Patrick O’Brien tuned in Tuesday night as IMG Academy welcomed in Booker high school for a very intriguing matchup that would be live-streamed. It gave us a chance to watch some of the premier talent that IMG Academy brings in once again.
As far as the game, IMG came out strong and built a quick lead on Booker HS, eventually taking a 52-30 halftime lead and continued to pour it on, on both ends of the floor. Eventually, in a running clock, IMG Academy secured the 97-49 victory at home.
Player Notes:
- 2022 Eric Dailey: He led the team in scoring with 21 points, as he showcased a little bit of everything. He is a tough matchup being 6’7 already but he brings versatility, athleticism, and good energy to the floor; he did just a little bit of everything on the court. He finished strong out in transition and showed that he can step out and knock shots down from the perimeter. Stats: 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
- 2021 Moussa Diabate: Really liked this versatile big on the floor. He is mobile and versatile on both ends, continuing to expand his game more out, but has good instincts on the boards. He only recorded five rebounds but it seemed like more with his activity down low. Love how he moves around the floor on both ends and actually racked up multiple steals in the win. Stats: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, 1 block
- 2022 Jaden Bradley: Even though Bradley didn’t put on a scoring show that we have seen multiple times before, this point guard has an elite feel for the game in terms of his size, pace, and natural ability to understand what is going on around the court. He shared the ball well, made high IQ decisions, didn’t force much, and just plays exceptionally well with the ball in his hands; he makes it look easy. Stats: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals
- 2022 Jett Howard: What really stood out in Howard’s game vs. Booker was his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, displaying a confident shooting stroke and spotting up in his spots. But he also did a nice job in penetrating and attacking the defense as well. Stats: 18 points (4-for-8 from 3), 3 rebounds, 3 assists
- 2021 Tamar Bates: Like Dailey, Bates did a little bit of everything in an impressive fashion. Not only did he show that he can be that scorer from multiple levels, but he also did an exceptional job in finding his teammates, recording six assists to lead the team. You add that to grabbing a few rebounds but also racking up four steals on the defensive end, Bates was super productive on the floor. Stats: 15 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals
- 2023 Gus Yalden: The young big man got some good playing time and had some glimpses of why he has the attention of many around the country. In a short series of minutes, he showed his range and comfort level to step out with range but also show how he can operate around the rim and with his back to the basket. Stats: 10 points, 3 rebounds
- We also got a glimpse of 2024 Anthony Gilkes who is a 6’4 guard and one to certainly start looking at now.