Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Orlando, FL (Future150) -- On the second day of the live period many top prospects began to face off against each other. Whether it was in pool play in the super showcase or bracket play in 10th and 11th grade nationals, the competition was fierce. Here are a few of the players who stood out.
D.J. Porter , 2014 SG, Dejuan Blair All-Stars: The best kept secret in the city of Pittsburgh is the 6-foot-4 wing. The Obama High School (PA) guard was absolutely on fire Thursday morning, torching the opposing team for 30 points, knocking down seven three-pointers in the process. His jumper is a thing of beauty, and he gets good lift on his shot. Already claiming offers from West Virginia, Ohio, Saint Bonaventure, and Buffalo, as well as interest from Duquesne, expect his recruitment to pick up soon as schools outside the Northeast begin to catch wind of the skilled shooter.
Stuckey Mosley, 2014 CG, Q6 All-Stars: The 6-foot-3 guard turned in his best performance of the week to date on Thursday evening when he scored 14 points in a big win. He knocked down several long bombs, which has been his calling card. He also was effective getting to the rim, scoring and getting fouled on two separate occasions. Along with his scoring exploits, he also ran his team well, dishing out several assists and controlling the flow of the game.
Bonzie Colson, 2014 PF, BABC: The most impressive prospect of the day was the warrior forward. Standing at 6-foot-5, you wouldn't expect him to be an effective post player at the elite level, but that's exactly what he is, thanks to his enormous wingspan and instincts. In a win over Florida Unite, he racked up 18 points and 14 rebounds in front of Notre Dame head man Mike Brey. Another impressive aspect of his game is his smarts on the court, as well as his low post passing. A very high IQ basketball player.
Antonio Blakeney, 2015 SG, E1T1 Elite: One of the top shooters in his class, Blakeney will make his debut in the Future150 rankings in August. The high scoring wing finished with 25 points, including 5 threes, en route to a win on Thursday morning. Blakeney also got to the rim and scored there as well. He has a good handle and good vision, showcasing his ability to be the primary ball-handler at times.
Cameron Johnson, 2014 G, Team Work: Johnson is a sleeper prospect who can play either guard position due to his handle and high basketball IQ. At 6-foot-6 he uses his size to see over smaller defenders and make plays. His shot is still a work in progress but with his length and ability to create for himself and others he will be one to track in his final year of high school ball.
Daniel Giddens, 2015 PF, E1T1 Elite: This is Giddens’ first tournament with the E1T1 16’s but he looked incredibly comfortable with the team. The big man is comfortable with playing with his back to the basket and can score facing up as well. He is an explosive leaper who rebounds the ball well and uses his athleticism to cause problems on defense.
Mason Riggins, 2015 PF, Triumph Gold: Riggins was one of the bigger surprises of the day. Playing with Triumph Gold, he showed that he can score around the basket and used his college ready frame to bully smaller defenders on the block. Riggins is the type of player that will bring instant value as a rebounder and defender at the next level.
Roderick Mills, 2014 SF, Queen City Prophets: Right now Mills’ best asset is his athleticism. At 6-foot-6 he has great length that makes him a problem defensively. He is at his best when he is attacking in the open floor and scoring at the rim.
Emmanuel Nzekwesi, 2015 CF, Triumph Gold: Nzekwesi is another big surprise that demands attention nationally. The Netherlands native is still adjusting to the American game but showed plenty of promise. He is still learning how to play more physical but is an exceptionally versatile forward who’s best ball is ahead of him.
Leron Black, 2014 PF, Team Thad: Black is a bruising forward that uses his college ready frame to bully defenders in the paint and finish at the rim. Black is a force from 12 feet and in and can dominate the interior when he wants to. It’s no wonder why so many big programs are involved with the Memphis native. He scored 26 points and had 10 rebounds in the 2nd pool play game. The junk yard dog is back on the scene.
Evan Boudreaux, 2015 PF, Team NLP: Boudreaux has improved his perimeter game in the past year and it really shows. Last season he was considered a PF and now he is working to be a more complete player. He can score on the block as well as facing up. Boudreaux is a versatile guy who plays hard 100% of the time and will make an impact on a program in the near future.
Tyree Robinson, 2015 F, BABC: Colson might be moving on after this July but BABC has a player-in-waiting for his spot in Robinson. A similarly undersized forward, Robinson is an intense competitor who locks up on the defensive end and can score from 15 feet and in on the offensive end. He must work on his perimeter skills to reach his potential.
Colton Weisbrod, 2014 SF, Houston Defenders: Weisbrod only has one division 1 offer but that will change after tonight’s performance. Weisbrod was able to rebound the ball and score around the rim, as well as step out and score it from the mid-range as well. He is a physical defender who leaves it all on the floor and should be able to help a low-major program.
Sandy Cohen, 2014 PG, Wisconsin Playground Warriors: The ultra-smooth combo guard turned in a superb performance on Thursday night. He balances scoring and distributing well and can play either spot at the next level. He is an above average defender who can get to the rim and create for both himself and others. In addition he is able to shoot it from deep as well.
Jaquavius Parnell, 2014 SG, Team Thad: The sweet shooting guard went 12-for-14 from three in two pool play games and played good defense. He can score in transition as well. He had 20 points to lead Team Thad in scoring during their third pool play game. Look for Parnell to provide more instant offense for Team Thad moving forward.
Troy Holston, 2014 SG, North Florida Elite: Holston showed of his improved shooting stroke, scoring 27 in a win for his squad. He was able to hit shots off of the bounce as well as catch and shoot. Holston has drawn plenty of attention with his ability to shoot this summer and should continue to do so this week if he can keep this hot streak up.
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