2023 Grassroots Showcase 17U Standouts
LOUISVILLE, Ky—The depth at the Grassroots Showcase can't be overstated. With as many teams as there were in the building, there's no shortage of players to talk about, and out staff was putting in the hours and taking the notes.
Starting in 17U, these are some of the many standouts from the weekend.
Our editor-in-chief Justin Young said it best, “I think Rako can guard a number of positions. Great on switches”. He has the ability to be a two-way guy at the next level. He can score from multiple spots on the floor and he has length, a lot of length. He showed us this past weekend that he can stretch the floor with his shooting and he can get baskets at the rim. He is a mis-match problem offensively with his ability to play multiple positions on the offensive side and I think he is most dangerous, like JY said with his ability to guard multiple positions on the opposite side of the floor- Justin Byerly
We’ve seen plenty of Abernathy in the past with the AllStars over the years. I remember watching him at this event as a 15U player, then following it up last year in the 16U division, and now that he’s in 17U, he’s living up to the expectations we thought he could reach since those earlier days. Abernathy has had a sense of maturity and poise about his game for years. He doesn’t rattle, and he gets buckets. Abernathy is a three-level scorer with a knack for hitting tough shots. He’s crafty and can shoot it well from deep. Look back through the archives, and you’ll find that he’s been at it for a while. The guy’s a hooper. I don’t know what else to tell ya at this point. No-brainer prospect. - Josh Tec
I was on hand for most of a Puodziukaitis double-double that put him on my radar. At 6-foot-8 or so, Puodziukaitis can thrive in a physical game as well as in a more finesse setting. He purses rebounds intensely, aggressively, and he has enough skill to be spending time out around the perimeter. Puodziukaitis showed a lot when I was able to catch the Wellington Wolves. I look forward to seeing him more this summer. He’s a walking double-double. - Josh Tec
Lopez averaged 18 points per game on a team that went 3-1. That’s a good way to spend a live period. When I was able to catch him, he dropped 17 in a half, and his 3-point shot was on point. He has a quick trigger from deep, and his shot is one that looks like it’s going in every time. Lopez is a name to know from a program that we’ve seen have plenty of success in the past. - Josh Tec
I like prospects with the chip on their shoulder. I like the ones that can talk the junk and back it up. I wouldn’t want to be walking down an ally and come up on James at the other end. He is physically gifted and one of the most explosive players I saw all weekend. Wait. All travel season. He loves to make it known he just got an AND 1, he has that fire in his belly that makes you want to like him. I think college coaches will soon too. - Justin Byerly
It was another solid weekend for Ball4lyfe, and 6-foot-6 wing Jeremiah Police shined for them again. His length and athleticism are what immediately stand out. Whether he’s dunking, getting up for boards, or guarding multiple positions, his physical tools scream next level. Police is an above-the-rim guy, but he can also hit shots from deep. He’s always in the mix during Ball4Lyfe games. He brings a level of consistency to a winning team that shouldn’t go unnoticed. - Josh Tec
Saulsby made a statement early on Saturday morning when he caught fire from the 3-point line. The 6-foot-2 guard’s ability to hit shots and open up the floor allows for some of the others on this team to do what they do best which is drive to the basket. Saulsby is a weapon on this team that showed that he can get hot in a hurry and lead the team to a W. He was one of the main factors behind their successful Grassroots Showcase weekend. - Josh Tec
