#BOTS: Top 16U Performers, Part I
The 2016 Best of the South is in the books and as we look back on the event, we wanted to highlight the top performers from the field. We begin to roll out our staff’s top picks from the 16 and under division of the #BOTS. This is part I of the reports.
Mattheus Silveira, C, SEBA Select, 2018 (pictured above): Coming into #BOTS, no one knew the name Mattheus Silveira. A 6-foot-9 skilled post prospect, the rising junior just recently made his move to the states. It’s safe to say he made a strong first impression. Blessed with great size and a strong frame, Silveira can get things done on the low block. He is very skilled for his size, as he showed an array of post moves and the ability to finish with both hands. He already brings production to the table, but, most importantly, he has tons of room to grow, too. - Garrett Tucker
Edison, GA
Rashun Williams, SF, Georgia Stars, 2018: With the 16U Georgia Stars somewhat shorthanded, Williams stepped up and provided a scoring presence from the wing all weekend. Over the travel ball season, he has proven himself an athletic wing that can attack the rim as well as defend. He was that at Best of the South, but he also shot the ball well from the perimeter, showing a well-roundedness to his game. Coaches were asking a lot about the Calhoun County wing. - Carter Wilson
Mike Dukes, SF, Georgia Bulls, 2018: More of a guard during his high school season, with the Georgia Bulls Dukes slots in as a 3/4 man. At 6-foot-3, Dukes is sometimes undersized but his competitive fire makes up for his disadvantage. Dukes wears his emotions on his sleeve and gives the Bulls their toughness. Nothing exemplified his play more than when he dominated the glass against Georgia Stars EYBL, outrebounding a frontline that featured 6-foot-9, 250-pound Mohammed Abdulsalem by snagging 15 boards. - Kyle Sandy
Dondre Barnes, PG, D-Favors Celtics, 2018: On a talented D-Favors Celtics team loaded with size all around, it was the smallest guy on the court that made the biggest impact. Barnes, a tough, 5-foot-10 floor general, was a nuisance for opposing guards each game, as he competed on both ends of the floor. He was a dangerous shooter from behind the arc if left open and he was a big part of the Celtics’ success over the weekend. - Garrett Tucker
