Over the last decade, we’ve seen the steady growth and emergence of several newly formed shoe-sponsored programs. Between the expansions of Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and the additions of Puma and New Balance (and surely something else), the landscape is becoming quite different than ever before. While this general concept has proven to be somewhat flawed, it has allowed specific organizations to ascend above previously established, more well-known teams. Arguably no squad represents this more than 1 of 1 Elite, who seems to consistently attract talented, (typically) under-recruited pieces and let them flourish. This current group is no different and might be one of their most exciting teams yet. Let’s take a closer look…
The roster is loaded with guys who should be legitimate priorities for college coaches. So much starts with Travien Williams and his value as their main creator, playmaker, and decision-maker. Williams is a smart, balanced floor general who runs the team with exceptional poise and unselfishness. He utilizes his crafty handle and strong frame to consistently break down opponents, touch the paint, and make correct decisions with the ball in his hands. Although Williams displays a sharp sense for locating others and making the extra pass, he’s more than capable of asserting himself as an efficient scoring option from all levels. He finishes strong through contact, converts midrange pull-ups at a high percentage, and knocks down jumpers at a nice rate from distance. Williams also stands out through his reliable defense, useful rebounding, and leadership qualities. Definitely one of the top players in his class and a no-brainer Division I talent, it’s genuinely bizarre to try and understand his lack of recruitment.
Keeping in line with unexplainable recruitment, there’s no real justification for the lack of offers being extended to James Minlend. The landscape is different. Understood. However, Minlend holding one scholarship (Washington State) is simply ridiculous. Is every kid in the portal more appealing than a fluid, skilled, switchable 6-foot-7 walking mismatch? No. He’s long, athletic, and comfortable operating in several types of roles. Minlend scores effectively from all levels, defends multiple positions, and secures rebounds at a consistent rate. He’s a capable initiator and playmaker who does basically everything at a high level. Minlend is the type of guy who operates as a focal point or glue-guy and finds constant success. For someone who feels guaranteed to outperform his current recruitment, schools would be wise to start extending offers.
Slightly different from his peers above, Dillon Mason is clearly poised for a massive recruiting uptick after bursting onto the scene this travel ball season. The 6-foot-6 wing legitimately checks all the boxes. He showcased the full arsenal featuring ball skills, creation instincts, scoring polish, and the ability to produce in basically any type of role or lineup. Mason’s all-around ability allows him to be an adaptable piece who can alter his approach to fulfill team needs. He’s a strong, powerful athlete with speed, quickness, and the explosiveness to meet opponents at the rim. However, Mason possesses a lot of skill and the ability to do a lot of things with the ball in his hands. He can penetrate, pull-up off the bounce, and knock down jumpers from beyond the arc. Mason sees the floor well to set up others as needed. He plays hard and brings a sense of toughness and physicality to the court. Mason is a strong rebounder who lurks well for putbacks and extra possessions, and displays the ability to reliably defend multiple positions. Clearly tracking as a top prospect in the state, he should hold a dozen offers before the start of his high school season.
Although the trio above receives the bulk of the headlines for this group, guys like 6’6 Nixon Wright and 6’4 JT Van Kallen should be definite priorities for scholarship-level programs. Wright is an incredibly strong, powerful athlete who plays with phenomenal energy and consistently flies around to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He’s a terrific rebounder with an incredible nose for the ball. Wright can make plays with the ball in his hands, but arguably finds more opportunities as a cutter and transition threat. He excels at outworking opponents on the glass, defending with toughness, making hustle plays, and filling in the gaps however possible. Meanwhile, Van Kallen is another guy whose stock should steadily climb throughout the summer season. He’s a big, strong guard with great size and a malleable skillset. Van Kallen showed the ability to rebound, defend multiple positions, and do a little bit of everything offensively.
Given how much all programs want size, 7’0 Modou Ndiaye and 6’10 Reid Johannes should each appeal to Division I schools. Ndiaye provides an excellent blend of length, motor, and low-maintenance production on both ends of the floor. He reliably rebounds, blocks shots, and runs the floor in transition. Ndiaye is a capable finisher who lurks well for lobs and putbacks, but doesn’t necessarily need touches to involve himself in the action. Similarly, Johannes is a useful rebounder and interior defender with the ability to effectively anchor the paint. He finishes well and displays flashes of floor-spacing along the perimeter. Both guys should be prime targets for college coaches.
Although they didn’t play this past weekend, 6’9 Noah Dobyns and 6’5 Ayden Fisher both have next-level appeal. Dobyns is such a tantalizing prospect with his incredible fluidity, smooth jumper, and array of enticing physical tools. The upside remains clear. On the other hand, Fisher is someone who has steadily grown, both in terms of ability and physique, over the last twelve months. Both guys should carve out meaningful roles upon returning from injury.