The premier opening travel season tournament, the 2017 NY2LA Swish N’ Dish is back and once again loaded with the Midwest’s top talent. Some of the best travel programs from the Nike EYBL, Under Armour Association, Adidas Gauntlet and NY2LA Basketball Association will be represented, as will a number of quality independent programs as well. Here’s a look at the top players to watch at the 16U level over the weekend.

Note – This is not an exclusive list

16U PROSPECT PRIMER
Myles Baker – 2019 – SG- Chicago Select
Baker has a chance to be a stock riser this spring/summer. We want to see how much he’s improved his shooting ability, but was able to burst onto the scene a bit last year. At 6-foot-3, Baker hits the check marks physically. He’s long with quick feet and uses his length on the defensive end as well to harass the ball handler. A high-IQ combo guard that makes good decisions with the basketball, Baker needs to work on his scoring ability from all three levels. If/when that happens, he’ll make some big jumps as a prospect. 

Larry Canady – 2019 – G – Butler Elite
Canady is starting to generate some Division 1 interest and for good reason. While he’s not the most exciting player physically, Canady knows the game of basketball and beats people with his head. He knows when to pick his spots and exactly how attack gaps. When he gets to the hole, Canady shields off defenders and uses his body well. This season, Canady shot the ball very well from 3-point range and continues to get more consistent from beyond the arc. 

D.J. Carton – 2019 – PG – Quad City Elite
Those close to Carton feel he could take off in the near future. Carton plays very strong and is able to create offense in a variety of ways off the bounce. An underrated athlete who tested very well at the NY2LA Futures Camp, Carton has a major impact on his team when he’s running the show. Carton has a terrific mid-range game and is able to finish in traffic when he’s able to get to the rim. Some high major programs, such as Wisconsin, have started to get involved here. 

Taylor Currie – 2019 – PF – All-Ohio Red
Currie is a long, athletic post that has the potential to be a mismatch problem for the next few years. The 6-foot-8 sophomore has flashed a high ceiling with his ability to play above the rim and run the floor. Last year, Currie looked raw on the offensive side of the floor, but did show some ability to score with his back to the basket or step out from mid-range. The skills and IQ were there, but we’re eager to see if Currie is starting to put it all together.

Nobal Days – 2019 – F/C – Playground Elite
Not many players in the country have as big of an upside as Days. At 6-foot-9, Days has tremendous length and athleticism for his body type. He runs the floor as well as any big man and can even handle the ball in transition. While he may not put up big scoring numbers, Days contributes across the board. He’ll rack up blocked shots, steals, rebounds, and is a very underrated passer. Days is developing his post skills and will occasionally step out and shoot the basketball as well. Going into the spring, Illinois, Wisconsin, DePaul, Marquette, and UNLV have extended offers to Days. 

Marcus Domask – 2019 – SF – Ray Allen Select
A highly skilled wing in the 2019 class, Domask is one of the highest-IQ players out there. The 6-foot-5 sophomore has an array of tools, particularly on the block. Domask makes defenders very uncomfortable with his ability to post and invert himself in the offense. A deadly 3-point shooter, Domask is an accurate catch and shoot player. Domask has also worked hard on his mid-range game and ability to score off the bounce, developing into a three-level scorer. Green Bay has offered early while a mixture of high and mid-major programs are evaluating Domask. 

Anthony Fairlee – 2019 – G/F – Illinois Irish Elite
Not enough people know about Fairlee and how good this kid could be. An explosive prospect, Fairlee opened eyes last summer with his ability to rise above the rim. He also puts in the work on the defensive end and is an impact player on both ends of the floor. Fairlee is about 6-foot-3, but plays much bigger than his size thanks to his plus length. A high motor player that excels in transition, Fairlee does have some budding perimeter skills and can knock down open jumpers when available. 

Markese Jacobs – 2019 – PG – Mac Irvin Fire
Jacobs is already off the board, having committed to Kansas in October. So powerful and explosive, Jacobs can be unstoppable when he gets a head of steam towards the rim. A shake n’ bake guard with a lot of juice, Jacobs has the ability to break a lot of ankles. The mid-range game also sets Jacobs apart. Able to stay in rhythm even when he stops on a dime, Jacobs throws defenders off balance when he pulls up on the go. 

Xzavier Jones – 2019 – SF – Playground Elite
A high-flyer in the class of 2019, Jones is an excellent transition forward. His teammates love to find him on the go and Jones almost always delivers with a big play at the rim. Jones is improving the rest of his skillset. He can work inside and shows some flashes with his back to the basket. The 6-foot-5 sophomore can also face up and shoot from mid-range or slash to the hole. An excellent shot blocker, Jones excels at coming over from the weak-side and sending the ball back from which it came. 

Deontay Long – 2019 – SF – Milwaukee Spartans-Rebels Elite
Long started to pick up big time high major interest last year. A player that never gives the defense a break, Long is constantly attacking. While he can be too aggressive, Long has a lot of tools offensively. He’ll knock down shots from all over the floor and convert some of the most difficult finishes against contact. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound sophomore is extremely physical and one of the most difficult players in the Midwest to defend. 

Patrick McCaffery – 2019 – F – Iowa Barnstormers
The long, athletic forward is a versatile player that can impact the game in so many ways. McCaffery runs the floor, blocks shots, and takes advantages of mismatches out on the perimeter or in the post. When he gets his outside shot going, McCaffery is often too much for defenses to handle. A 6-foot-7 sophomore, McCaffery is only getting better and expected to play for his dad at Iowa. 

Mario McKinney – 2019 – SG – Bradley Beal Elite
Missouri, Auburn, Kansas State, DePaul, and others have already offered McKinney. If he can get an isolation look, it’s probably over. McKinney has a quick first step and blows by defenders with ease. He also locks in defensively. There’s definitely a will and a want-to on that end of the floor as McKinney makes the opposition work for every dribble. A terrific ball handler that executes change of pace, McKinney can be dynamic in transition as well. 

Jake Poetzl – 2019 – SF – Playground Warriors
Poetzl has terrific size and length for the small forward position. A good shooter from 3-point and mid-range, Poetzl can rise and fire with ease over the top of the defense. Poetzl fills a number of different roles for his team. He’s also a toughness and energy player around the rim that battles for rebounds and second chance opportunities. Last summer, Poetzl showcased some exciting versatility and we’re eager to see how much he’s added to his game. 

Aidan Vanderloo – 2019 – G – Martin Bros. 
One of the top players in the NY2LA Association, Vanderloo is a dynamic, crafty guard. He does a great job of creating offense for himself and others. With the potential to light it up from downtown, Vanderloo can score off the bounce or free himself through screens off the ball. Vanderloo can change it up, penetrating into the teeth of the defense and drop the ball off to teammates. It probably won’t be too much longer until he starts to reel in some offers. 

Kahlil Whitney – 2019 – SF – Mac Irvin Fire
Still expected to be a national recruit, Whitney continues to tap into his ridiculously high upside. Rutgers and St. John’s have made early offers to Whitney, who could be another blue chip prospect to come out of Chicago. A 6-foot-6 wing with plus length and athleticism, Whitney has a 7-foot wingspan and the ability to embarrass people at the rim. He’s not just a one-trick pony either. Whitney can knock down shots off the bounce from mid and 3-point range and is improving his handle and passing ability. 

Joseph Yesufu – 2019 – PG - Meanstreets
A lot of talent has come out of Bolingbrook at Yesufu is next in line. A speedy guard that can go in transition and use his quickness defensively to pester opponents, Yesufu has the ability to change the game in a variety of ways. The 5-foot-10 sophomore plays bigger than his size and is fearless on the floor. Yesufu already holds offers from DePaul, Green Bay, and UTEP. 

Others of Note: Jeremiah Keene (All-Ohio Red), Elliot Sieger (Illinois Wolves), Colin Crothers (Illinois Wolves), Donovan Newby (Illinois Wolves), Jack Kahoun (Illinois Wolves), Chris Hodges (Illinois Wolves), Marquise Milton (Butler Elite), Jirehl Brock (Illinois Irish Elite NY2LA), Gage Malensek (Iowa Barnstormers), Kejuan Clements (Mac Irvin Fire), Issac Stanback (Mac Irvin Fire), Ciaran Brayboy (Mac Irvin Fire), Lance Jones (Meansteets), Johntae Martin (Milwaukee Spartans-Rebels Elite), Stu Vent (Milwaukee Spartans-Rebels Elite), Garrett Bruchs (Playground Elite), Trequan Carrington (Playground Elite), Cole Nau (Ray Allen Select), Chris Payton (Meanstreets), JR Cison (Illinois Heat)