This past weekend, Phenom Hoops traveled up to Richmond, Virginia, for our inaugural Seros Open 804 Showcase. The event was loaded with talent across various age groups and presented us with the opportunity to get a closer look at some new programs. Among these organizations was Team New England. Although their 2026 and 2027 groups are more than worthy of attention from spectators, national outlets, and college coaches, we will take a closer look at the trio of big men from their 2028 group…
We already wrote extensively about Modu yesterday, stating, “Young players possessing physical advantages are fairly common. However, it’s much different when those guys are also armed with the proper mentality to harness those tools. If anyone embodies this notion, it’s Modu Abdulrahman. He’s an absolute animal whose blend of nonstop energy, powerful athleticism, and imposing physicality allows him to make a constant impact. Abdulrahman utilizes his length and strong frame to absolutely wreak havoc. His quick first and second jump (coupled with his terrific energy) led to dominance on the glass. Abdulrahman is able to switch across multiple positions defensively while actively making hustle plays and forcing turnovers. Offensively, he mainly finds success through his activity as a cutter, putback finisher, and when filling the lane in transition. Already a highly impactful piece, it’ll be interesting to see his continued development.”
Meanwhile, his frontcourt mate Isaac Olaniba offers a lot of similar traits. He’s long, strong, and physically overwhelming on both ends of the floor. Olaniba utilizes his high motor to absolutely wreak havoc as a defender while making hustle plays and outworking opponents on the glass. He’s a fluid, explosive athlete who doesn’t necessarily require touches to impact the game. That being said, Olaniba finds scoring opportunities through running the floor in transition, converting putback chances, and positioning himself for lobs or dump-off passes. His combination of motor, physical tools, and rugged mentality makes him a real problem for opponents. Olaniba also has considerable upside and will certainly be a prospect to monitor going forward.
Quite a contrast from the previous duo, Sonny Dellasanta is a long, wiry big man with useful skill and an intriguing array of tools. Although he’s still getting stronger and more athletic, he already impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Dellasanta displays solid touch around the basket and is comfortable posting up or spacing the floor along the perimeter. He moves well for his size and sees the floor well as a passer. Dellasanta possesses useful timing and instincts around the basket, and has upside as a rim-protector as he physically develops. Each of these three should already be considered obvious Division I talents, but it’ll be exciting to follow their respective journeys going forward.