This past weekend I attended the 2021 Team Thad Elite Combine in Memphis, arguably one of the finest events I have ever attended. Top players from all over the Southeast made the trek to the home of the blues for some intense hardwood action. I have chosen 12 players from this event for evaluation and away we go.

Class of 2023

Layden Blocker (pictured)
6'2 PG/SG 2023
Sunrise Christian Academy (Wichita, KS)
The best player in the gym on Saturday. Quick and active combo guard with the softest stroke in the building. He plays with intense tempo and has the skill set to run both guard spots. He defends at a high level with his length and turns defense to offense in a flash. He can stroke the mid-range and has the basketball intelligence to use his prolific deep threat to get to the basket when crowded.

Comeh Emuobar
6'5 PG/SG 2023
Ravenscroft (Raleigh, NC)
An explosive guard with a college-ready body was impressive from start to finish over the weekend. He has above average handles, he uses his size to get space and he draws contact with his physical style of play. He plays under control, he dictates tempo and understands game situations. He has massive bounce and is energized with the tough scoring chance. A competitor who has the overt leadership skills to be a big-time college guard at the highest level.

Ryan Forrest
6'3 SG 2023
Marion (Marion, AR)
Change of speed backcourt general can play either spot with equal effectiveness. He has a dynamic first step which generally ends with an easy scoring chance. He likes contact and is never afraid to make a foray to the cup for a tough finish. He has a great physique and with his competitive nature will find the court early and often at the next level. As he makes his transition to lead guard his decision making and shot selection will need to improve but his spirit and toughness will always make him the go to guy.

Aden Holloway
6'1 PG 2023
LaLumiere (LaPorte, IN)
This young man oozes confidence and swagger. He plays with enjoyment and is quite the competitor. He can stroke the rock from each and every level, he can simply take over a game when his focus is singular and he scores with ease. He has the deep range to bring defenders his way and the quickness and handles to explode past them for easy scoring chances or gracious setups to thankful post scorers. He is an excellent help defender always looking for the quick transition bucket and game-changing turnover.

Josh Hubbard
5'11 PG 2023
Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison, MS)
Thick lead guard with some of the most explosive drives to the bucket the entire weekend. A fierce competitor, he likes to challenge and uses his body to cause havoc on the defensive side of the ball. He can run a team and shows massive leadership skills with his temperament and effort. Who doesn't want to follow a kid who plays with this kind of passion? He was arguably the most explosive player in the event. He rises quickly when he turns the corner and isn't afraid to challenge a big at the rim.

Cyr Malonga
6'11 C 2023
Evangel Christian School (Louisville, KY)
There was not a player in the gym who has improved more than this lengthy giant. He has improved in every aspect of the game and in his physical development as well. He showed confidence with his much-improved shooting stroke even out to the deep line. He used some of his new founded strength to establish some boundaries on the interior. He still has a ways to go in the physicality department but the groundwork has been set for certain. He used some better ball-handling skills to make short dribble moves for scoring chances in the lane and is more cognizant of finding his way on the offensive and defensive boards. He will need to continue working on his hand strength and catching the ball cleanly and his upper body strength.