Team 2
Coach: Marcus Banks Sr.
#76: 5’8’ 23 Jayden Freeman (Caroline)
Starting things off, we look at a player that showcased an appealing array of skills at camp, Jayden Freeman. He’s a smart, unselfish, high-motor point guard prospect with great defensive instincts and an excellent three-point jumper. Freeman was a nice spot-up threat along the perimeter while making his presence felt as a quick on-ball defender. He’s a clear team-first guy that shows a willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find more scoring opportunities as a cutter and spot-up threat. Coach Banks on Freeman: “Jayden can knock down the open three-pointer when left alone from deep. He can work on his ball-handling and getting stronger in order to ward off defenders. Jayden maintained a positive attitude and unselfish mentality throughout the day.” Freeman highlighted some excellent flashes during camp and could be a prospect to watch grow over the coming years, especially if he continues to work.
#78: 5’8 ’25 Aaron Elliott (Lake Taylor)
Next, we look at a player that is truly just beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities, Aaron Elliott. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect with a nice handle and the ability to utilize both hands quite effectively. Elliott showed flashes of a formidable jumper but typically prefers to get downhill and attack the basket. He also worked hard to make hustle plays and get back on defense in transition. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Banks on Elliott: “Aaron can handle the ball and get by his defender, he just needs to trust himself and play stronger. He takes constructive criticism well and applies it well on the court. Aaron maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Elliott competed well during camp, especially for his age, and has the tools to become a very useful player with continued work.
#79: 5’9 ’21 Hayden James (Heritage Christian)
Moving onto a player that was quietly among the most effective performers on display despite a lack of true size, Hayden James. He’s a smart, wiry point guard prospect that offers an exceptional blend between playmaking and three-level scoring. James possesses a tight handle, sharp vision, and craftiness, which allows him to navigate quite easily through traffic with the ball in his hands. He also showed the ability to operate without the ball and apply pressure as a spot-up threat from midrange or beyond the arc. James defends and rebounds quite well for his position, and shows a willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on his shooting consistency off the dribble, as it would make him an even more lethal offensive threat. Coach Banks on James: “Hayden is a coach on the court that scores on all three levels. He’s quick, shifty, and plays much bigger than his size would imply. Hayden displays good footwork and gets to the rim with ease. He maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” James enjoyed an excellent showing at camp and will be a prospect for college coaches to monitor during the next few years.
#94: 6’1 ’20 Andrew Shull (Chapmanville)
Continuing onto a player that seems to exude winning tendencies while making his supporting cast better on both ends of the floor, Andrew Shull. He’s an extremely smart, unselfish point guard prospect with an elite midrange pull-up and the necessary vision to set up others on every single possession. Shull is a great ball-handler with craftiness and the ability to touch the paint basically whenever he wants. He scores efficiently on all three levels but knows how to properly set up his teammates at a fairly constant rate. Shull is also deceptively quick, which he utilizes to break down defenders and contain his on-ball assignment on defense. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more useful cutter and spot-up threat. Coach Banks on Shull: “Andrew is an excellent shooter that can score from anywhere on the court. His court vision is outstanding and he puts his teammates in the right position to succeed. Andrew maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Shull had a phenomenal showing at camp, securing the Mr. Hustle award with relative ease, and should be poised for a big-time upcoming season at Chapmanville.
#97: 6’1 ’21 Malakai Whittaker (Carmel School)
Next, we look at a player that arguably showcased the most impressive motor from camp, Malakai Whittaker. He’s a big, strong, physical two-way guard prospect that knows how to fight on the glass and overwhelm opponents with his nonstop energy level. Whittaker attacks the basket well and finishes well through contact, but also displayed a nice perimeter jumper and passing vision. He handles the ball effectively and knows how to operate as an off-ball option, both as a cutter and spot-up threat. Whittaker is a smart defender with nice anticipation skills and the ability to rebound on either end of the floor. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Banks on Whittaker: “Malakai is a strong physical player with a ton of energy, which he exemplifies on both ends of the floor. He maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Whittaker impacted the game very well during camp and looks poised to have a productive upcoming season at The Carmel School.
#111: 6’4 ’22 Donald Hand Jr. (Landstown)
Moving onto a player that is already quite productive but truly just beginning to harness his long-term abilities, Donald Hand Jr. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect with an exceptional blend between playmaking and three-level scoring. Hand displays craftiness as a ball-handler and passer, but also knows how to set himself up for success and take advantage of easy scoring opportunities. He’s a useful defender and rebounder that utilizes his length very well to disrupt opposing guards at the point of attack. Hand can operate in a variety of different roles but truly thrives when getting out in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Banks on Hand: “Donald is an athletic point guard with the ability to finish well around the rim. He can score on all three levels. Donald maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Hand showcased some phenomenal flashes during camp and should be monitored closely by Division I coaches going forward, as he could be a high-level type of prospect.
#114: 6’5 ’21 Caleb Kenney (Douglas Freeman)
Finishing up, we look at a player that proved to be the ultimate team-first guy throughout camp, Caleb Kenney. He’s a long, smart, athletic forward/post prospect with an absolutely phenomenal motor, nose for the ball, and ability to dominate the glass on both ends of the floor. Kenney is fairly versatile on both ends of the floor, able to cause mismatches with his useful ball skills while switching across all positions on the other end. He plays within himself on offense, typically only looking to apply scoring pressure around the basket or with the occasional midrange jumper. Kenney possesses incredible defensive timing, specifically as a shot-blocker, and had some amazing rejections on the interior and the perimeter. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would allow him to take advantage of more opportunities as a spot-up threat. Coach Banks on Kenney: “Caleb is a very athletic power forward with solid hands and the ability to finish around the rim. He has quick feet and hand when playing defense. He’s a great shot-blocker and overall rim-protector. Caleb maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day.” Kenney was a terrific two-way asset during camp and looks likely to have a very productive upcoming season at Douglas Freeman.