Reviewing outliers from Nike EYBL, part II
The Nike EYBL stop in Atlanta was filled with star-power, no doubt, but there was a host of outliers that also came to play. Our staff was posted up for the four days at Suwanee Sports Academy looking for the best players outside of our top 100 rankings. Here is our second wave of those top performers.
James Beck, SF, Spiece Indy Heat, 2017: He had two very good games at the Atlanta stop of the EYBL circuit. In those two games, the 6-foot-7 Michigan native was incredible efficient en route to the rack and shined as a slasher. More of a combo forward that can attack from the wing to rim, Beck could be a steal at the MAC level. - Justin Young
Chris Duarte, SG, New York Lightning, 2017: Duarte exited the first EYBL session in New York early due to a broken nose, and that injury sidelined him for much of the spring. However, face mask and all, he looked at full strength this weekend in the third EYBL stop. The 6-foot-5 wing plays with a high motor and gets after it on both ends of the floor. He showed he is capable of scoring at all levels, especially from 3 with his size and shooting ability. He's a sleeper guy to watch heading into the summer. - Garrett Tucker
Marquis Godwin, SG, Boo Williams, 2017: While he is a bit known throughout the Mid-Atlantic and included within our Virginia state rankings, Godwin did major damage all weekend long for the Boo Williams crew. A prolific shooter of the basketball with added size standing over 6-foot-4, the Hampton High standout reached even higher heights with his game in Suwanee. Hitting on a number of outside jumpers in spot up situations, Richmond did great work in luring an early commitment out of the instate recruit. Throw in the fact that Godwin showed off better athleticism in the open floor, an improved mid range game, and some urgency on the defensive end, and it would seem that Godwin could be a major nuisance for all four of his years at the A10 program. - Corey Evans
Kevion Nolan, CG, Alabama Challenge, 2017: Nolan did more than enough to help his cause over the weekend in Atlanta. The 6-foot-1 sharpshooter showed off his range consistently, as he torched the nets and opposing teams. In two games on Saturday, Nolan shot 12-19 from behind the 3-point line. With the Challenge missing their starting point guard, Nolan also slid over and played some of the 1. Many will knock him because of his size, but one thing is clear - Nolan is a premier sniper at the low and mid-major level. - Garrett Tucker