2023 Zion McDuffie (Bulldogs): It is about time people start recognizing McDuffie and what he can provide on the court. He is a strong, physical presence that is one of the more explosive prospects in the state. He is terrific out in transition and getting to the basket, finishing strong and a few highlight-reel dunks. But he also has shown that he can step out and be effective from outside, make plays and get to the rim, and be a presence/versatile defender on the court. Think his recruitment should only pick up more.
2023 Jaiden Thompson (Team Force): Another player that really confuses me on why more schools aren’t coming his way but think it is just a matter of time, Thompson really showed it all on the court today in what he can provide. He is another guard that sets the tone defensively, creating multiple steals to instantly turn into offense. But you can see that he has also added more to his overall game, scoring and creating, showing more bounce to his game, and getting stronger. He is a player that I think could be a great steal for a program.
2023 Clinton Efinda (Combine Regional): Efinda has come a long way in his game and he may have had the dunk of the event already in Week 1. But he is a strong, physical prospect with a college-ready frame and big-time athleticism that he uses to his advantage. Efinda does a great job of putting pressure on the defense, aggressively getting downhill and attacking the rim, getting to the line, and being physical on the court. Can be used in a variety of ways.
2023 Avion Pinner (Edoka’s Eagles): It was great to get an updated viewing of Pinner on the court and I was impressed with the activity level that he brought to the table. On either side, Pinner was either showing his versatility and athleticism in transition and finishing at the rim, or being active on the boards, altering shots, and defending well inside and out. Really liked his energy level on the court and could be in for a big season as a senior.
2023 Cole Callaway (Dive On It): Callaway finds himself on another standouts list, as he is one that looks like one of the clear leaders for his team this year. But it will be interesting to see what he can do as a senior with the talent he has around him as well. Callaway though did a great job in being physical and strong with the ball, getting into the paint and finishing strong around the basket with touch, just adding more to his game and shooting ability.
2025 KJ Younger (Big Dub White): At times, there are things that a scout notices both on and off the court that will catch the attention of college programs. Younger did both of that on Day 2… Offensively, he plays strong at 6’5, showing the ability to put it on the deck and create, playing through contact and finishing strong as well as hitting some impressive shots from outside. But it was also his leadership on and off the court that also grabbed my attention. High IQ, smart, physical prospect that I think will just be the start for him.
2023 Kimman Power (Team Blue): Power led the charge for his team, really showing his ability to operate from multiple levels, knock down shots and create for himself, and find ways to score from multiple levels. Power continues to show his ability to rise up and knock down contested shots, create well off the dribble, and bring a strong defensive presence to the court for his team.
2023 Rashad McCormick (Phenom ESA): The 6’6 prospect from Hough put on a tremendous show in Week 1 but really liked what I saw out of the entire team. But McCormick is one that should be coming on late in the Class of 2023, especially with his blend of size at 6’6, his ability to get downhill off the dribble and finish at the rim or around defenders, or also showing his pull-up game from multiple levels. He really showed his full game in Week 1, as I expect him to move up some boards for college coaches.
