The 2017 NY2LA Basketball Association championships kick off Wednesday as part of the 2017 Next Level Invitational. In a competitive 17U division that will offer up both open division pool play and the Association championships the first few days, the NY2LA Basketball Association 17U title could go to a number of teams. With college coaches back in the gym for the July evaluation period, here are the top players in the NY2LA Basketball Association 17U Division to watch this week...
NOTE - THIS IS NOT AN EXCLUSIVE LIST
Quincy Anderson – 2018 – G – Playground Elite
A solid perimeter talent with size, strength, feel, and the ability to score the basketball, Anderson had an excellent month of May and he’s quietly positioned himself as one to watch in July. His range extends beyond the arc and he has the ability to fill the box score and take over the game offensively when at his best. One to watch.
Grant Basile – 2018 – F – Wisconsin Shooters
One of the biggest risers in the state of Wisconsin this season, Basile is a raw talent with size and length His overall development both physically and skill wise have taken big leaps over the past year. He can finish at all three levels on the court although his most consistent area is 15 feet and in. Basile has seen a number of Division 1 and 2 programs begin to track him this summer.
Quinlan Bennett – 2018 – PG – Kessel Heat
Bennett is a terrific mid-range scorer and a problem in 1-on-1 situations. Bennett has terrific length and the ability to score and create for others off the bounce. Bennett uses his physical attributes on the defensive end as well. The 6-foot-3 guard plays the passing lanes and bother opposing guards. After receiving his first Division 1 offer in June, Bennett could be in store for a big July.
Quinn Blair – 2018 – SF – REACH Legends
A sleeper we’ve liked more and more after the spring, Blair is a tough, versatile prospect. The 6-foot-6 junior can score from all over the floor and makes sure to take advantage of any mismatch that comes his way. Blair has racked up mid-major offers during the travel season thanks to his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting ability, play in the pick n’ roll, and set up camp on the block.
Jevon Burton – 2018 – G – RL9 Elite
A talented and athletic scoring wing with the ability to finish in a variety of ways, Burton can finish in transition, off the bounce, and he plays with aggression. He can fill the box score and finish in bunches and he’s just starting to realize his potential. A 6-foot-5 shooting guard, Burton has the physical tools to play some dominant stretches of basketball.
Ramzi Carter Jr. – 2017 – SF – Team Elite CA
A fill the box score wing with the ability to clean the glass, score in transition, and deliver across the board. Carter had a solid spring and he heads into July as a potential sleeper still on the board in the 2017 class. He has decent athleticism along with some solid skill. One to keep track of this week.
Dragan Elkaz – 2018 – G/F – AUSA Platinum
A talented scoring threat with the ability to finish from any level, Elkaz can score off the bounce, hit the mid-range jumper, and he has the ability to knock down the trey ball. He’s improving his floor impact ability and overall his best basketball lies ahead. Drake and Utah State a couple school looking at him closely heading into July.
Ben Fakira – 2018 – C – AUSA Platinum
A traditional back to the basket big with the ability to see the floor and finish with either hand. Still defensively his offensive package, he has solid court awareness, passes the ball well, can finish in transition, etc. TCU, DePaul, etc. are a couple of the many mid and high major programs watching him closely in July.
Matt Gray – 2018 – F – AUSA Platinum
A versatile and skilled forward that can play either spot, Gray has the ability to finish at each level, he can elevate above the rim, and he finishes with either hand. His timing defensively is advanced as is his fell making for a solid shot blocking talent around the basket. Still developing, Gray’s best year’s lie ahead. Hofstra, U-Mass, Drake, etc. are watching him this month.
Rylen Grundy – 2018 – F – MBA Select
A name that came out of nowhere and played very well this spring, Grundy flashed a high upside. A bouncy forward that can surprise with his ability around the rim, Grundy is also very strong and provides a nice interior presence defensively. He’s not overly skilled right now, but he’ll move around the perimeter. Grundy is always sparking his team, whether it’s rebounding, shot blocking, or getting the bench on their feet with an exciting slam.
Joe Hedstrom – 2018 – C – Minnesota Comets
A strong interior presence on both ends of the floor, Hedstrom does a lot of the little things that make his team successful. He’s the type of player that may go unnoticed for long periods of time, but is still contributing. Hedstrom moves well for his 6-foot-10 frame and is comfortable if he has to run the fun floor or defend out on the arc. A solid mid-major prospect, Hedstrom is efficient round the basket, using a solid jump hook and he’s able to score with either hand.
Musa Jallow – 2017 – G/F – Team Blaze Select
The Ohio State commit will enroll in August, but not before taking part in the NY2LA Next Level Invitational. One of the most intriguing and versatile prospects in the Midwest, Jallow can play just about anywhere on the floor. Recently reclassifying to the 2017 class, Jallow was virtually unstoppable in the spring. The 6-foot-6 wing is a do-it-all prospect that packs the stat sheet.
Monty Johal – 2018 – SG – Yanders Law
Teams in need of a bucket getter should give Johal a hard look this spring. An electrifying scorer, no shot is too big or too difficult for Johal. Holding a few mid-major offers, Johal will put up huge numbers and do that often. A dynamic playmaker off the bounce, Johal can shake and bake some of the best defenders and has a knack for making difficult shots. The lefty continues to add to his offensive arsenal and is a very difficult cover 1-on-1.
Mitch Listau – 2018 – G – Wisconsin Swing
Listau continues to be one of the best mid-major prospects available. A terrific two-way player that gets it done on both ends, Listau can handle the load of being the leading scorer and defending the other team’s best player. The lefty is a strong 3-point shooter and an underrated attacker. Playing with terrific body control, Listau can shield off defenders and finish at the rim. He verbally committed to Belmont earlier today.
Matt Mims – 2018 – G – Martin Bros.
A terrific shooter and facilitator, Mims is the straw that stirs the drink for his team. Mims doesn’t need a lot of space to get his shot off and when he’s feeling it, he’ll light up the box score. Also a terrific passer in the open floor, Mims feels the defense coming and drops off some nice assists to open teammates. Best known for his shooting, if defenses give Mims a look, he’s pulling the trigger.
Xavier Pinson – 2018 – PG – Mac Irvin Fire Elite
Pinson has that clutch gene and put on a show in the spring. One of the top 17U prospects in the NY2LA Association, Pinson’s speed and elusiveness allows him to create so much offense. The flashy, electric lead guard broke defenders down with ease, using a deadly crossover or hesitation dribble to leave defenders in the dust. When extra help inevitably comes his way, Pinson is always one step ahead, immediately making the right pass. Pinson’s vision, facilitating, and offensive creativity continues to attract more Division 1 suitors.
Hunter Plamann – 2018 – G – Wisconsin Swing
Plamann really stepped up big for the Wisconsin Swing in the spring. Coming into his own in a loaded backcourt, Plamann showed the ability to take over offensively and go off on people from 3-point range. Now holding a handful of Division 2 offers, he’s being prioritized at that level. While Plamann may not have ideal height, length, athleticism, etc., he’s got no shortage of toughness and heart.
Marlon Ruffin – 2018 – G – Playground Elite
Division 1 programs are putting this kid on their radar, but the first offer has yet to come. A kid that always works for the best shot and is a relentless attacker with an electric first step and the ability to hang and finish at the hoop, Ruffin can live in the paint. Defensively, Ruffin gets after it. One of the best shot blocking guards in the association, Ruffin changes the game on that end of the floor.
Derek Sabin – 2018 – F – Wisconsin Shooters
Sabin committed to Belmont in June. One of the most versatile players in the Midwest, Sabin is a potential mismatch nightmare if he can reach his high ceiling. A skilled 6-foot-7 forward that can handle and shoot the basketball, Sabin is a big matchup problem. An unselfish star that loves to facilitate from the top of the key, Sabin fills a variety of roles for the Wisconsin Shooters.
Ethan Schuemer – 2018 – PF – Mercury Elite
Schuemer often flirted with a double-double in the spring and was a big reason for Mercury Elite’s success in the NY2LA Association. A versatile big with great touch from mid-range, Schuemer shot high percentages and was very efficient from all over the floor. Schuemer has a good blend of finesse and strength, making him a very difficult matchup.
Djuan Seal – 2018 – G/F – REACH Legends
Seal was one of the best scorers in the NY2LA Association. At 6-foot-4, Seal flashed some big time shooting ability off the dribble. When he’s consistent, Seal is very difficult to get out of a rhythm. A strong transition presence, Seal is always running the floor and isn’t afraid to challenge multiple defenders at the rim. His length and creativity in the open floor separated Seal from a lot of wings in the association this spring. A worker off the ball, Seal led the league in offensive rebounds (3.0) per game.
Jalen Shaw – 2018 – F/C – Kessel Heat
A big stock riser in the spring, Shaw has a big upside as a long, athletic post with a high motor. A disruptive defender, Shaw racks up blocks and protects the rim throughout the game. He plays bigger than his size at 6-foot-7 and his intensity on the glass usually goes unmatched. Offensively, Shaw makes his mark working for second chance opportunities. He’s very raw and needs a lot of skill work, but Shaw can do some things off the dribble and slash from the high post.
Malachi Smith – 2018 – G – Jets-Ramey United
An underrated two-way guard, Smith can score and defend at a high level. Off the bounce, Smith has plenty of speed and can get to the basket before the help defense can react. Not only can Smith score, but he can create for his teammates. Defensively, Smith uses his speed to play the passing lane and reacts very well when the ball is in the air. He’ll get up into opponents and look to start the fast break by picking the pocket of his man.
Legend Stamps – 2019 – F – Inland Empire
An underrated prospect from the West Coast, Stamps is legit and he’s only getting started. Equipped with size, length, feel, instincts, and an ability to contribute on both ends, Stamps should garner a lot of attention as a must watch 2019 prospect both regionally and nationally.
Jason Taylor – 2018 – C – Martin Bros.
A 6-foot-11 junior, Taylor towers over his opponents. Holding a few mid-major offers, Taylor is a nice shot blocking presence. Able to move his feet surprisingly well for his size, particularly laterally, there’s plenty of optimism Taylor can apply that footwork to the offensive end. He also shows promise on that end, able to handle the ball on the perimeter.
Matthew Todd – 2018 – PG – Minnesota Comets
Not sure if enough Division 1 programs are giving Todd a look. Perhaps the best shooter in the 17U Division, Todd is an assassin from mid and 3-point range. If Todd is given an inch defensively, he’s a threat to put the ball in the hole. Todd is a great decision maker, particularly in the pick n’ roll where he’ll just tear apart defenses. An excellent feel for the game and leader on the floor, Todd orchestrates the offense at a high level as well. When he’s on the floor, the ball movement is exceptional and he makes the other four players around him better.
Blake Verbeek – 2018 – PF – Grand Rapids Storm
Another blooming talent in the Midwest who is already collecting a lot of attention, Verbeek is equipped with size, plus length, instincts, and a developing offensive skill package that makes him one of the top bigs to pay attention to this spring and summer in the Association. Verbeek stands roughly 6-foot-10 and he’s developing his skills as a ball handler and a 3-point shooter, showcasing a soft touch over the spring.
Deyvnn Wakefield – 2018 – SG – Quad City Elite
Wakefield has athleticism and quickness that he blends with aggression, toughness, instincts, and skill to make for a versatile and dominant talent with high caliber floor impact ability. He can score at each level and he has solid feel and ability on the defensive end both on the ball and off the ball. Wakefield fills the box score and the intangibles combined with his skill make him an intriguing prospect with a nice ceiling to develop into.
Travell Washington – 2018 – F – Inland Empire
A bouncy and lengthy forward, Washington has some exciting tools. The shot blocking ability sets Washington apart. He can protect the rim and do so without fouling. Washington needs to develop his skill work, but has a soft touch around and away from the rim. An athletic big that runs the floor both ways, Washington can generate easy buckets and also take them away from the opposition. He will be one of the biggest risers of the spring both regionally and nationally.
John Wheeler – 2018 – G/F – Illinois Irish
Wheeler is a worker with arguably the best motor in the 17U Division. It’s evident that there’s not a bit of energy wasted when Wheeler laces them up. A player that can attack the basket, stretch the floor, and make hustle plays, Wheeler just seems to be everywhere. The stat box doesn’t always do him justice with how many rebounds and second chance opportunities he keeps alive. A hard-nosed prospect, Wheeler is one of those guys you hate to see on the opposite sideline.
Logan Windeler – 2018 – F – Example Sports
Windeler established himself as a Division 1 talent. A skilled 6-foot-8 forward, Windeler has the ability to get hot and stay hot from 3-point range. A spot-up shooter that can also do some things off the bounce, Windeler has no fear when pulling up from beyond the arc. Windeler can make a lot of bigs uncomfortable, running off screens and pulling his man out of the paint and then taking them off the bounce.