Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
New Orleans, LA (Future150) -- Annually one of the best youth basketball events in the country, the Primetime Super 60 has served as a stage for big time 7th and 8th grade basketball standouts to be introduced to the hoops world.
The 2016 event was no different, as Future150 discovered several future high school players, with some showing characteristics and ability to play at the college level and beyond. Below are 20 prospects in the 7th & 8th grade divisions we've identified as frontcourt prospects with promising futures, led by a Florida big man and a Texas wing.
Marcus Dumervil Dominates 8th Grade Division
From the moment he walked into the gym this past weekend, 6'5", 250 pound big man Marcus Dumervil was a sight to behold. In leading his Lauderhill Lions group all the way to the Final Four of the 8th grade bracket, he displayed nimble footwork, soft hands, and finishing ability around the rim. A football standout (shocker!), he showed a nasty streak in the low block, and couldn't be contained by any other big man in New Orleans all weekend.
Breon Thompson Emerges in Crescent City
One of the most impressive AAU teams nationally in the 14U division is the God First Crusaders (TX). One of their stars of the spring has been 6'6" forward Breon Thompson. Already possessing an impressive frame, the lenghy future-wing is a capable slasher who is superb in transition. While his jump shot definitely needs work, right now he shows all the tools to be one of the next stars in the greater Houston area.
Other Super 60 Frontcourt Notables:
Zondrick Garrett, 2020 PF, Elite Squad (AL): The 6'6" big man was dominant throughout the weekend, showing off explosiveness as a finisher and rebounder, as well as an unmatched motor. In time, he will be a scout favorite in the Southeast region.
Stayve Thomas, 2020 PF, God First Crusaders (TX): The 6'7" big man has a long way to go as an offensive player, but all the pieces are in place. Right now, he's a solid rebounder with finishing ability around the rim. He's also a physical defender with room to grow into a polished big man.
Jonathan Lawson, 2021 SF, Team Penny: Just when you thought there weren't any more Lawson brothers left, Jonathan popped onto the radar! Already nearing 6'5" with extremely long limbs, he reminds us a lot of his 2019 brother Chandler, so expect more growth coming soon. One difference between him and his brothers is his shooting ability, as he projects to be a wing prospect when all is said and done.
Dasheun Joseph, 2020 PF, Miami Select: One of the best defenders we came across over the weekend was the 6'5" power forward. His offensive game is quite raw at this point, but he was displaying solid finishing ability around the rim. In time, he should develop into one of the better prospects in the Miami area.
Jalen Myers, 2020 SF, Elite Squad (AL): Talk about a high upside prospect! The 6'6" wing is practically dripping with potential. The lanky lefty is all arms and legs right now, but he has range out to the three-point line and also mixed it up a little bit in the post when we viewed him. His best days as a player are at least 2+ years away.
Traylan Smith, 2020 SF, Sports Academy: Another upside pick is the 6'3" wing. He shined in a transition setting, and was very good on the defensive end of the floor. As his ball skills and shooting range improves, he should round out into one of the better wings in the state of Louisiana.
Rok Taylor, 2021 PF, Birmingham Storm: A 6'2" power forward, he was simply dominant in the post for his Storm team. He posted hard, rebounded on both ends of the floor, and flexed his muscle as a defender as well.
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