2023 Elite Preview: Team 3 Evaluations
SUWANEE, Ga.—The 2023 Elite Preview might be behind us, but we’re still riding high from our time in the gym on Sunday.
We’re channeling that energy, we’re harnessing it and putting it toward our evaluations for every player in attendance.
Our six-team journey is at its halfway point as we turn our focus to team three.
Our time watching Efford dates back to the middle of the spring when we saw him for the first time with his 15U TNBA South team. Sunday saw more of what we’ve liked out of him for the last several months. First and foremost, he’s a floor general, a true point guard who has excellent control of the ball and leads an offense well. Efford is patient in pick-and-roll situations and makes good reads. He shined as a passer and showed off his ability to knock down open shots and keep teams honest as a scorer.
Fields wasted no time showing his shot-making ability at the beginning of camp. The lefty knocked down some three-pointers during 5-on-5 play and was a consistent threat for opposing teams. The 5-foot-9 guard was also good off the dribble, where he was able to deliver passes and put teammates in better situations to score.
From start to finish, there may not have been a bigger competitor in the group than Smallwood. The 5-foot-11 guard competed on both ends of the floor, but he really made it a point to be locked in on the defensive side of the ball. Smallwood's quickness and length made him a nightmare for guards on the opposing team. His offense is still developing, but Smallwood was able to hit some creases in the defensive and operate as a slasher.
At first glance, you would think Hernandez belonged on the football field with his strong frame and wide shoulders. Fortunately for us, it didn't take long to realized the 6-foot guard belonged on the hardwood. While he is a tough, jumbo guard that can overpower smaller defenders, Hernandez showed a terrific feel for the game to go along with some touch. He made some pinpoint passes off the dribble and created opportunities for his teammates throughout the day.
There's a lot of intrigue that comes with Langston. As a young guard that recently had a big growth spurt, the freshman is still growing into and getting familiar with his 6-foot-4 frame. There's some sneaky athleticism and long strides that fuel even more intrigue with his versatility. Either way, Langston brings a ton of skill to the table. He's comfortable with the ball in his hands and shooting with range. I like where he's going -- keep an eye on him in Georgia's 2027 class. He's a guy to buy stock in going forward.
The Suwanee (GA) Collins Hill freshman has bright flashes throughout the afternoon. When he was operating at his best, Levi showed to be a solid playmaker who can hit a shot or make a play off the bounce. As he gets more reps, continues to develop, his production could rise.
Another from the Southeastern Prep/TNBA South camp, Morales showed well for himself on Sunday’s big stage. He was one of the trending names among those who were unfamiliar with him. Morales is skilled with an understanding of how to play the game. He doesn’t force anything and takes what the game gives him. He showed that he can score inside and out and that he can be a playmaker with the ball in his hands. He plays with a savvy and maturity beyond his years.
McKenney raised some eyebrows in the early stages of camp with his shooting ability. The 6-foot-6 big man showcased a smooth stroke from behind the arc during drills and was one of the better shooters in the group. The Thompson (AL) product reinforced that during gameplay by making shots during each game. He's also a good passer and can handle it on the perimeter, making him the perfect Princeton-style big man.
