2023 Grassroots Showcase 17U Standouts IV
LOUISVILLE, Ky—Continuing to take a deep dive into the 17U division of the Grassroots Showcase, these are more of the standouts from the weekend.
Related: 2023 Grassroots Showcase 17U Standouts | 2023 Grassroots Showcase Standouts II | 2023 Grassroots Showcase 17U Standouts III
Freeman is one of the risers from the first two live periods. At 6-foot-6, he’s a versatile wing prospect with plenty of athleticism. Freeman can soar above the rim for dunks and rebounds, and he has the skill to initiate offense and create off the bounce. The first live period was a story-starter for Freeman, and the second saw several D1 schools stop by to watch him and the Wellington Wolves. Sooner than later, I’m expecting that we start to see offers start to materialize. Certainly by June and July, Freeman will have evolved from a sleeper to an in-demand prospect. - Josh Tec
A 6-foot-7 wing with a deadly 3-point shot? Yeah, that sounds like a next-level guy, and Brett Wright is that for the Atlanta Allstars. He’s someone that can catch fire from beyond the arc, but he’s not limited to just being a shooter. Wright is a good passer with a nice feel for the game. He’s an opportunistic driver who utilizes his threat as a shooter to attack defenders and get easy looks at the rim. He’s a must-see player during June and July live periods. - Josh Tec
Ormond is one of the most important pieces on this good OTP team. He gives them physicality and athleticism out on the wing. He looks the part, that’s for sure, and he has the game to back it up. Ormond can score in a variety of ways, including from 3-point range. I got to catch a game in which he hit four from deep. There’s easily a place for a guy like this at the next level. More outings like the one he had this past weekend will continue to put people on notice. - Josh Tec
One of the most important players for one team that we saw over the weekend at The Grassroots Showcase. Hurns is built with a strong frame and he possesses a high-level of athletic ability. Hurns has the length and the skillset to be a college-level prospect and was a big reason in Team Trezz’s success over the past weekend. He was a guy that showed some versatility on the defensive side of the ball, being able to guard multiple positions and has a rebounding instinct that can’t be taught. - Justin Byerly
Robinson had one of the first really good performances that I saw this past weekend. After hopping right off the road and onto the court, Robinson dropped 15 points to lead All Alabama to a win that set the tone for an overall positive weekend for them. He’s a long wing that does a lot for this team with his length. What made him more intriguing to me was that he’s a class of 2025 guy playing up. - Josh Tec
Romae Brown adds more toughness to an already gritty program. With Bad Boys Basketball, Brown gives them a guy that will drive to the basket and add a scoring punch via tough finishes at the rim. Brown also gives good effort on the glass. While he’s more of a guard/wing, he doesn’t mind putting on his hard hat and getting to work around the basket. This team wins consistently because they have guys like Brown who aren’t afraid to do the dirty work. - Josh Tec
College coaches are taking notice of the 6-foot-7 forward’s potential. It’s easy to see what catches their interest. His size paired with his athleticism make him a tough match up on both ends. With Akida, it’s more of the long-term that will be a selling point for coaches. He’s just scratching the surface, but his foundation has him at a starting point that’s ahead of most.
