On Saturday, the Barclay’s Center was crowded with anxious fans who wanted to see the next big thing as many of the nation’s top seniors played in their final high school game. Here is a recap of the top prospects from the Jordan Brand Classic, East Team.
Cheick Diallo – Undecided
It was 2013 when Diallo put on the Jordan uniform as a participant in the International Game. We saw a glimpse of what he could become. Here we are two years later watching a vastly improved Diallo stand out among some of the nation’s best in the main event. Diallo and his never ending motor finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes of play before fouling out. Shooting 12 for 16, finishing with dunks, spin moves, even knocking down a rare midrange jumper. Similar to the McDonald’s All American Game, Diallo didn’t stand out much in half court drills during practice, but when the bright lights come on, his constant involvement in the game is where he separates himself, earning MVP of the East Team.
Skal Labissiere – Kentucky
Coming off the bench, Labissiere posted a double double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. His size, combined with his elevated jumper and smooth touch helped him score over the bigs from the West. In addition to his shot, he attacked the basket, showing his rare ability to create off the dribble, for a big man. Although the East fell short of victory, with Ben Simmons and Jaylon Brone not participating, Labissiere was clearly the top NBA prospect to play in the game.
Thomas Bryant – Indiana
Bryant was solid all week. He didn’t make any of his three point attempts, but shot 5 for 10 from the field. Bryant finished with a few dunks and made a nice jump hook in the post, which he would do well to utilize more moving forward. He ended up with 11 points and crashing the glass for eight rebounds (four offensive).
Jalen Coleman – Illinois
Getting the start at guard, Coleman posted eight points and six rebounds. Known for his catch and shoot ability, Coleman didn’t make any threes. He did however; surprise many when he threw a dunk down the lane. A few plays later he split the defense aggressively taking it all the way for a layup. It was nice to see him create for himself off the dribble, which we didn’t see too much of at La Lumiere.
Isaiah Briscoe – Kentucky
Briscoe finished with one of the best boxscores of the game with 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists. However, he also had a game high four turnovers. Also, he shot just 6-17, more attempts than anyone else in the game. Briscoe definitely has a tendency to over dribble and forced way too many shots attacking the rim. He needs to do a better job reading the defense, instead of recklessly trying to take it at a bigger defender, while getting blocked numerous times.
Eric Davis – Texas
Davis had a solid performance. He made 2 of his 3 three point attempts and all four of his free throws. Next year, Davis will provide Shaka Smart and Texas with a tough guard with scoring ability. He only grabbed one rebound but ended up with 14 points coming off the bench for the East.
Jalen Brunson – Villanova
Brunson may have been the only true point guard to play in the game. Brunson scored 11 points but missed all four of his three point attempts. He also had three assists along with a game high three steals. The left handed guard was able to attack the rim in fewer dribbles than anyone else in the game. He doesn;t have a ton of bounce, but he competes hard and has a great handle of the point guard position.
Caleb Swanigan – Michigan State
Swanigan had a quiet game scoring four points and grabbing four rebounds. In a game where guards didn’t have much intention to feed the post, Swanigan struggled to stand out amongst the centers. He only one of his six shot attempts. He should contribute instantly at Michigan State, but Swanigan’s crafty, below the rim post scoring ability were not utilized in this setting.
Charles Matthews – Kentucky
Matthews struggled to find his offense, scoring six points while shooting 2-9 from the field. He was in attack mode but couldn’t get his shots to fall in. Matthews did however do a nice job distributing the ball, finishing with four assists.
Malachi Richardson – Syracuse
Richardson wasn’t too involved with the flow of the game, only scoring three points on six shots. Richardson didn’t grab any rebounds but did have two steals. The Syracuse commit does have a nice shot but was too patient trying to let the game come to him. He also finished with two turnovers and missed both of his free throw attempts.
