The action is cracking in Spartanburg and I’m here to bring you the latest from some early morning and afternoon standouts. This list is composed of players of multiple classes and positions, that stood out for various reasons, take a dive into my early takeaways and some names you may want to keep an eye on.
5’10 2023 Hanif Elijah Omar has been one of the most tenacious on-ball defenders I’ve seen this weekend, Omar he applies full-court pressure & can completely take his matchup out the game. Omar gets low and square with his stance, he showed good balance, lateral quickness, & active hands on several steals.. Omar plays with a nonstop motor and he seems to embrace the big moments. Aside from the defensive capabilities Omar is a sniper from deep, he has major range and a quick trigger to match.
6’4 2022 Joshua Scovens (Carolina Clutch)- Scovens has had a very productive weekend down in Spartanburg, and from my observations, no one has had an answer for him. At 6’4 he’s a big-bodied wing prospect that can overpower his matchup on the block, coupled with the ball skills to play some on the perimeter also and he’s a tough matchup. Scovens is more agile than he looks, and he’s got a soft touch around the rim. Scovens was a monster on the boards, he understands the importance of filling lanes, and he was rewarded in transition.
6’8 2023 Addison Archer (NLPB) Archer continues to progress offensively, which is scary considering how good he currently is on the defensive side of the ball. Archer impressed early today, his combination of length, athleticism, & shot-making ability, make Archer a potential walking mismatch for the next several years. Archer boasts a slender frame but he’s stronger than he looks, and will embrace the contact at the cup. All that said, Archer has the motor of a kid just trying to make the team, he’s also a timely and disruptive shot blocker.
6’5 2021 Corbin Pack (CF Elite)- Pack is going to make some college coach look extremely smart for signing him. At 6’5 Pack can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court, he’s comfortable putting the rock on the floor and taking guys off the bounce, Pack also plays hard defensively and has the length to cause problems in passing lanes. Pack will help on the glass and all the dirty work also, what stood out was his constant movement off the ball, Pack never got caught stagnant, he always had his hands prepped to shoot it upon the catch. The stock is buy now because this secret will get out.
6’1 2023 Ja’Divion Coffey (Better Basketball University)- Coffey was on a team loaded with talent especially in the backcourt, his intensity and big play ability helped him stand out especially when his side needed a bucket. Coffey has the bounce to play above the rim, as he displayed yesterday on a strong two-handed tomahawk slam off an alley he caught. At 6 ‘1 Coffey has a stocky frame he can overpower his man or blow by the defense. Coffey lives in attack mode and he’s tough to stop when he gets downhill, but he can also hit shots from just about anywhere. Coffey absolutely has the step back snatch in his bag, he had defenders dancing this weekend. Coffey plays with confidence, he won’t quit he just keeps grinding it out. Coffey will also suffocate his matchup defensively, Coffey will pressure the basketball and speed guards up to his pace.