2023 Grassroots Showcase 17U Standouts II
LOUISVILLE, Ky—We have been cleaning out our notebooks from a busy weekend in Louisville at the Grassroots Showcase. We're taking a look at the 17U division first, and these were some more of the standouts from the biggest live period event of the year so far.
Related: 2023 Grassroots Showcase 17U Standouts
If it is clutch time, Walker who I want at the free-throw line and with the ball in his hands. In a close game for 1 of 1 during our Grassroots Showcase, Walker calmly knocked down free-throw after free-throw to secure his team's win. He is a guy that I want handling the ball bringing the ball up the floor and he is a guy that can use his explosiveness and his creating ability to find scoring options either by himself or by finding open teammates. This high school season, he was a big reason that Millbrook High School went as far as they did by averaging 18 points per game. - Justin Byerly
Looking back on the weekend that was, I think Taylor helped himself as much as anyone. The long, 6-foot-3 guard burst onto the scene on Friday night with a stat-stuffing performance to go along with 18 points. He rode that momentum throughout the weekend, impacting the game on both ends with his skill, length, and versatility. Taylor moves the needle with his attention to small details that translate to wins — just ask the college coaches that caught his games. His recruitment should take a bump following the Grassroots Showcase. - Garrett Tucker
At the end of the weekend, the Monarchs were bitten by the injury bug and didn’t get the results they were hoping for, but Nicolas Niare continued to emerge as a serious next-level prospect in the class of 2025. His ascent started for us two weekends ago at Atlanta Jam, and he bolstered that outing with another stellar weekend. He’s a long, 6-foot-5 guard who shoots well. This weekend, his athleticism was on full display with several above-the-rim plays. Niare was made fans among the entire HoopSeen team at this point. My guy Justin Byerly loves his toughness, and I do too. Niare has all of the tools, and he’s had two eye-opening live periods so far. - Josh Tec
Each week, Rein has been a constant on our 17U standouts. He has helped DB Elite turn in a 6-2 overall record during two live period events. He is averaging 18 points per game over those games. Rein has the size, he has the shooting ability to make a difference on a college team. With a strong end to this portion of the travel season, college coaches will have no choice but to do their homework and take a look at Rein in July and June. - Justin Byerly
Solomon and Gem City Basketball Club was a nice find from the open division of the Grassroots Showcase. Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, the 6-foot-4 forward showcased a well-rounded scoring arsenal. He wasn’t afraid to let it fly from behind the arc or put it on the floor and get to his spots in the mid-range. Solomon had a couple of smooth showings, proving he should be on college coaches’ radars going forward. - Garrett Tucker
Big Tamiel Green is quickly asserting himself as a prospect in Georgia’s 2025 class. He had a positive weekend while playing up on an undefeated 17U squad. He’s a big 6-foot-8 center with plenty of promise. Green is a dominant presence around the basket. He’s both the unstoppable force and the immovable object in the post. Rebounds are all his, and he has good hands and a projectable offensive game. Several DI coaches stopped by to see this squad and Green certainly impressed. - Josh Tec
Unsigned senior Jaden Johnson was one of the standouts on a solid Truth team. He was a bright spot for them all weekend. He blends craft and physicality well at the pg spot. He got to his spots and scored consistently. Johnson shined as a distributor as well. Where this Truth squad hung their hat this weekend was on defense. They thrive in grittier games, and Johnson played a role in neutralizing opposing ball handlers at times.
