The Lone Star state welcomes the second stop of NY2LA’s second stop of their basketball association. Plenty saw their stocks rise, big performances were had and game winners beat the buzzer throughout the weekend. Here are some of the best of the best from Dallas.
TOP PERFORMERS
(Note: This list is in no particular order and is not exclusive.)
Logan Strom – 2017 6’8” F/C Omaha Elite – Strom is a player to watch the rest of the spring and summer. It’s tough at this stage to find bigs with great foot work, and Logan has that. Additionally his counter moves in the post make him tough to keep from scoring. More offers will find him and for good reason.
Jay Small – 2017 6’2” SG Omaha Elite – Small brings it with a lot of energy and a confident shot. He’s able to spread the floor well and keeps pressure on opposing teams to have to find him. His motor is undeniable and that makes him fun to watch on a team full of talent.
Ayo Akinwole – 2017 5’11” PG Omaha Elite – Ayo continues to solidify the fact that he has what it takes to run a team and make winning plays. Great feel and good basketball IQ at his position all elevate his ability to score it and pass it. He’s an underrated on ball defender who has good hands and anticipation.
Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler – 2017 6’9” F/C Omaha Elite – Chandler’s best days have to be in front of him. He has size, mobility and an inner monster that can destroy rims. There’s also a less demonstrative side to his offensive game that allows him to display touch and footwork. Defensively he has the upside to make a college coach happy, given how much ground he can cover and how well he can move.
Marlon Cunningham – 2018 6’8” PF New Mexico Force – Cunningham has the versatility that makes him a legit prospect. The lefty has good hands and feet and he’s able to rebound at a high rate. If you’re looking for a prospect who’s on the radar, but whose stock hasn’t taken off just yet, keep tabs on Marlon because it’s only a matter of time.
Kyle Kluge – 2018 6’2” G Minnesota Comets Elite – I love the confidence and scoring know-how of Kyle Kluge. I don’t want to label him with an “it factor” per se, but he has a good feel to him that makes him a threat with the ball in his hands. He left Dallas with a game winner and that surely won’t be his last.
Christopher Knight – 6’8” PF Wisconsin Swing – Knight was one of the more productive front court players in Dallas. I love his energy and motor and even with that I feel there’s more than what I saw and what he’s playing with. That’s a great feeling to have because that should mean the production will only get better and the performances should consequently get that much bigger.
Ryan Krueger – 2017 6’7” WG Wisconsin Swing – Kreuger has accuracy and range as a shooter. He moves the ball well and can feed the high post well. He’s a capable three-level scorer who possesses some guard skills that make him an interesting playmaker in the 17U Division.
Teddy Allen – 2017 6’5” SF OSA Crusaders – Allen is a big, physical small forward who can be tough to keep out of the lane at this level. If you try to keep him out on the perimeter, you have to respect his quick release and close his air space. If not, Teddy is capable to make you pay for not respecting his scouting report.
Nana Akenten – 2017 6’6” SF Illinois Celtics/Hoopers – Nana brings value by way of shooting. While not a big time athlete, Akenten can effectively get off his shot giving you a perimeter scorer. At 6’6” he has the beginnings of good positional size with room to fill out.
Keion Epps – 2017 6’5” SF R.E.A.C.H. Legends – Epps is a combination of efficiency, scoring, rebounding and athleticism. It’s not common to find a wing who is a constant threat to finish with a double-double, but that’s what you’re talking about when Epps’ name comes up.