It basically goes without saying, but the EYBL prides itself on being a competitive travel ball circuit for elite-level players and programs. When generating a list of the top teams over the last decade, one would have to include the likes of Boo Williams, Team Takeover, and Mokan Elite among various others. Although some folks might not fully appreciate their status, Mokan has been home to notable guys like Trae Young, N’Faly Dante, and Michael Porter Jr. over the recent years. Fast-forward to now, and they are arguably as talented as ever. Although Skyy Clark has the most buzz surrounding his name, their frontcourt trio of 6’9 Aidan Shaw, 6’10 Tarris Reed, and 6’11 Felix Okpara should each capture the attention of college programs. Let’s look at the complementary grouping…
Starting with possibly the most low-maintenance player in their rotation, the long, athletic, high-motor Shaw is certainly overqualified for his role with this group. However, his ability to produce within such a condensed role is what makes him such a useful addition to Mokan’s roster. He possesses a quality amount of IQ and skill, but typically utilizes his physical attributes to overwhelm opposing forwards on both ends of the floor. At a rangy, fluid 6-foot-9, Shaw displays the tools to defend multiple positions while forcing turnovers at a consistent rate. He understands how to effectively play the passing lanes, make plays in transition, and find scoring opportunities with or without the ball in his hands. Shaw also proved to be a strong cutter and threat for backdoor finishes and alley-oop chances. Given his offer sheet only consists of high-major programs, it seems like Shaw’s recruitment is at an appropriate place.
In looking at their interior pieces, Reed definitely provides this group with a strong, reliable presence. Despite his sturdy frame, the big man is actually quite skilled and polished with his inside-out scoring ability. Reed displayed a lot of offensive adaptability, showing the ability to operate from the block, perimeter, or as a screener in the two-man game. His understanding of how to effectively roll and pop makes him a difficult matchup for opponents. Reed possesses great hands, soft touch, and terrific athleticism around the rim, but also displays flashes of creation skills and the ability to outmaneuver defenders in a variety of different ways. Although tough, athletic, and instinctual, he’s more of a wall-up guy rather than a true rim-protector at this stage. However, Reed more than carries his weight as a rebounder, and still blocks an abundance of shots as a defensive anchor. Like his teammate, the nationally recognized Reed will have the choice of where to further his career amongst a slew of high-major programs.
The previous two prospects seem fairly close to their respective long-term ceilings in comparison to Okpara, who could be a drastically different player in five to ten years. While his current identity as an extremely long and athletic physical specimen brings obvious appeal, his upside could easily be the separator between him and other high-level interior prospects. For starters, his ridiculous wingspan is so astonishing that we genuinely needed another sentence to reiterate the aforementioned point. Okpara does a tremendous job of closing out and positioning himself for success, but also understands how to still alter shots from less-favorable angles due to his otherworldly physical tools. He’s an excellent rebounder, and will only continue to get better with additional strength. Okpara plays extremely hard at all times, offers phenomenal rim-protection, runs the floor hard in transition, and applies offensive pressure as an interior finisher. As expected, Okpara is already coveted by all types of programs and should ultimately be an asset wherever he decides to go.