Day 2 Grassroots Showcase Notebook from @TJBScouting
LOUISVILLE, KY - Day two of The Grassroots Showcase has come to an end and there was a lot to see at the huge Kentucky Expo Center. Let’s get right to it.
No Guts No Glory
Going up against the Tennessee Marathon, Isaiah Otyaluk was just too much to handle. He was knocking down shots from the outside, rebounding, blocking shots and doing everything he could to help his team win. He can get hot from outside. His passing ability is underrated, he sees the whole floor and has a great feel for the game. He is one of those prospects that wants the ball and can make the big shots.
The Juice
Juice All-Stars - The James Black coached squad has some dudes that will be playing at the next level.
Oliver Roberts has been one of the best shooters we have seen this travel season and continues to progress. He has good size at the shooting guard spot at 6-foot-2 and can get hot in a hurry when he starts to make a few shots in a row.
Abrahm Driver was the epitome of consistency so far this weekend for Juice All-Stars. He is a skilled big man that has good footwork and a soft-touch around the rim. He is a productive player that can get a lot of things done. Whether he is rebounding, blocking shots or getting baskets around the rim, Driver can handle it. He was recently offered by Shaw University.
Khyelle Ingram is one of those guys that just looks the part when he steps on the floor. The 6-foot4 prospect has a college-ready body and looks to be a college prospect over the next season. He’s a player that can use his physicality to impact the game and come up with plays on the defensive side of the ball.
The Chosen 1’s
These guys for 1 of 1 Rare are just different. They are built differently and play differently. Watching them press a team all game, every game is something we don't see a lot of in AAU basketball; not because it’s not allowed, but because nobody can do it all the time. These guys can do it and they do it as well as any team I have seen in 15 years of covering this game. It is a fun type of basketball to watch and these 1 of 1 Rare guys do it to perfection.
Gevonte Ware has been a beast for 1 of 1 Rare this season. He is so much bigger and stronger than any other prospects that they have faced. He is a monster on the glass (secured 15 rebounds in their first game today). He has a good touch around the rim and he can block and alter shots.
Yohance Connor showed that he can score from his quick first-step and get by anyone that dares to try and defend him. He can knock down shots from any spot on the floor and is looking more and more like a guy that will pick up some offers over the next couple of live periods going into July.
Christian Wilkins put on a shooting display this morning being back close to his hometown and you can tell he felt right at home. Wilkins made seven three-pointers and scored 21 points for 1 of 1 Rare in their opening game.
Emmanuel Johnson solidified himself to me tonight as one of the most electric guards that I have seen this travel season. He will tear the rim off if you are near it and he doesn't care to scream at you after he does it. I like guys like that. I like guys that play hard and talk some junk. Always have. He is the kind of guy that can change the way a game is going by his level of play.
These are just a few of the guys that stood out for the Rare version of 1 of 1 and the whole team could get a paragraph or two because they are stacked.
First Impressions
Brett Wright, Atlanta All-Stars - Wright is a shooter. He made a lot of shots and showed he can make them consistently. He has good size at 6-foot-7 and looks like a strong defender.
Elyjah Freeman, Wellington Wolves - He rebounds, has length and there is a lot to like with this prospect. He can alter shots and has the tools to be a prospect at the next level.
Adrian Shackleton, Florida Pro - Nice use of shot fakes, knows where he wants to go and can make the mid-range jump-shot along with good form and release.
Gabe Marquis, DB Elite - Shooters shoot. Marquis did that today in their win this afternoon. He connected on eight three-pointers (DB Elite record) and scored 31 points.
