2019 NYC Academic Elite Showcase Players Preview
NYC Academic college prospect showcase has made itself into a very important event, getting exposure to a large number of under-recruited prospects from the region. This year it will be held at the House of Sports, just 20 minutes from NYC, on September 14.
The showcase’s stated goal is to provide student athletes with an opportunity to showcase their basketball talents before and be recruited by some of the best academic institutions in the country. College coaches from the top academic conferences, e.g., NESCAC, UAA, NEWMAC, Centennial, ODAC, SCIAC, SAA, Landmark and Liberty League, will attend to evaluate the players.
Below we have the most recent list of participants, along with some commentary describing their strengthes.
. . . 2020s
Azriel Almodovar (2020) 6’0 Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact. Quoting his high school coach, “I’ve had the honor of coaching Azriel Almodovar since his 9th grade year, and I’ve never known a young man as dedicated and hard working both in the classroom and on the court as he is. It’s so much bigger than basketball for Azriel. His grades are a top priorities as they should be but it’s even more important to him to be a high character person who has honored his mother’s wishes. He has done that every day with his tireless work ethic, high character and great leadership skills. Not to mention his kind heart and willingness to always help others. I have no doubt that Azriel will continue to do great things both on and off the court because it’s who he is.”
Jadon Archer (2020) 6’2 MacDuffie School (MA), Home Town: Enfield,CT - Archer is quick, great vision, shoots it well, and a leader on the court He will show this year how he can run a team; he plays point, but is also a combo guard. He is a very strong player getting lots of D2 and some D1 interest. 1,000 SAT, 3.0 gpa.
Isiah Barnes (2020) Elmont Memorial HS, AAU Team: Elmont Lawmen
Dante Beaupre (2020) 6’2 New Hampton School (NH), AAU Team: The Shine Academy - Beaupre is an athletic guard with long arms and good quickness, especially his lateral foot work, and above average jumping ability. He is strongest on the defensive end where he uses quick feet, strength and good hands to disrupt his opponent. Offensively he has a good handle, is adept at getting to the rim, where he utilizes a finishing package of lay-ups and floaters. His outside shot is consistent. His biggest strength offensively is is vision and passing. Dante shows a strong work ethic and consistent improvement
Kwame Amoako-Boaku (2020) 5’11 Institute for Collaborative Education - Amoako-Boaku is a superb shooter and a prolific scorer, with a work ethic that is unparalleled. He’s also a great defender with length that is off the makes him play a lot bigger than he is. He’s a worker, no one in the gym is working hard than he. A terrific student, meeting the GPA and SAT requirements for elite colleges.
Joey August (2020) 6’4 Stratford HS, AAU Team: Academic Basketball Club - August:is a combo guard with good size and athleticism. He is very good attacking the basket in transition and also has the ability to consistently knock down open 3’s.
Jarlin Bello (2021) 6’2 WHEELS HS, AAU Team: United Prospect - Bello is a high IQ, tough forward who can do a lot on the court. Above average rebounder, can start the break himself after a rebound and with his excellent ability to make outlet passes. Finds holes in the defense, can pick apart teams from the high post with passing, screening or scoring. Excellent screener on and off the ball. Accurate shooter from mid range, working to expand the range.
Matthew Brand (2020) 6’0 Archbishop Stepinac HS, AAU Team: NY Rens - NY Rens Gold - Brand is a high level shot maker who has improved his ball handling and ability to defend quicker guards. He has a quick release, is tough and physical.
Caleb Brown (2020) 6’5 Uncommon Charter HS, AAU Team: Team Wright - Brown is a dedicated, coachable and intelligent playmaker who still is discovering his ability to take over basketball games. He is a constant learner of the game and a hard worker on the court and in the classroom. Should be able to dominate the PSAL this upcoming season with his size and ability to make plays.
Kevin Caminero (2020) 6’5 AAU Team: Back 2 Basics - Caminero is long and physical. Kevin can guard bigger guards on the perimeter and also battle down low. Kevin can make shots from deep.
Charlie Casillas (2020) 6’0 Lehman HS, AAU Team: Minute Men and the Harlem Hoops/RJS Avengers - Casillas is a combo guard who has a great natural feel for the game. He can impact at the 1 or 2 depending on talent around him. Casillas is an accomplished 3pt shooter who also gets to the basket when needed. Very crafty and impactful player. 2019 MVP of Rucker Tourney HS division.
Brendan Cassidy (2020) 6’0 Roy C. Ketcham HS, AAU Team: LMC Reign - Cassidy is a 6 foot combo guard that plays with a lot of determination. He can shoot the 3 and facilitate the offense. Very good at pushing the ball out ahead and finding open teammates for easy baskets or getting to the rim himself. He drives the ball well and spaces floor well to create shots for everyone on his team. Works hard on both sides of the ball and hustles the whole game.
Rimas Chacar-Palubinskas (2020) 6’4 Bergen Tech HS - Chacar-Palubinskas is a high motor player who plays with hustle on both ends of the floor. A hard-nosed defender, and he takes pride in shutting down his man and crashing the boards. He is an unselfish player who makes the extra pass and finds the open man, and does the little things to help his team win.
Thomas Cirrito (2020) 6’1 Miller Place HS, AAU Team: Long Island Lightning - Cirrito is a knock-down deep range shooter who makes contested shots. A very high IQ player with good ball handling and exceptional passing and playmaking skills. A tireless defender who creates steals while wearing out the opposition with speed and endurance. Tough and coachable player who hustles on every play.
Fauzi Cizmesija-Ulmer (2020) 6’3 Beacon School HS, AAU Team: Lightning Varsity Elite - Cizmesija-Ulmer`s basketball strength comes with his versatility. He is a combo player with great size on the perimeter as a shooter and a small forward.
He has the ability to play defense from baseline to baseline, and use his athleticism. Most importantly, Cizmesija-Ulmer`s growth potential is enormous given his work ethic and coachability.
Rashawn Clemente (2020) 6’3 Adlai E Stevenson HS - Clemente is an extremely athletic combo guard. Can rebound with bigs. Can handle the ball in the fast break and jump through the roof. He also has the ability to pull up from mid range and shoot the 3. Great at the FT line, great shot blocker and brings intensity to his team.
Jake Cosgrove (2020) 6’3 Bishop Kellenberg Memorial HS, AAU Team: Long Island Lightning - Cosgrove is a tall guard who can both shoot the three and attack the paint. He takes pride in his defense and can play the 1, 2 or 3 spot.
Dylan Craft (2020) 6’8 FD Roosevelt HS, AAU Team: Reign LMC - Craft is a longand athletic Big. He creates plays with his shot-blocking ability. Good shooter from 17 feet in with a strong rip one-dribble to rim and finish skill. A young 2020 who continues to grow his game and body.
Luke Crittenden (2020) 6’2 Red Hook HS, AAU Team: Reign LMC - Crittenden is a combo guard with very deep 3 point shooting range. He is also a tough weak-side rebounder with a high energy motor.
Jesse Crook (2020) 7’0 Poly Prep Country Day School, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks - Crook is very young for his grade, which tends to hide the upside coming as he matures into his NBA-sized height. He will still only be 16 when he graduates high school. He is currently just over 7ft tall and still growing. His game is growing in confidence, particularly in defense where not much gets past him in close quarters. Despite his size, he is incredibly fast and runs on the track team. SAT 1200, 3.2 gpa
Matthew Cruz (2020) 5’11 Susan Wagner HS, AAU Team: NYC Chargers - Cruz is an athletic shooting guard who has a great range and can shoot from all over the court. He is a hard worker who wants to get better. Very coachable and always ready when called upon.
Enzi Dabner-Teacher (2020) 5’10 Hackley School, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks -Dabner-Teacher is returning from injury and looking to make a statement. He is difficult to match up with and does a great job organizing and leading his team.
Eric Davis (2020) 6’2 South Bronx Prep HS
Muhamad Diaby (2020) 6’6 Eagle Academy, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact- Diaby is a long and active forward. He plays with great energy, is a good shot blocker and rebounder. Solid finisher around the rim. Excellent teammate and very coachable.
Mamadou Diallo (2020) 6’3 New Design HS, AAU Team: Love of the Game - Diallo is a lengthy hustle guard who is a solid three point threat, especially from the corners. He runs the floor well and can finish easily in transition. His length allows him to guard multiple positions on the court, protects the rim well and is a strong defensive rebounder in a man or zone defense. His coach has him foicused on improving his perimeter ball handling skills and lateral movement.
Giacinto Nicholas DiNicola (2020) 6’0 Staten Island Academy, AAU Team: Staten Island Finest - DiNicola is a do-it-all point guard, the ultimate leader and floor general. Possessing great instincts and quickness, he is a lock-down defender with a knack for taking charges and competing relentlessly on the glass. He thrives in transition and is a threat either slashing to the basket or shooting from long range. A consummate play maker, DiNicola has the athleticism and the intangibles coaches look for.
Seidina Doukoure (2020) 6’4 MacDuffie School (MA), Home Town: Bronx, NY - Doukoure is a strong athletic guard/wing, with a much-improved shot. He can drive itas a slasher, and plays both ends. His prep coch says “Awesome young man, great attitude, team guy. He exudes positive energy and he is an amazing young man! Winning teams need someone like Seidina.” Projected D2 or D1. SAT 1010, 3.3 gpa.
Ahzariah Douglas (2020) 6’3 Uncommon Charter HS, AAU Team: Team Wright - Douglas is a dedicated and coachable individual who displays consistent leadership amongst his piers on and off the court. Ahzariah is a relentless scorer and a willing defender. Ahzariah has the athletic ability and intelligence To play at a high level. Arguably the best kept secret in NYC.
Kevon Ferguson (2020) 6’6 Brooklyn Collegiate HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact - A match-up problem for opponents. Physical presence in the paint with great hands. Finishes well around the basket. Can knock down both the mid-range shot and the three point shot. Very high basketball IQ.
Luke Fizulich (2020) 6’2 Archbishop Stepinac HS - Fizulich shoots it very well from three. One of the best defenders in the NYC CHSAA ‘AA’ division. Can also play the point if needed. A strong, physical guard who can finish at the rim.
Jalen Flowers (2020) 6’2 Bishop Loughlin Memorial HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact - Flowers is a strong combo guard. Coachable and plays incredibly hard. Good shooter from the perimeter. Dynamic finisher, especially in transition. Excellent on ball defender who uses physicality to guard bigger players.
Mohamed Fofana (2020) 6’6 Fannie Lou Hamer HS, AAU Team: Pro Level Titans - Fofana is an athletic and versatile two-way SF that finishes above the rim, has a deadly mid range game, plays great on-ball defense, and has excellent help-side defense. He is aggressive when attacking the basketball and has many moves to get to the basket.
Gabriel Franklin (2020) 5’11 Hunter College HS, AAU Team: Pro Level Titans - Franklin defines TOUGH! He is a pest on defense and is very aggressive on offense with his deadeye shot and ability to create for his teammates using his speed and offensive IQ. He is a glue guy and definitely someone to watch out for.
Dylan Fuerst (2020) 6’3 2020 Poly Prep HS, AAU Team: NY Lightning Select - Fuerst is a long, athletic lefty who is excellent in transition and can guard any position. He has a great, pull-up jumper, vision and passing ability. His basketball IQ is his greatest asset. Big SAT score.
John Garcia (2020) 6’4 Career In Sports HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact - Big wing with length. Active defender and rebounder, especially crashing the offensive glass. Good shooter. Very coachable with positive energy. Strong finisher in transition.
Jahdale Givans (2020) 6’1 Evander Childs HS - Givans is an aggressive athletic defender and wing slasher type that can score and is a good leaper.
Brandon Goldberg (2020) 6’7 Wantagh HS, AAU Team: LI Lightning-Buonaguro - A mismatch nightmare. At 6’7” he attacks downhill in transition and can finish with either hand at multiple angles. Consistent 3pt shooter who can handle the ball and break pressure. Rebounds and blocks shots at a high level. Extremely versatile player.
Terrell Jarvis (2020) 6’2 Avon Old Farms School (CT), AAU Team: Early Risers - Jarvis has the physical tools needed to play at the next level. His long arms and wide shoulders allow him to guard and rebound well for his position. With a nice stroke and a steady pace he has gotten the interest of several D2 and D3 schools.
Amadou Kouyate (2020) 6’2 La Salle Academy, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks - Kouyate is entering his second year on Varsity and had a breakout game of 21 points and 6 rebounds in the quarter-final upset victory over All Hallows. A physical, athletic guard and great leader. He brings an energy and intensity to every possession and impacts the game on both sides of the ball. Student Government officer.
Anthony AJ Ingleton (2020) 5’9 Curtis HS, AAU Team: New York City Chargers - Ingleton is a rising star from Staten Island who is under-exposed. He has great ability at high speed, controlling the point guard position, controlling the ball and getting his teammates involved. He is a clutch player when you need him to step up. A great leader on the court and a great player to coach.
Christopher Latimer (2020) West Orange HS, AAU Team: Unity Legends - Latimer is a coaches dream. A thick point guard with Jersey toughness. Not afraid of the big moment and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. He is a fantastic defender with great hands and timing. He can penetrate and kick or finish. Solid shooter from the three. Amazing attitude and work ethic.
Shemar Latty (2020) 5’11 St. Edmund Prep HS, AAU Team: New York Jayhawks - By his junior year at St Edmunds, Latty had scored 1,000 points, dished out 500 assists and made the All CHSAA team twice. His high school coach says his strength on the basketball court is his speed and his IQ. A hard worker in both the gym and the classroom.
Jahiem Lourie (2020) 5’7 Institute for Collaborative Education - Lourie is electric in transition. He is not only plays fast but he also plays low to the ground, which at 5’7” makes him really hard to guard. He’s good in pick and roll situations. He gets into the paint at ease and absorbs contact well. In late-game situations you want the ball in his hand because he’s as reliable as they come at the free throw line.
Colby Martins (2020) 5’10 Millbrook School, AAU Team: NY Lightning. Martins was apparently built in a point guard labatory. He brings everything a full range point guard is supposed to bring. He runs his team, he scores and he defends. His understanding of the details of the game, and ability to communicate make him the classic coach-on-the-floor player.
Leo McCausland (2020) 6’3 Brooklyn Collegiate Riverside Hawks Impact - McCausland has a strong physique and brings great energy. Finishes well through contact and is a lockdown defender. Dynamic in transition and a very good shooter off of the catch.
Joseph Medina (2020) 5’8 Msgr. McClancy Memorial HS, AAU Team: Weatherproof Elite and Aim High Eagles - Medina is a solid shooter, surprisingly better shooter off the bounce than spotting up. He is very crafty in the paint. Excellent passer. Very good on ball defender. Put on 10-12 lbs of muscle since end of last season. Plays best against better competition. Rises to the occasion. Makes winning plays.
Christopher Melis (2020) 6’4 Horace Greeley HS, AAU Team: NY Rens
Samil Melo (2020) 6’4 Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice HS, AAU Team: Brooklyn Patriots - Melo is a crafty post player with incredible touch around the basket and out to 15 feet. He rebounds the ball well and is more than capable of pushing the break off a rebound. Going into his senior year, He is looking to be more versatile off the dribble and expanding his range out to the 3 point line. Per his coach, “Samil is a great young man, tremendous student that qualifies for full financial assistance (HEOP likely) and his best basketball is surely ahead of him.”
Tyler Mish (2020) 6’1 Holy Ghost Prep (PA), AAU Team: Bucks County Hawks - Mish has a high basketball IQ. He is an outstanding 3 point shooter and can play both guard positions. He has a quick first step, allowing to beat defenders off the dribble. A good rebounder for his size.
David Murray (2020) 6’6 Collegiate School HS, AAU Team: Harlem Wizards - Murray is a strong center who can finish and score around the rim. He also shoots the mid-range jumper and rebounds well.
Sion Nelson (2020) 6’1 Brooklyn Collegiate HS, AAU Team: Brooklyn Kings - Nelson is a strong and athletic guard who finishes well in traffic and knocks down shots with consistency. Can score in bunches.
Theo Noble (2020) 6’0 La Salle Academy, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks - Noble is entering his second year on Varsity. Very hard-worker who runs the floor as hard as well as any player and is rarely outworked. He rebounds like a center and gives maximum effort on both sides of the ball. Student Government Vice President.
Joshua Nolberto (2020) 6’2 La Salle Academy, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks - Nolberto is entering his third year on Varsity, started as a Junior and is poised for a breakout season. He is a versatile player that can fill multiple roles, is a consistent perimeter threat and can finish in the paint. Student Government President, great leader.
Justinas Norkus (2020) 6’9 Millbrook School, AAU Team: NY Lightning - Norkus is a big with a broad European skill set. He can use either hand and score from inside and out. He rebounds and boxes-out with Old School discipline. He only arrived in the USA one year ago, his next level of play will be determined by who sees him and gets a chance to appreciate his high-impact talent.
Bismark Nsiah (2020) 6’6 Lehman HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact, Minuteman, and the Harlem Hoops/RJS Avengers - Nsiah’s game has grown in multiple areas. His biggest strengths are his rebounding and shot blocking. His offensive game showcases his handle and his 3pt shooting. NY All-State Honorable Mention. Very long and does a great job affecting the game with his athleticism. Very unselfish playmaker who is a threat to lead the break after defensive rebounds.
Jalen Olivero (2020) 5’10 Macduffie School (MA), Home Town: Holyoke, MA - Olivero shoots it well, can drive it, and shows savvy on the court. He will be new to prep school basketball as a post grad this winter. He is a real hard worker, with a team-first attitude. He is a leader and a great young man! He helps teams win! Projected D3 Level. 1040 SAT, 2.6 gpa.
Tuscan Onuoha (2020) 6’10 MacDuffie School (MA), Home Town: Sydney, Austrailia - Onuoha is a strong, big body, who works extremely hard. He is new to basketball and shown great improvement in less than 1 year, huge upside. He has an elbow jump shot, solid post moves, drop-step power dunk, and he defends. With continued work and development he is going to be very good. Projected D1. 3.1 gpa
Mark Osime (2020) 6’1 Fordham Prep, AAU Team: 6th Boro - Osime is a strong, athletic lefty who is a thinker on the court. A very effective slasher/finisher, can knock down the 3 and the mid range pull-up. His defense is impressive as he can guard anyone at the 3 point line but due to his physical strength he also does extremely well guarding in the post against taller players.
Sebastian Pacheco (2020) 6’1 Valhalla HS, AAU Team: Team Finesse - Pacheco has an “old school” approach to the game with modern day skills. He’s a tenacious defender with good offensive skills. Combined with his high basketball IQ has made him a winner at all levels. His game is fundamentally sound and he has a “Team First” unselfish mentality.
Ernie Parada (2020) 6’3 Msgr. McClancy Memorial HS, AAU Team: Queens Marksmen - Parad is a strong swingman. He is a high percentage shot taker and maker who is almost automatic from the elbow or wing. He has quick moves to the rim from both the corners or in at the post. Very coachable and decidedly team-first player, an excellent and willing passer. A tough defender who also snatches rebounds on both ends.
Elijah Perez (2020) 6’3 Stevenson HS - Pure shooter. Great catching the ball off screens and shooting from deep. Can also create his own shot off the dribble. Hard worker on both ends of the floor willing to do the dirty work to help his team win. Able to handle the ball under pressure and find the open man.
Alan Rodriguez (2020) 6’0 Holy Cross HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact - Rodriguez is a combo guard with a good feel for the game. He played meaningful minutes as a junior and has worked hard to improve his skills. He can handle the ball and run the offense and put the ball in the basket. He has become a consistent deep threat and has developed the ability to create off the dribble. He is a disruptive defender who is especially tenacious on the ball.
Jeremiah Rosario (2020) 5’11 Institute for Collaborative Education - Rosario is a competitor. A tremendous defender who always wants to guard the other team’s best player. He is strong, and although a bit undersized, plays much bigger than his frame. His strength and speed make up for what he lacks in height. His shot has improved each year and he’s a great player maker and passer.
Alex Russo (2020) 6’0 Fordham Prep AAU Team: 6th Boro - Russo is a combo guard who can score and make plays for his teammates. Handles the ball well. Recently committed to Colorado College.
Sean Ryan (2020) 6’4 The Dalton School, AAU Team:The City - Ryan is a 6’4 high IQ point guard who can get his teammates involved as well as stretch the floor with 3 point shooting. He is also a good defender, and he can guard guys at multiple positions. Is an excellent rebounder.
Christoph Sauerborn (2020) 6’0 Horace Greeley HS, AAU Team: Chris Ward Basketball - Sauerborn is a tough, hard nosed, hard-working southpaw point guard who makes shots. Intelligent with a high IQ and great understanding of how the game is played, particularly in a European style ball screen continuity offensive system. A leader and role model both on and off the floor. A college program will be grateful to have him.
Jack Schlactenhaufen (2020) 6’4 Westhill HS, AAU Team: Academic Basketball Club - Schlactenhaufen is a wing with a 3.7 gpa and 28 ACT. Being looked at seriously by most of the Liberty and Centennial conference teams.
Logan Scott (2020) 6’6 Colonie Central HS, AAU Team: Academic Basketball Club - A tall wing with a 97 unweighted gpa, 13 AP classes and a 33 ACT. Being seriously looked ay by Carkson and RPI.
James Sexton-Holtmeier (2020) 6’3 Hackley School, AAU Team: Chris Ward Basketball - Sexton-Holtmeier is an explosive scorer with shooting range out to 25 feet. At 6’3 he creates a tough matchup out on the perimeter.
Reid Slott (2020) 6’3 Riverdale Country School, AAU Team: NJ Playaz - Slott is an athletic shooting guard that is capable of scoring from really any point inside of half court. He is a lockdown defender and a superb passer. Main asset is his leadership on and off the court. He received the New York State Best Teammate Award as junior.
Manny Smith (2020) 6’6 Achievement First Brooklyn HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact - Smith is a long, athletic and active combo forward. Plays above the rim. Developing wing skills. Guards 5 positions. Protects the rim defensively. Solid rebounder on both ends.
Tajay Smith (2020) 6’3 Evander Childs HS - Smith is a good defender and a good rebounder for his size.
Justin Soto (2020) 5’9 WHEELS HS - Soto is a tough point guard who can run the show, get teammates involved and score at a high level. Excellent shooter from deep and off the dribble. Deceptive, crafty lefty who can score at the rim, from midrange and behind the arc. A dependable rock of a teammate and extremely coachable.
Jonathan Trongone (2020) 6’3 Byram Hills HS, AAU Team: Academic Basketball Club - Trongone has swingman skills. He has a great handle and a jump shot, plus the ability to score on the block. He grabs a lot of rebounds.
Brailyn Valdez (2020) 5’10 Juan Morel Campos HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact - Quick point guard who lives in the paint. Runs team, makes good decisions, and knocks down shots. A vocal leader who is absolutely fearless. Very disruptive on-ball defender.
Omari Webb (2020) 6’6 MacDuffie School (MA), Home Town: Medford, NY - Webb has lots of upside - wing player who shoots it decent, and can drive it. He has a little bit of bounce, going to be good. He is under-the-radar now but wont be for long. Team player, great attitude, makes others around him better. Getting lots of D2 interest. Projected D2 or D1. 2.7 gpa
Jermaine Wheeler (2020) 6’4 St Raymond HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact - Wheeler is fearless in going to the basket, and supplements that with a decent mid-range jumper. He is also a physical and hustling rebounder. Plays incredibly hard. Uses motor and strength to guard bigger players.
Brandon Weiss (2020) 5’10 Jericho HS, AAU Team: Long Island Lightning - Weiss was a 1,000 point scorer by his junior year at Jericho. Named as one on Long Island’s Top Players to Watch by Newsday. Per high school coach, “He plays with tremendous passion, loves the game of basketball and will make his future college coach very happy.” A terrific 3 point and foul shooter (>90%). Per his AAU coach, “Plays hard all the time - defensively never takes a play off.”
Matthew Wiele (2020) 6’5 Hackley School, AAU Team: 6th Boro Hoops - Wiele is a versatile 6-5 swingman, who is a ferocious rebounder and very dynamic in the open floor. His ability to handle and pass makes him a nightmare for Bigs to guards while smaller guards have difficulty contesting his smooth outside stroke.
Khari Wilson (2020) 6’5 Brunswick School (CT), AAU Team: Riverside Hawks Impact - Big wing with length. Is an absolutely knockdown shooter. Smooth athleticism with good ball skill. Very high upside.
Brandon Weiss (2020) 5’10 Jericho HS, AAU Team: Long Island Lightning - Weiss was a 1,000 point scorer by his junior year at Jericho. Named as one on Long Island’s Top Players to Watch by Newsday. Per high school coach, “He plays with tremendous passion, loves the game of basketball and will make his future college coach very happy.” A terrific 3 point and foul shooter (>90%). Per his AAU coach, “Plays hard all the time - defensively never takes a play off.”
Johan Yannick (2020) 6’5 Norman Thomas HS, AAU Team: Pro Level Titans - Yannick has the upside of a division one football player. His athletic and nose for the ball allows him to rebound like a center. He can shoot, defend, and play well above the rim! He has improved and defended many high profile players this past summer and has shown to hold his own weight. He’s a animal on the court!
. . . 2021’s
Alilah Brown (2021) 5’11 All Hallows HS, AAU Team: Hilltopper Heat - Brown is very committed to defense. He hustles and has a lot of energy. Coachable. Streaky shooter.
Jack Casano-Boris (2021) 5’9 Chatham High School HS (NJ), AAU Team: Riverside Hawks - Boris is a lightning quick guard who is difficult to stay in front of. Defensively he is a pest on the ball and a nuisance for the other team’s PG. Casano-Boris is a gym rat always working to better his body and game. When not in the gym he is likely reading a sophisticated book.
Finn Cork (2021) 6’7 Pelham Memorial HS, AAU Team: Academic Basketball Club - A long, mobil and hard playing academic Big. He is exactly at the same level as his older brother was heading into their senior years; his older brother became a starter at Haverford College as a sophomore.
Elhadji Diop (2021) 6’4 Washington Irving HS, AAU Team: PSA Cardinals - Diop is a 6’4 forward who can put the ball on the floor and make the right play; i.e., what many may consider a point forward. He can finish at the rim through contact, and also shoots the mid range at a high level consistantly. His high school coach says “Elhadji is one of the more versatile players I have coached in recent years. Defensively can guard 2-5.”
Trew Dixon (2021) 5’9 Mount St Michael HS, AAU Team: CourtMaster Elite - Playing defense is Dixon’s first priority. He uses that strength to get in rhythm and with the flow of the game. He has good pacing as a player and switches tempo effectively. He is able to find and pick his spots correctly to get his shots off.
Lemar Fulmore Jr (2021) 5’9 Mount St. Michael HS, AAU Team: New Heights - Fulmore is a shot making lefty who excels not only in the full court but also in the half-court game. The high IQ point guard has demonstrated a consisted ability to score while playing vs a high level of competition. His shooting ability makes him a legit threat.
Matthew Gonzalez (2021) 6’2 Xaverian HS, AAU Team: Riverside Hawks - Gonzalez is a knock-down shooter, with the ability to create a shot.When the defense closes out too aggressively he has a dribble pull up game that is excellent. He has great speed, and is a good defender. Has great potential to be a great player.
Samuel Tyler Hines (2021) 6’3 Xaverian HS, AAU Team: Pro Level Titans - Hines is a tall lengthy guard that loves to play a fast paced, run and gun style, loves being in transition looking to advance the ball as quickly as possible. He can also play above the rim, shoot beyond the arch and get other guys involved. Plays a high energy style on defense.
Sam Lieberman (2021) 6’1 Dwight Englewood HS (NJ), AAU Team: Riverside Hawks - Lieberman is a reliable shooter from three and has a high basketball IQ. He sees the floor well and is a good team player. He also moves well without the ball and has strong moves to the basket. He is a very strong rebounder on offense and defense and shows leadership on the court.
Ryan McPartlan (2021) 6’3 Fordham Prep, AAU Team: 6th Boro
Aidan Rodgers (2021) 5’11 Hotchkiss School (CT), AAU Team: Riverside Hawks - Rodgers is a coach’s dream. He has an UNPARALLELED work ethic, is a an excellent leader on and off the court, possesses a high IQ, is unselfish, and plays like a throwback floor general. He has spent countless hours in the gym over the summer and has improved his ability to shoot the ball consistently well, which is adding an additional weapon to his already deep tool box. More importantly, Rodgers is a very strong on ball defender and a gifted decision maker.
Rayvon Russell (2021) 6’1 All Eagle Academy-Bronx HS, AAU Team: Green Force - Russell is a hustler, dives for loose balls, rips rebounds and is a great defender. He is not afraid of taking the ball to the basket, but is a pass-first player. A great leader, on and off of the court.
Matteo Sinon (2021) 5’10 Byram Hills HS, AAU Team: Academic Basketball Club - Sinon is a tough-minded and aggressive point guard. His athleticism and shiftiness are assets. His handle is strong and he can score from all three levels. Excellent on-ball and help defender.
Amarri Tice (2021) 6’5 Newburgh Free Academy, AAU Team: Hudson Valley Panthers Tice has a disruptive wing span, combined with active hands and feet, making him a lockdown defender. His great size as a guard is advantageous on both ends of the court.
Carlo Volpe (2021) 6’3 Pelham Memorial HS, AAU Team: Academic Basketball Club - Volpe is a special athlete, e.g., he has been the starting varsity football quarterback since he was a sophomore. His expolsiveness and large motor allows him to play larger than his height. Very tough to guard off the dribble and very lethal in the open court. He is the best defender on the floor, able to lock down both larger and smaller opponents. Very coachable.
Nakai Wheeler (2021) 6’3 Newburgh Free Academy, AAU Team: Hudson Valley Panthers - Wheeler is an exceptional athlete around the rim, uses a variety of moves and either hand to finish contested shots. His high level athleticism also serves him well on the defensive end.
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