By: Brandon Blakney
6’5 2024 Rakease Passmore (NLPB)- Passmore might have had the most upside of any player I witnessed today, at 6’5 he’s a true wing and has the skill set that translates immediately at the next level. Passmore is an explosive athlete that’s capable of playing above the rim, he can make shots off the catch and shoot, and he’s capable of creating off the dribble. Passmore showed superb timing with his shot-blocking ability, he utilizes his natural length and athleticism on both ends of the floor. Passmore has played up in this event, and his presence has been felt on both ends.
6’3 2022 Umar Lawson (Anthony Morrow Elite)- Lawson continues to be one of the most explosive athletes in the Carolinas, a true rim punisher that embraces contact on the finish. Lawson has the build of a running back, and his motor is nonstop on both ends, Lawson will initiate contact and punish defenders at the cup. Lawson can change pace at the drop of a dime and put defenders on their heels where he’s extremely dangerous, especially in transition. Lawson brings that same intensity on the defensive end and takes pride in making things difficult for his opponent.
5’10 2023 Gabriel Hernandez (Team Hardaway)- Absolutely one of the top shooters in the event this weekend. Hernandez can spot up from just about anywhere on the floor, there aren’t many shots he doesn’t like. Hernandez was also effective off the dribble, and made shots off balance as well, at times it felt like he couldn’t miss. Hernandez is dangerous in transition because he runs the floor hard, and knows how to fill lanes and find space to get open. Hernandez is a streaky shooter that can really fill it up in a hurry.
5’6 2024 Kennard Wyche Jr (Virginia Havoc)- Wyche Jr has the tools a smaller guard needs to be successful; he’s got a reliable floater around the rim and lets it fly with confidence amongst the trees. Wyche Jr plays at a steady pace and he doesn’t let other guards speed him up or force him into turnovers. Wyche Jr is a selfless floor general that makes things easy for the guys around him, he can run the offense and is the type of guard coaches trust and guys love to play with.
6’0 2024 Chase Daniel (CC Elite)- Daniel is a kid that elevates his play to the level of competition and the big stage doesn’t bother him. Daniel showed great poise and physicality doesn’t seem to bother him, at six-foot Daniel is a genuine combo guard that displays three-level scoring ability, but also isn’t shy about making the extra pass. Daniel can get to his hot spots and plays into his strengths to make the game easy. Daniel scored the ball effectively and knows when to take his shots within the flow of the offense, he touches the paint consistently, he can create for himself off the dribble and Daniel really flourished in the mid-range game. Daniel is the type of player you need to close games out and he wants the rock with everything on the line. Daniel also showed energy and consistency on the defensive end, he’s got quick hands and is extremely active in the passing lanes.