2019 John Lucas International Middle School Combine (IMSC)
Dallas, TX – Drive Nation Sports Complex was the location for the 2019 John Lucas International Middle School Combine (IMSC) which brought in another group of talented individuals. This is an invitational only camp for players from all over the country, who come to represent their region with ambitions to be labeled elite. With about 140 participants in attendance, take a look at the up and coming prospects that stood out.
2023 6’6” Tyler Smith, Hodges Bend MS (TX) This is a player with unique attributes with huge potential and upside. Smith at 6’6” is still growing and still has potential to get much better. It’s scary how good this kid can be with growth physically. Smith will be a tremendous prospect!
2023 6’6” Mackenzie Mgbako, Gill St. Bernard (NJ) has a lot of versatility and skill. Gets out in transition, talks on defense and has a good IQ. He’s 6’6” and can handle and can stroke the ball. Mgbako has guard like attributes to go along with that size and length.
2023 6’1” Diovion Famakinde, Our Savior of Lutheran (NY) has a distinctive NY swag! Famakinde can score on all three levels. He reminds me of Kyree Walker who can dominate guards and get to his spots on the floor with his dribble. He can finish at and over the rim, plus the pressure he places on defenders off dribble penetration is his asset.
2023 6’10” David Ibandzo, Covington(Ok) is a big bodied player who knows his roll, uses his footwork and keeps it simple. The scary thing is that Ibandzo is still raw and has more room to add on to his all ready powerful game. As he continues to work on his shooting and establish that 10 foot shot, Ibandzo will be a force to be reckoned with.
2023 6’8” Jalen Lewis, Bentley MS(CA) made use of his soft touch and size in the post plus displayed abilities to create by putting the ball on the floor from the perimeter. Lewis is more of a power forward that uses his strength to dominate at this level which is his advantage but that can change once others catch up in growth. Lewis should continue to extend his talents to the perimeter and work on the 15 footer.
2024 6’4” Liam McNeeley, Richardson North Junior High (TX) kept my attention by stringing plays together. McNeeley is advanced for his age and we hope to see more of him in the future. His toughness stuck out and that quality gives him an edge against a lot of his peers. He didn’t force his shot selections and showed good team support.
2023 6’4” Darkuan King, Forest Oak Leadership (TX) was productive at the 1-3 positions. He has the length and skill, plus more upside will come has he adds more muscle. King wants the ball at all times so he will have to be in shape to be that work Horse.
2023 6’3” DJ Delancy, Franklin Academy (FL) is a big sizable guard with good vision of the floor. The weight room has been good to DJ, he’s looking stronger since we saw him last. A few things have changed but he seems to have found some comfort being a catalyst at the PG position. “Mr. Smooth” can easily be dominant but he has to continue to attack everyone at all times.
2023 5’10” Chase Clemmons, Mount Vernon Presbyterian (GA) showed he can change game pace, be affective defensively and use his speed to create scoring opportunities on offense and defense. Clemmons should be conscious of his shot selection on his road to be a good floor general.
2023 6’0” Tristan Gross, SkyCrest Christian (FL) is a shooter with capabilities to put the ball on the floor. Gross was impressive in drill sessions, looked more aggressive and keeps displaying is high IQ of the game. Gross will have to stay in the weight room and continue to be vocal. We like what we see from Mr.
Gross!
2023 6’4” Jacolb Cole, Meyerland MS(TX) continues to improve every showing. Cole maximized his length, made efforts to attack the rim and made sure you knew he was on the floor. Cole will be that sleeper player in 2 years, so Coaches please stay on this kid!
2023 5’10” G Aric Demings, Desoto East MS (TX) has high character plus humble. Demings is a player every Coach needs in a program. He plays hard, attacks the basket with force and his aggressive play on both ends makes him leave it all on the floor.
2023 Karmello Branch, Turner/Bartels MS (FL) is a 6’3” CG with long arms, athleticism and showed he could finish at the rim. Branch was comfortable around the perimeter shooting his 3 ball but made his name at the camp in transition has he caught a few dunks. Branch warmed up after a few games and he noticed he could really perform on this type of setting.
2023 Drew Steffe, Frisco Memorial (TX) had a good weekend shooting the ball from deep. Steffe is not shy in any aspect. He had a solid overall performance this past weekend. His confidence around the arc can give nightmares for defenders.
2023 Christopher Locket, Arthur Ashe MS (LA) is a shifty guard who controls pace, created plays for himself and made others look good. Locket demonstrated good ball handling skills which was a added piece to make him a standout.
Notables:
- 2024 Deontrell Barrett, St. Anthony Academy (TX)
- 2023 Jake Pike, Spring Branch MS (TX)
- 2023 Jaland Lowe, Tanglewood MS (TX)
- 2023 Keith Robinson, St. Paul (KY)
- 2023 Zyon Little, Westbrook Itermediate (TX)
- 2023 Jermaine Patton Jr., John Muir MS
- 2023 Jesse Fuller, Tomball Junior High (TX)
- 2013 Mitchell Holmes, Oakridge School (TX)
- 2023 Josh Ugbaja, Strack Intermediate (TX)
- 2023 Kellon Smith, Shaker Heights (OH)
- 2023 Corey Kelly, Kipp Spirirt College Prep (TX)
- 2024 Jacob Hogarth, The Patrick School (NY)
- 2023 Tyler Ringgold, Southern Laboratory School (LA)
- 2023 Jonathan Caicedo, Farrell MS (FL)
- 2023 Trent Pierce, Union 8th Grade Center (OK)
- 2023 Chandler Starks, Nagel MS (OH)
- 2023 Shane Cercone, Tapestry (NY)
- 2023 Nathan Peters, Woodward Academy (GA)
- 2024 Aaron Powell, Barnhart School (CA)
- 2023 Yaqub Mir, Olympus Junior High (CA)
- 2023 Cole-Gregory Gingeleski, Farrell MS (FL)
- 2023 Zane Daughty, Ben Davis (IN)
- 2023 Cole Decker, Rippowam Cisqua MS (NY)
Initial Bay Area Hoops/BCP Top 30
Under the Radar: Norris Taylor, “Mr. Catch 22”
National Youth Basketball league
About The Author
Bay Area Hoops LLC
Reginald D. Burke Sr. is a committee member for the NBPA Top 100 Camp and provides coverage for National Basketball since 2010.