shots on the defensive end. Knocks down the 3 ball efficiently. 2 way player that can help Division 1 programs immediately.
Donzell Hamilton Jr. (2024) 6’0 point guard, Our Saviour Lutheran School - Microwave in a big way. Scores in bunches and often gets hot and stays hot. Small but very tough and growing as a point guard. Lights out from 3.
Joe Knaus (2024) 6’5 combo forward, Chaminade High - The best shooter on the team and maybe in the Tri-State! Cannot leave him open. Finds his way around the basketball and competes hard.
Tao Ibrahim (2025) 6’7 power forward, Our Saviour Lutheran School - Very athletic whether finishing above the rim or aggressively blocking shots. Very high ceiling. Makes defenders respect his 15 footer.
Jackson O’Brien (2024) 6’5 small forward, Friends Academy - Very versatile on both sides of the basketball. Strength and athleticism that always catches opposing teams off guard. Knocks down open shots and defends.
Christian Jeffers (2024) 6’5 combo forward, Canterbury School (CT) - A Basketball Player. A glue guy that you can fit into so many different roles and he’s okay with it. Very coachable and hardworking. Shot making ability and solid defender.
Seydou Traore (2023) 6’6 small forward, Our Saviour Lutheran - A high level athlete who plays above the rim. Has a fluid shot, but also has a very solid low-post game, as he is able to use his physical presence in the paint to obtain rebounds or box out. Is able to put the ball on the floor and is able to absorb contact when going up to score.