Player: 6’8 Jared Scott
City: Lumberton, NC
High School: Flora MacDonald
AAU Team: South Carolina Elite
Evaluation: The physically mature Scott was absolutely in “beast mode” Saturday morning against Virginia Venom. Scott scored a game high 26 points without once demanding the ball. All his scoring came from within the offense and many were being in the right place at the right time. He scored many off garbage buckets, but also did a very nice job of squaring up and putting the ball on the floor for impressive drives to the basket. The sheer strength of Scott was too much for the opposing team and Scott’s play has him projected as a MM/MM+. He was one of the most productive PF at the event and in a numbers game, some HM school may take a chance on him.
Player: 6’7 WF 2013 TaShombe Riley
City: Orangeburg, SC
High School: Orangeburg Wilkinson
AAU Team: South Carolina Elite
Evaluation: The long and slender WF forward enjoyed a solid game Saturday morning and followed up with an equally impressive game later in the day. Riley has the ability to become a defensive menace with his length and lateral quickness. He has the ability to step out and knock down 3s or attack the rim and pull up. He has the ability to ability to create his own shot and is excellent in transition. Riley is a solid MM prospect.
Player: 6’6 2013 WF Austin Ajukwa
City: Columbia, SC
High School: Cardinal Newman
AAU Team: South Carolina Elite
Evaluation: Ajukwa is one of the more athletic and explosive players at the Big Shots event. His end to end speed is uncanny and has the ability to grab a rebound on the defensive end and be on the other end with a highlight dunk in a matter of seconds. He plays with passion and his energy level is top notch. He plays above the rim and finishes well in traffic. That being said, the next step in his development is to refine his perimeter skills. We were impressed with his size/length and ability to handle the ball in the open court. He is best shooting “off the dribble” once he gains rhythm in his shot. We strongly believe Ajukwa can be a HM prospect. One of the more impressive players at Big Shots with a great upside and ceiling.
Player: 6’6 2014 WF Josh Level
City: High Point, NC
High School: The Christ School
AAU Team: Team Loaded 16U
Evaluation: While the Martin twins get a lot of national media coverage and rightfully so, Level has always been known for his physically mature body and gifted leaping ability. Loss in the shuffle has been his ability to knock down perimeter jumpers especially from the 3 point line. We have seen Level be an effective 3 point shooter for his high school team and on Saturday morning, Level was dialed in from deep. He scored a team high 14 points knocking in four 3 pointers. While he may not be better than the Martin twins, he was the best player on the team with his play on Saturday. He is tracking as a HM- player.
Player: 6’6 Caleb and Cody Martin
City: Mocksville, NC
High School: Davie County
AAU Team: Team Loaded 16U
Evaluation: It was another solid/steady outing for the talented twins. Caleb does more of his damage from the perimeter while Cody is more effective in the paint and midrange. Both are excellent dribblers and passers. Their game is transition and once they are in the groove, they are simply fun to watch. They are highly skilled and rarely do you find 6’6 WG/WF players with their mobility, versatility and skill set. The next step in their game is to develop more of an alpha male mentality. Martin twins are HM prospects.
Player: 6’4 2014 Dirk Williams
City: Williamsburg, VA
High School: Williamsburg Christian Academy
AAU Team: Virginia Venom
Evaluation: Williams is a long and lengthy WG that just recently re-classed back to the 2014 class. He has excellent handles in transition with above average court vision. In the half court situation, Williams has some nifty and crafty ball handling moves for his size/position. He can easily create his own shot off the dribble. We liked his shooting touch from the perimeter and had a high release point and has excellent lift and elevation on his jumper. We feel Williams is a solid MM prospect.
Player: 6’4 2012 SG Colton Ray
City: Lafayette, VA
High School: Lafayette
AAU Team: Virginia Venom
Evaluation: We first saw Ray at the Queen City Showcase and really liked his game. It is not to imagine a youngster with his skill set not having a D1 offer, but that will quickly change after two back to back solid performances at the Queen City Showcase and Big Shots. A lethal shooter from the perimeter, Ray showcased a “moxy” and “cockiness” that was appealing. He has excellent ball handling skills and his Rondo impersonation was big time in the game against SC Elite. Some D1 school should snatch him up before he decides to attend prep school. He is rather thin and does need to add strength and weight, but that should happen once he arrives on campus.
