6’8” 2019 Jalen Johnson of Emmerich Manual HS (Indianapolis)
All of the coaches and all of the scouts in attendance quickly fell for Johnson. As early as the skills and drills portion, he was giving all out performances. Each station, he would show something new in, drop stops, jump shots, moving his feet, etc…Once the games started and he knocked out a 36-point performance in game one, it was known. Johnson is an under the radar monster.
He has long arms with good athleticism. Johnson is a strong 2-handed rebounder, and he uses his lower body well to get positioning. He showcased the ability to score the ball at each level with range off the catch as well as the ability to put it on the floor and get to the basket. Johnson also showed a nice go-to jump hook and up and under. He claims offers from Southern Illinois and Illinois-Chicago, we feel like that list should drastically grow.
6’8” 2019 Ali Ali of East Noble HS (Kendallsville)
Akron Commit
Ali has all the tools to really excel in the modern game of basketball. He has the size and length of a four with the ball skills and fluidity of a 3. Ali showcased the ability to defend multiple positions, sitting down as he defended the ball 94 feet or stretching out his length and explosion blocking numerous shots at the rim.
We are surprised that Ali’s recruitment did not take more of a high mid major to high major feel. He has all the tools and upside you look for. Regardless, Ali took away the Mr Top 80 award and look for him to be an absolute terror on the MAC relatively early.
6’8” 2020 Charlie Peterson of North Central HS (Indianapolis)
First off, Peterson walks into camp with a 4.7 GPA. A very high academic prospect. He has a basketball look about him, with long arms and a sturdy frame. On the floor he is very bouncy with a great skill set. He shoots the ball with touch and range, off movement or in pick and pop situations. While he still needs strength, he showed the ability and footwork on the block.
Peterson is a strong rebounder and a vocal, very competitive, player. With no offers yet he is hearing from IUPUI, Ball State, Army, Navy, Penn and Miami of Ohio. Very soon that interest should start turning into offers. A lot to like here, and someone who could take a drastic jump over the next year.
6’9” 2021 Langdon Hatton of North Harrison HS (Georgetown)
Hatton was the runner up for the Mr. Top 80 award as he had a great day all around. Hatton is a throw back mid western big through and through. Only a sophomore, he is incredibly skilled with a nice array of shot fakes, jab steps and handle. He showed deep range from beyond the arc and the ability to get downhill off the catch.
Even against more athletic guys on the perimeter he was able to get by them with his ball skills. Against taller guys on the block, Hatton was able to finish with his footwork and touch. He will be a very interesting player to watch moving forward. Also carrying a 4.0 GPA, Hatton could have high major stuff by the end of the day.
7’1” 2020 Noah Hupmann of Evansville Day (Evansville)
Hupmann is huge, every bit of the listed 7’. He also was more fluid that you would expect. Hupmann’s father had a nice playing career overseas after playing at Evansville, his father stood 7’2”. Hupmann has great hands and soft touch. He measured a 9’2” standing reach and was able to dunk the ball often in the half court.
Even in skills and drills Hupmann showed fluidity, putting the ball on the floor. He still needs strength, but he has a lot of tools to look for at the next level. A sure fire Division 1 prospect, he is a couple of years off, but once he grows into his 7’1” frame watch out.
6’4” 2020 Charlie Yoder of Westview HS (Lagrange)
Yoder was everywhere on the floor. The ball always seemed to find his hands. His movement off the ball was expert. He would be in constant motion, posting his man, screening, back door cutting, flashing. He finished his second game with an event high 44 points. He has great length and good bounce. He is also able to defend multiple positions with his anticipation and athleticism.
Yoder is one of those players you can’t put in box, but you know that he will always go out and produce. He wins ball games. Because he can’t be put in a box, his recruitment will be interesting. Hopefully these scholarship coaches see that he wins games and is someone they need to get on.