Below is the list of some of the event's highly-rated players and their evaluations, including Cassius Stanley, a Class of 2019 player who has yet to compete in high school, but was able to go toe-to-toe with some of the best upperclassmen in the camp.
As a side note, a pair of top 30 players, PG Frank Jackson and C Marques Bolden, did not play due to injury. In addition, national top five point guard De’Aaron Fox injured his wrist in the camp prior to the first scheduled game. As a result, there are no evaluations for these three athletes.
Top Senior Class Players
Mustapha Heron, West Haven CT, SG 6’5”, 197lbs (top 25):
Heron is a big, strong, and athletic player who can play both inside and outside. He played well in isolation with a variety of moves, and seemed to get to the basket at will. Even without having the ball in his hands, he still affected play on the floor. On one play, probably one of the best moments of the whole weekend, Heron rose above a crowd of big men and dunked a missed shot in traffic. The overall energy and positivity that he exuded also makes him a very attractive player, as he is clearly accustomed to a winning basketball environment at Sacred Heart High School.
Rawle Alkins, Brooklyn NY, SG, 6’4", 200lbs (top 30):
Alkins is a show-stopping dunker who can jump as high as any player in his class. His body is strong enough to allow him to rebound around taller and bigger players, and he seems to have the tools to be a very good defensive player. More consistency with his shooting would allow him even more flexibility to be a multi-threat player.
Terrence Ferguson, Dallas TX, SG, 6’6”, 180lbs (top 10):
The number two-ranked SG in the country mostly played at point guard in the camp with mixed results. Ferguson has enough ball handling skills to play the position, but was inconsistent in dictating the pace of the game and running the offense efficiently. Nevertheless, his athletic skills still shined through. Despite lacking the physical development of the other two guards, he can jump with the best of them, and made things look easy with his smooth and graceful drives. He should be able to develop as a solid SG in the mold of a Ben Gordon.
Mario Kegler, Jackson MS, SF/PF, 6’8”, 218lbs (top 40):
Kegler has a strong body and plays a physical brand of basketball. He loves to mix it up, despite being slightly short for the power forward position. He already has developed enough of an outside shot to warrant respect from a range of 15 to 20 feet. He is a bit of a 'tweener and might not have an ideal position. An improvement in his dribbling skills will help make Kegler a more complete player.
Vance Jackson, Bellflower CA, SF, 6’7”, 205 (top 30):
One of the most sought-after West Coast players, Jackson played well throughout the camp, but did not necessarily separate himself as one of the upper-tier small forwards. He is physically ready to play in college, and seems to have a good understanding of how to play team ball. What he still needs to develop are a few effective go-to moves, along with a midrange jump shot.
T. J. Leaf, El Cajon CA, PF, 6’9”, 210 (top 10):
The Arizona commit is ready to start from Day One. Leaf, probably the best player in the camp, is an inside-outside power forward, who can run the floor and fill the lane on the break. He also understands how to set up his shot in half court sets. Even though Leaf is not the most physically imposing PF, he can still get his share of rebounds. He is also a good leader, and is well-liked by his teammates.
M. J. Cage, Santa Ana CA, PF, 6’9”, 235lbs (top 40):
M.J. Cage, son of former Clippers rebounder extraordinaire Michael Cage, played well both defensively and offensively, scoring on a number of put-backs. Although he did not have the ball in his hands too many times, he was quite assertive on offense and provided ample secondary scoring. He projects as a productive basketball player at the next level.
Top Junior Class Players
Billy Preston, Dallas TX, PF, 6’8”, 220lbs (top 15):
Preston has the physical tools to play at either the 3 or the 4. He can handle the ball, and has a fast enough first step to get to the basket from 10 to 15 feet. He also has the back-to-the-basket game of a traditional power forward. An even-keeled player who kept working hard even when his shots were not falling, Preston also rebounds well, and defends smartly and efficiently.
Muhammad Bamba, Harlem NY, C, 6’10”, 190lbs (top 15):
Bamba is explosive with the ball and patrols the paint with a purpose. His shot-blocking skills should allow him to be an elite defender at the next level. Bamba's rebounding ability is also above average, and many times he would bring the ball up the court himself. Although his primary operating area should be in the paint, there is plenty to like about the impressive dribbling and shooting skills for such a tall player.
Top Sophomore Class Players
Bol Bol, Kansas City KS, C, 6’10”, 200lbs (top 5):
Bol is as good as advertised. Despite his thin frame, Bol proved he can rebound in traffic. His jumping ability also was showcased with a variety of dunks that he executed with ease. Even though he never seemed to demand the ball, Bol remained reasonably involved on the offensive side, allowing the game to come to him. He has good timing when blocking shots, and has the overall makings of a very good defender.
Top Freshman Class Players
Cassius Stanley, Chatsworth CA, SG, 6’4”:
The surprise of the camp, Stanley opened up a lot of eyes over the weekend by displaying an understanding of the game well ahead of his age. He was not timid and did not defer to the upperclassmen when a play needed to be made. Stanley jumped high enough to execute an alley-oop while sprinting on a fast break. He also scores well both in transition and in the half court set.
By Christian Saigon
Contributing Writer for TheDailySportsHerald.com
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