Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Atlanta, GA (Future150) -- Session 3 of the 2017 Nike EYBL kicked off action on Friday night in Atlanta, and CP3 (NC) guard Coby White wasted no time in putting together a strong performance. Over the course of Friday and Saturday, several other storylines caught our eye, along with several standouts from the event thus far.
Tar Heel Pledge Coby White Scorching For CP3
Coming into Nike EYBL Session 3 in Atlanta this weekend, CP3 (NC) 6’4” scoring guard Coby White was averaging 20.9 points per game. So far this weekend, he’s continued to be impressive, showing why he’s demanding attention as a top 25 level prospect in the 2018 class. Through three games, he’s led CP3 to a 3-0 record on the weekend while averaging 22.3 points per game. There's yet to be a defender who can stay in front of him, and he's proving to be one of the breakout stars of the spring season.
Several Point Guards Making Their Case For Top Dog In 2018
After taking in the action this weekend in Atlanta, one thing is evidently clear when evaluating the 2018 point guard group: there's going to be a battle for the #1 ranking. After watching Jahvon Quinerly & Devon Dotson do serious damage on the Under Armour Circuit a few weeks ago, the EYBL crew had their turn this weekend. Darius Garland, Tre Jones, Javonte Smart & Coby White each showed why they should be considered to be elite of the elite in the point guard category, and it's going to be fun seeing how the summer plays out, especially when you consider a few of the elite floor generals playing in the Adidas Uprising Circuit as well. Let the battles begin!
Big Men Emerge Onto National Landscape In 2020
While there's a long way to go for the freshman class, several big men put themselves onto the radar with their play during session three. Mississippi Express (MI) 6'11" post N'Faly Dante, Las Vegas Prospects (NV) 6'9" power forward Isaiah Cottrell & The Family (MI) 6'7"+ power forward Isaiah Jackson each had very nice moments on Saturday, showing why they need to be taken seriously from here on out. Will any other 2020 big men emerge on Sunday? We'll find out tomorrow morning.
Who’s Next? Class of 2021 & 2022 Standouts At Session 3
Boo Williams (VA) 2021 point guard Zion Harmon not only plays with the 17's, competing at the highest level of AAU basketball, but he is starting...and playing well. A jet in the open floor, he's a fairly small, but a very strong floor general in the mold of fellow DMV star Chris Lykes. While his upside may be limited, there's no denying that he's earned the #1 ranking nationally in the class to this point. The Memphis Wildcats (TN) were playing offsite Friday and Saturday, but that didn't stop them from putting in work in their two games, led by 6'5" point-forward Johnathan Lawson. An incredible passer with a smooth game, there's no denying his upside, as he's currently a top 10 prospect nationally in the class.
Nike Pro Skills (TX) 13's played up in the 14U division this weekend, and looked very comfortable in doing so. With two of the top 25 prospects in the country on their squad, it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Point guard Bryce Griggs and small forward Darique Miller-Whitehead both had their moments, and both are nationally respected for good reason. Finally, 2021 guard Jalen Brown also had a nice showing for the Memphis Wildcats as well. Standing in the 6'2"-6'3" range, it's clear he's far from finished growing, and he's got a smooth, slashing style to his game, and projects as one of the most talented wings in the Southeast for his class.
Nike EYBL Session 3 Honor Roll:
Cormac Ryan, 2018 PG, New York Rens (NY): Playing last AAU season with the Middlesex Magic (MA), the 6'5" combo guard was questioned as to whether he could measure-up on one of the major circuits. This spring, he's proven that he absolutely can, as he's putting up big numbers with the Rens. Coming into this weekend, he was one of the leading scorers in the league, and he's continued that trend in Atlanta.
Antwan Burnett, 2020 SG, Alabama Fusion (AL): A 6'4" shooting guard prospect, the Lanier High School (AL) two-sport star is one of the most spectacular athletes in his class nationally. Not only does he currently project as a high-major hooper, but the wide receiver already holds football offers from Alabama, Florida & Georgia. A talented three-level scorer, he had no issues playing up with the 16's this weekend, and continues to see his stock rise.
Kamaka Hepa, 2018 PF, Portland Basketball Club (OR): You'll be hard-pressed to find many big men in the class that are as skilled as the 6'9" stretch-four man. Since moving to Portland from Alaska, he's seen his recruitment really take off, showing an advanced skillset with the ability to showcase a beautiful shooting stroke out to the three-point line. It's no surprise he's a PAC-12 priority at this point.
Isaiah Stewart, 2019 PF, City Rocks (NY): One of the elite posts in the sophomore class, the strong 6'8" power forward has really taken a step forward with his post moves this spring. He's able to finish around the rim more easily than he did last summer, and he looks more explosive as well. We fully expect more high-major programs to jump into the mix for his services as the summer wears on, as it will be a challenge for Syracuse to keep him close to home for college.
Drue Drinnon, 2018 PG, Southern Stampede (GA): The 6'1" scoring guard is putting together a very nice weekend in his home city. Leading the Stampede to a 2-1 record so far, he's sliding into a nice leadership role for his team, and being looked at to take shots in big moments, as he did last night, knocking down a four point play to win their opening game of the weekend. When his shot is in rhythm, he's very tough to contain.
Wendell Moore, 2019 SF, Team CP3 (NC): Moore continues to impress on the 16U circuit. Holding offers from the likes of North Carolina, Georiga, and NC State among others, the 6'5" wing possesses an extremely high motor that he uses to crash the glass and score easy buckets in transition. Once he becomes a consistent threat to knock down the mid-range jumper, he is going to be a very serious matchup problem.
R.J. Barrett, 2019 SF, UPlay Canada (ON): One of the best prospects regardless of class, Barrett was highly impressive playing an age group up. His unique combination of skills, length, and athleticism is what sets him apart from all the other high-major wing prospects. He was draining three's, blocking shots, and dominating the glass on a consistent basis. Barrett is no doubt a lottery pick type talent.
Isaac Okoro, 2019 SF, A.O.T. (GA): Okoro's on-ball defense and high motor is what impresses right off the bat, but his high IQ of the game and smooth playmaking abilities on the offensive end is what makes him a high-major wing prospect. After having a breakout year, Okoro is only going to get better from here. With offers from Auburn, Florida, FSU, and Rutgers, expect his list of high-major offers to steadily grow throughout 2017.
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