2023 Grassroots Showcase Top Performers II
LOUISVILLE, Ky—The 2023 Grassroots Showcase lived up to previous iterations of the event as far as depth and variety of talent. We were able to catch up with players who have written plenty of chapters on our stage so far this spring, and we got first looks at teams that we hadn't gotten to see yet.
As we unwind from the frenzy and start to flesh out notes from the weekend, we've been discussing some of the top overall performers from the action we saw, and these five led their teams to successful weekends in the Derby City.
Related: Grassroots Showcase Top Performers
It was another successful weekend for The League as they went 3-1 at the Grassroots Showcase. Again, the main catalyst of their success was none other than point guard JD Bradford. The athletic, 6-foot-4 guard is a nightmare for opposing defenses with his quick-twitch explosiveness and his ability to get to the rim. Bradford made plays and created opportunities for others throughout the weekend while also converting some acrobatic finishes at the rim. Over the past two weeks, the unsigned senior has left his mark and proven he’s worthy of an opportunity at the next level. - Garrett Tucker
One thing that always, always translates at the next level is shooting and Wilkins can shoot it. He has a form and rotation that makes every shot look like it has a chance to go in. Coupled with his shooting, Wilkins also has size. He is big enough to get his shot off over smaller guards and he can muscle his way through screens to get open looks. This was our first time seeing Wilkins with 1 of 1 and he was back near where he grew up playing and you can tell he felt right at home. - Justin Byerly
This was another weekend in which Florida Pro’s Enrico Borio shined. By the time the weekend ended, he had gained plenty of new fans and upped his stock as a prospect. His versatility is his calling card. Borio brings a lot to the table with his pairing of athleticism and skill on the perimeter. On our platform, he’s shown that he is someone that coaches take a look at. He might wind up being a steal for someone down the line because he brings a lot to the table. - Josh Tec
The cat is out of the bag. Otyaluk got a call from College of Charleston assistant coach Thomas Carr and picked up his first offer on Saturday afternoon. The 6-foot-7 prospect has had a superb start to the travel season and continued that this week at The Grassroots Showcase. He showed his versatility this weekend, something that I think college coaches are intrigued by. When his shot isn’t falling, which is rare, he does the other things productively to help his team win. He is an excellent rebounder and passer and he also uses his length to become a pest on the defensive end of the floor. - Justin Byerly
South Georgia Elite’s programs have had a lot of success this spring. They added a few more wins under their belt this weekend, and one of the stars of the show was Elyiss Williams. He just does so much for this team in terms of their style of play. South Georgia Elite emphasizes defense first and Williams anchors that with his rim protection and rebounding. He makes his offensive killing around the basket where he’s tough to match up with. At this point, 15 to 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks is more of the rule than the exception for Williams. - Josh Tec
