Premier League Week 1
2023 | Brendan Am0yaw | 6’8 | F
Projection: High USports, LM-MM+ D1
Was a stand out in the Lincoln Prep’s first game vs Orangeville Prep in their first pre-season outing and remained a stand out over the first weekend of prep basketball. As far as leapers go and playing above the rim, he was in that handful of players who possesses that level of explosiveness except hes 6’8. Very mobile and agile and has pretty good frame which can still fill in as time goes on. More of 4 at this point who gets spoon fed at the rim or eats as a roll man but has certain tools that can translate to the wing position long term if he so chooses to work at it. At this moment he struggles creating for himself aside from being a straight line driver and using his athleticism to blow by defenders and finish at the rim but if you don’t possess that foot speed he’s getting around you or going over top of you. Has a bit of a soft touch in the 10-15 foot area but is not someone who can currently stretch out to the 3 point line. Really good motor on both ends of the court. Strong weekend for Amoyaw considering these past couple of weeks being his first exposure to the prep level.
2022 | Cristian Craciun | 6’5 | G/F
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM D1
Good to see him do much of the same things well he did over the Rep Circuit against even higher level of competition this past weekend. Craciun has some really good tools as a guy who can play 1-3 depending on who he’s surrounded by and role given (Think a slightly more skilled matteo Zagar) but how much his ball skills improve over the next year is the big question. His shooting also needs to become way more consistent. Struggling right now and has been honestly through the summer on hitting the 3 ball. Really good upside, will be interesting to see how he progresses through his final prep year.
2022 | Josh Omojafo | 6’5 | G/F
Projection: High USports
Struggled finding that balance of when to attack and be aggressive but not over-aggressive to the point of being out of control. Had this issue playing on the NPH Rep Circuit as well but wasn’t surrounded by guys of his level on his club team. Jump shot does not look the prettiest as well, needs some work with his form. Can handle the ball and create opportunities for himself but tends to over dribble or force in order to get to that point. Think hes best used as a wing off the ball who attacks off the catch and uses his size and athleticism to get above the rim or his strength finishing at the body of defenders. Plays extremely hard, willing to give up his body. Can become a pretty good defender with his build, just takes dumb fouls due to his aggression right now.
2022 | Brayden O’Connor | 6’4 | G
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM-MM D1
Struggled with his shooting all weekend including a 4-19 and 3-16 performance but played through a little knee issue. Not surrounded by much talent around him this season so is the primary ball handler. Will be interesting to track how much better he becomes as playmaker in this role and try to raise the level of play of the guys around him.
2022 | Pierre Mukandila | 6’4 | G
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM D1
Great size for position. Had a coach reference Luguentz Dort in terms of his build (strictly physical structure). What’s interesting is for someone with such a stocky build hes got a light feathery touch on his jumper. Can knock down shots from the mid range and perimeter but at times falls too much in love with his jumper instead of just being that downhill bully he can be. Average athlete at best. His pace of play and willingness to be a playmaker is intriguing long term if he can play the PG spot full time. Can defend 1-3 at his size.
2022 | Maxwell Vorpool | 5’9 | PG
Projection: Mid–High USports, Mid-High D2
Has the makings of become an elite shooter spotting up or off the dribble. Was previously much more of a scorer off the ball or as a secondary option but has transitioned into the lead guard role and has definitely improved ability to handle the ball and make reads from the pg position. Can tell he’s definitely been in the gym working on his game. Doesn’t look like he’ll get much taller than 5’10 maybe 5’11 but his mental toughness is there in terms of being one of the most fearless and competitive guys in the gym.
2022 | Jefferson Monegro | 6’1 | G
Projection: High USports, LM-MM+ D1
Mixed emotions on Monegro this weekend. His compete level is there and is definitely the most vocal guy on Orangeville Prep. He’s got some real ability which translates at the next level such as his craftiness, vision, and creativity to separate when he does look to score but I haven’t seen him separate from the pack just yet. Thought he struggled trying to shake defenders and finish over length in the paint but was super smooth getting into his step back jumper. Heard lots of great things about the kid over the weekend in terms of intangibles and what he’s done becoming a leader in the program. Need to see more in terms of actual on court ability and production.
2022 | Jeremy Foumena | 6’10 | C
Projection: MM-HM D1
Dealt with a little bit of a knee injury over the weekend but it only held him out for one game. After the performance he put on in the pre-season opener for Orangeville Prep, he did not disappoint over this weekend. Very talented big on the offensive side of the ball who has the ability to take guys down on the block, face-up in the mid range, pick and pop from 12-18 feet out with the possibility of extending his range to the 3 point line, and is a lob threat. Foumena is a presence at the rim defensively but has work to do in terms of improving his agility and lateral mobility to stay in front of quicker guards when he’s put into ball screens. Love his fire and energy after making a big play. At one point he was almost overemotional but you can see he has matured and definitely harnessed some of that fire he plays with. Been a major standout through the first month of the prep year and definitely has the ability and support around him to play himself into the conversation of becoming the top big in this class.
2022 | Rory Stewart | 6’9 | PF
Projection: High USports, LM-MM D1
At this point you know exactly what you’re getting from Stewart on the offensive end. He is maybe the best floor stretcher in the country. Would love to see him be able to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim now that he’s seeing guys play really high on him and completely close out or if a switch happens be able to see and attack his mismatch down low. Struggles finishing around length and athleticism when he’s under the rim. Communicative on defense and knows where he needs to be but at the end of the day the lack of foot speed to stay with guys on the perimeter and the lack of vertical explosiveness to be a disruptor and contest shots at the rim is just something he and his coaches will have to work around.
2022 | Majambu Mbikay | 6’8 | F
Projection: High USports, LM-MM D1
Making the transition from an athletic forward with a high motor to a Wing who’s able to function not just in an fast paced system, but in a half court setting. Real upside with his physicals for the position but still raw in skillset although you can see some improvements from the summer. If Mbikay can consistently show he can knockdown shots from the perimeter and if ran of the 3 point line attack those closeouts and display his athleticism at the rim, he can become a very good player at various levels down the line. Definitely got my eye on how much or how quickly he can transition into that Wing position as the prep year continues.
2023 | Preston Gayle | 6’5 | G/F
Projection: High USports, LM D1
Exciting player to watch in transition. Gets downhill very quickly with good change of direction and can finish with his left or right hand at the rim and sometimes even above it. Will get out of control at times when things aren’t necessarily going his way and force the issue. Would love to see him take on more responsibility as a playmaker in the half court. Can see some natural ball handling capability and wiggle to get by defenders but he’s just not polished yet in terms of his plan of attack. Very interested to see if he can become the Alpha on this Halton Prep team as the season progresses.
Projection: Mid–High USports
Love Cotie’s motor. Plays hard on both ends of the court. Best on court skill right is his ability to rebound but there has no question been a steady improvement in what he can provide offensively. His touch has around the rim has definitely gotten better either operating out of the post or as a roll man. Very noticeable change in his body as well, has gotten in much better physical shape and condition.
2022 | Kyree Thompson | 5’10 | PG
Projection: High USports, High D2
Was one of the top pure point guards playing this weekend. Thompson is known more for his ability to score the basketball but did a really good job breaking down his man, getting into the paint, drawing the help and finding his big man down low or cutters at the rim. More than capable of running PnR and manipulating the defense to find space for himself to get into the lane and either be a threat to score or pass (seems to have found that balance). Tough kid and looks stronger than what you see in person with his 5’10 frame but that will be the big question at the next level vs competition with better size and athleticism. His teammates definitely responded to his play as the primary decision maker as the weekend went on which was good to see. There’s a real chance Thompson could play himself into the conversation as one of the top 5-7 PG’s in the country once its all said and done.
2023 | Gabriel Gutsmore | 6’1 | PG
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM D1
His team got absolutely smoked by Orangeville (Different weight class due to size and age) but he was the one true clear stand out in that particular game. Loved his composure but at times you would see flashes of burst and aggressiveness that would catch your eye. Showed some real athleticism at the rim and activity level on the defensive end. Had a D1 coach mention his style of play being very “Jrue Holiday” like. Buy stock early.
Projection: MM-HM D1
Didn’t get a chance to watch him closely this particular weekend but you certainly can’t miss him in passing. There isn’t many 6’10 Stretch Bigs at this age who move as fluidly as he does. His upside and play saw him receive an offer this weekend.
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM D1
Stock Riser. Can make the argument he was the most athletic player I saw in that gym over the weekend. Threw down multiple thunderous dunks including a two hander off a one foot leap that saw his head around the rim. Does have the ability to shoot it off the catch and when given time or space can measure and make off the dribble. Wait and see approach in terms of that being a good weekend overall or can he carry some form of consistency in that department over time. Very quick first step. If you’re not set Riley is getting to the rim and with a lot of bad intentions. Need to see more of what he can do as primary decision maker or if he’s just an athletic combo. Has the physicals to become a really good defender on the ball. Good prospect, interested to see more over the year.
2022 | Massal Diouf | 6’9 | F/C
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM D1
Crafty big. Similar size and build to the likes of Tye Cotie but just way more advanced offensively. Good footwork, has multiple moves he goes to down on the block. Can face up and attack guys off the bounce finishing with his left or right hand and has a soft touch. Having been a U16 National Team member in Netherlands you can see he has definitely been coached up. Not going to wow you in terms of athleticism. Just like his teammate Ben Riley, left with a good impression but need to see more.
2022 | Josh Mukandila | 6’6 | W
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM D1
Got to watch Josh over the summer closely on our Rep Circuit and he definitely flashed but struggled with injuries for most of the session. Getting in the weight room needs to be a main focus of his in order to handle the physicality at this level. Extremely long at 6’6 and is shooting the 3 ball very well right now. Not asked to do much as a playmaker looking to create opportunities for himself or others but looks pretty fluid with the ball in his hands in the open court. Good defensive upside. Need to see more vs better competition but Mukandila is for sure a quality wing at this juncture with tons of upside. He’s been a late bloomer but could very well into his own his final year.
2022 | Immanuel Oludele | 6’6 | G
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM+ D1
Stock riser. Oludele was one of the top performing guards this weekend. Smooth shooting stroke with range and showed some ability of being able to put the ball on the floor and create looks for himself. Whether more opportunity, lab work or a combination of both he’s definitely a different player than he was at Crestwood. Would love to see him be even more assertive down the line and show what else he possesses in his tool box.
2023 | Bubu Benjamin | 6’7 | W
Projection: MM+ D1
Biggest takeaway from Benjamin this weekend is how much better his jumpshot looks, was scorching hot from 3 this weekend. His head coach Eddie Richardson mentioned working closely with Bubu on making sure he’s shooting forward instead of leaning back and getting his release point an inch and a half higher. If he can maintain some consistency in that department with his natural ability to separate and create looks for himself, he can become a deadly scorer. I don’t like that his motor fluctuates time to time during games. Very finesse finisher around the rim as well instead of playing above the rim. Defensively he can be so overwhelming with his length and lateral movement. Want to see Bubu separate himself and jump into/maintain his position as one of the elite players of his class this prep year.
2022 |Caelun Swanton-Rodger | 6’10 | C
Projection: MM-HM D1
Becoming a force defensively as a rim protector. His timing and feel has gotten so much better, he’s able to stay on the court longer now that he can avoid foul trouble. Showed some nastiness on the offensive end with several dunks. A big area of improvement right now for Caelum is his hands. Being able hold onto the ball through traffic but also developing a softer touch. His frame is starting to fill out but still has way to go in terms of putting on muscle mass. Very clear to see things starting to click for the 7 footer and there is still much more room to grow.
2022 | Boston Harker | 6’4 | G
Projection: High USports, LM+ D1
Inconsistent weekend from Harker. Struggled knocking down shots which isn’t the norm and blew a couple more than make-able attempts at the rim you usually don’t see from him. He let me know after he was dealing with a bit of an injury at the end of the session. Harker is a slashing combo at this point rather than a true point. Ball handing and ability to use ball screens needs to improve. Did a good job reading passing lanes and creating turnovers. Also did a good job getting to the foul line. Need to see more improvement in Harker’s ball skills if he plans on transitioning to the lead guard spot.
2022 | Xavier Spencer | 6’2 | G
Projection: High USports, High D2
Taking on more of a leadership role with Edge this season and more responsibility in terms of being primary/secondary ball handler. Size and build look the same (still pudgy). Hoping he can continue to transition into a PG long term, would definitely improve his outlook on where he lands but is still going to be a very good basketball player.
2022 | Javier Gilgeous-Glasglow | 6’0 | PG
Projection: High USports, High D2, LM D1
Thought Gilgeous-Glasglow had a strong weekend. Shot the ball pretty well off the bounce and spotting up. Needs to make that maybe the most consistent part of his game due to lack of size and athleticism at the position. Crafty ball handler who is shifty. Love his compete level on the defensive end.
2022 | Armani Mighty | 6’10 | C
Projection: MM-HM D1
Physicals for his position are outstanding and he hasn’t even begun the process of putting on muscle. Mobility is so fluid at his size, gets up and down the floor effortlessly. Defensively just changes the way teams attack due to his presence at the rim. Currently only a dump off and lob threat on the offensive end.
Projection: High USports, LM-MM D1
Another good weekend for Okojie. Currently better suited playing in a faster paced environment but does certain things well in the half court. Had a huge dunk going baseline attacking off the catch but is inconsistent at this moment with his aggression towards the rim. Looks like he’s still growing into his body, so he moves a little awkwardly and needs work on how to take off at the rim. Not completely confident yet in his ball skills and ability to shoot it from the perimeter yet. Motor is as high as anyone you’ll see at the Wing position in the country and that’s what’ll excite you the most from especially someone with his build. Defensively can play the 3 or 4 straight up and has a good feel as the “roamer”. Okojie is going to have to become more of a threat to shoot the basketball as he faces higher level of competition consistently.
2023 | Vasean Allette | 6’3 | G
Projection: High USports, LM-MM+ D1
Allette’s isolation game and ability to break down his defender is something to watch. He falls into that trap of over dribbling trying to embarrass his man instead of just getting to the rim and making a play when he already beat him. Needs to make quicker decisions. Shooting off the bounce and spotting up is inconsistent right now, a lot of room for improvement in that area. Would like to see him also play-make a bit more his guys as he gets into the paint instead of forcing up tough looks. Love his confidence and aggressiveness, not many in the country built with his mental of being in constant attack mode.
2022 | Emmanuel Akot | 6’4 | W
Projection: Mid-High USports
MVP of the upperclassmen group. Although this was a weekend where the competition wasn’t as high surrounding him, Akot has been adding to his resume since playing on the Rep Circuit this past summer. Long and rangy guard/wing who finishes very well at the rim with touch. Decent looking jumper. Still skinny, needs to fill out. Wont ever be the first or second option but can turn himself into a productive role player.
2024 | Samuel Akot | 6’5 | G/W
Projection: Mid-High USports, High D2, LM-MM D1
Younger brother to Emmanuel Akot who won the upperclassmen MVP. Already taller than his brother and looks like he still may be growing. Got decent ball skills for someone of his build. Definitely needs to shooting mechanics but he was very confident in his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter and mid-range. Looked very Muon Reath like. Talented kid just needs to put in the right environment to maximize his potential.
2022 | Leonard Miller | 6’10 | G/W/F
Projection: HM+ D1
True G/W in a 6’10 body. Very comfortable handling the ball and creating for himself or his teammates. Jumper is still low when he releases it but gets good rotation when spotting up. Off the dribble his jumper can be flat. Very left hand dominant at this point, will need to use his off hand more as he sees better competition. His play and potential long term defensively is through the roof. His length causes problems on the ball and away from it causing deflections through passing lanes. Want to see Miller play at the next level gear he is more than capable of from possession to possession, just needs to find that consistency.
