Author: Zachary Ganthier
I had the opportunity to go to the USA U18 Training Camp this past week and here are some of my takeaways and players that stood out the most.
Mark Armstrong/6-3/G - One of the most athletic players in attendance. Wowed me with his athleticism and was also a very fluid playmaker. Has a lot of leadership qualities, everything you’d want in a PG.
Omaha Biliew/6-8/F - Small sample size, but showed a strong presence in the time I watched. Very strong in the paint. Has potential to be a paint beast at the next level. Had glimpses of a jumper, fully developing it will do him wonders in college and the NBA.
Anthony Black/6-7/G - Good size, seems able to do everything but has no glaring strengths or weaknesses.
Xavier Booker/6-10/C - One of the guys I was the most excited to see due to recent buzz around his name. Lived up to the hype and then some. Impressed me with his agility and shot making presence at his size. College scouts were also impressed as he picked up offers from Duke and Texas after his impressive performance.
Kanaan Carlyle/6-2/G - True 3 level scorer capable of playing in both guard spots. Seems more comfortable as a Shooting guard. Good perimeter defender as well. Lots of potential at the next level.
Isaiah Collier/6-3/G - Small sample size, but was one of the most impressive players of the weekend in my eyes. He possesses amazing court vision which makes him the best playmaker in high school basketball in my eyes
GG Jackson/6-8/F - Widely regarded as the #1 Player in The Class of 2023, Jackson proved to be one of the most advanced players in the nation. Has the potential to be the best long term prospect in his class. Seems to have great leadership qualities very vocal guy
Dior Johnson/6-2/G - Small sample size but I love the intensity he plays with and he has potential to be elite at the next level.
Jared McCain/6-2/G - Has the purest jumper in high school basketball in my opinion. If I was a coach he’s a guy I’d love to have on my team but hate to play against.
Derik Queen/6-9/C - His potential is through the roof. His main weaknesses are his agility and weight but his strengths outweigh these. His footwork is elite and he has strong playmaking abilities for some his size. Can have a Scottie Barnes type ceiling if he develops which I expect him to playing under the same coach that developed Barnes, Coach Kevin Boyle of Montverde Academy. He has the potential to be the best long term prospect in 2024.
Seth Trimble/6-2/G - Tough gritty guard with good athleticism. Intrigued to see how he does at UNC next season.
Jordan Walsh/6-7/F - Great two way athlete, ridiculous athleticism. Potential to be a superstar at the next level.
Kel’el Ware/7-0/C - The center was one of my favorite players this weekend. He was dominant in the paint offensively and defensively. Dunking and blocking everything in sight. He also has a little bit of a jumper which at 7-0 if he gets comfortable with it he’ll be lethal next season at Oregon and in the future in the NBA.
Cam Whitmore/6-6/G - Athletically gifted, Potential to be a two way guard at the next level. Intrigued to see the Backcourt of him and Mark Armstrong at Villanova next season.