2019 Nike Elite 100 Camp, Tuesday & Wednesday Breakdowns

St. Louis, MO – We look forward to the chances of HS/Prep players hopefully being able to make the jump to the Pros.  Walking into the gym Tuesday, you knew players would be on there games at this camp.  The 2019 Nike Elite 100 Camp flooded the St. Louis University Campus with NBA Scouts and top Media outlets.  So with that said, we got an opportunity to watch some favorable 2021 and 2022 talents.  Take a look at Tuesday and Wednesday notes.

I knew Jonathan Kuminga could play but wow, he is special!  At 6’7”, the 2021 guard/wing is fluent enough to play 3 spots. Plays confident PG/SG and physical enough to be productive on the wing.  The NY native Kuminga reminds me of NJ native Precious Achiuwa but with a guard set.  Kuminga is smooth, creative and can perform on high level.

Leading the pack in the 2022 class Emoni Bates, just casually comes in and starts producing on the floor.  With our second viewing of Bates, it seems that his confidence is higher then ever.  Notable comparison would include; Kevin Durant, Tracey McGrady and Paul George.

There is no question why ESPN ranked Bates #1 in their recent 2022 rankings.  After a few dynamic plays, me and Ex- NBA Champion Rasheed Wallace both agreed that the sky is limitless for Bates.

Offensively, he plays the 1-3 spots comfortably with a quick first step.  Bates is fantastic in isolation situations, has assassin qualities and looks to dominate.  He’ll get stronger as he continues his growth process but I’m hoping to see him on the NBA stage.

There was an enormous amount of talented players in attendance but 6’8” 2021 Micheal Foster looked like a grown man playing at times.  An athletic wing who’s physically fit, Foster can be dominating in the interior and pull you out in the perimeter.  Foster, in front of NBA Scouts put his whole package on full display.  The NBA framed Foster definitely proved that he can play with the best.

Franck Kepnang is a BEAST! There’s no other way to put it.  His approach to the game is to give 110% at all times. The 2021, 6’10” and 230 lbs athlete showed grit, heart and hustle.  We watched him dive for lose balls in multiple games.

Kepnang’s presence in the post is a factor at all times, a true power forward. Not to many players of his size understand where to be without the ball, talk at all times and be a uplifting presence on a team. Kepnang made a good impression in front of NBA Scouts.

Paolo Banchero put us on notice in Charlottesville at the NBPA and it spilled over to the Elite 100 Camp this week. Banchero is a work horse with skills.  Paola continues to build on his confidence and has religiously been in the weight room, believe me he will be walking that NBA stage.  At 6’9”, the 2021 forward who plays for Seattle Rotary in the EYBL can easily be a small forward with his skill set or stretch the floor at the 4 spot. The recent Kentucky offered Banchero, has gifts to start the fast break off the rebound and create scoring opportunities which are extremely priceless.  With his versatilities, he sets himself apart from the pack.

There were plenty efforts trying to keep 2021 6’10” Moussa Cisse away from the paint.  Cisse is as good a rim protector as you’ll find in NY.  The Christ the King shot blocker is scratching the surface of his development. Watching his footwork, back to the basket moves and movements on the court convinced me that he is top notch.

Impressed with their play:

Shy Odom of Beaver County Day School in Roxbury, MA made distinctive impacts. Solid 2022 combo guard at 6’4” who makes plays.  Odom is can be a really good two player.

Chris Livingston is tough! Livingston is a general who also can kill you offensively.  The Ohio native extended the floor with his shooting and continuously got into the paint for hard finishes at the rim.

Zion Cruz played well maneuvering in and out of traffic. The 2022 PG looked to be catering a ankle injury but still came out and performed. Cruz has a consistent 3 ball and mixes it up with his dribble penetration.

Terrence Clarke of the 2021 class comes off a great camp at the NBPA and processes all the tools to be a threat at the Collegiate level.  Clarke can slash, go off the dribble and be efficient at the PG spot.  The Kentucky targeted Clarke is amongst the best scorers in high school basketball and we’re hearing he’s  contemplating reclassifying to the 2020 class.

Aminu Mohammed a 2021 CG, looked impressive on both ends. Defensively he is enhanced because of his long wingspan which gives him abilities to defend multiple positions.  The 5 star combo guard Mohammed has been busy picking offers from Louisville, Towson, Missouri State, Bryant, Florida, Iowa and K-State. Wake Forest and Mizzou starting to show interest.

Gregg Glenn of Calvary Christian is powered packed. We interviewed Glenn a year ago and he still leaving marks on people.  The Florida native displayed a mixture of size, strength and finesse, all these qualities explains his top 2022 ESPN rankings. Glenn can finish over or under the rim, shoots the mid range well and plays hard. Loved what I saw from.

Standout performers:

• 2021 6’10” Wilhelm Breidenbach, Matre Dei
• 2022 6’6” Tre White, Washington
• 2021 6’2” TJ Morris, Christ the King
• 2021 6’5” Jordan Nesbitt, St. Louis Christian
• 2021 6’5”  Jerdarrian Davison, The Calhoun HS
• 2022 6’2” Rodney Rice, Bulls School
• 2022 6’8” Enoch Boakye, Glen Harris Prep
• 2022 6’9” Jalen Duren, Roman Catholic
• 2021 5’9” Daeshun Ruffin, Callaway HS
• 2021 6’3” Trevor Keels, Paul VI Catholic
• 2021 5’11” Kennedy Chandler, Briacrest Christian
• 2021 5’11” Bensley Joseph, Cushing Academy
• 2021 6’4” Brandon Weston, Morgan Park
• 2021 6’3” Dallan Coleman, West Nassau HS
• 2021
• 2022 6’6” Jaxon Kohler, Wasatch Academy
• 2022  6’7” Jalen Washington, Westside Leadership Academy
• 2022 6’5” Jordan Walsh, Faith Family Academy
• 2021 6’7” Kalen Etzler, Crestview HS