While many of the top young players competing in Portland at the Nike Hoop Summit; another event was taking place in Louisville at the 33rd annual Derby Classic, All Star game. Here were some of the top performers:
Diamond Stone – Maryland
We all know about Stone’s back to the basket game; but he showed a face up game here, coming out firing and connecting on two 3 pointers within the first three possessions. Stone’s game isn’t really suited for a run and gun pace, but he did his usual, creating space with his body and showing touch around the rim. Stone finished the game with 11 points. It is also worth noting that he finished in second place in the three point shootout, only losing by one to future Notre Dame commit, Matt Ryan.
Thomas Bryant – Indiana
Bryant has had the unique opportunity to play in three All American Games this postseason; and has embraced the moment. Bryant brought the same intensity that he played with all year. He finished with 19 points, six boards, and two blocks. Like Stone, Bryant has great size and plays well in the paint, but shoots it well from three (3 for 6). His play earned him Co-MVP honors while leading the Purple Team to victory.
Donovan Mitchell – Louisville
It was no surprise that Mitchell won the Dunk Contest, as he was the most explosive athlete in the gym. Mitchell has great body control and can finish with either hand around the rim. He also has a tight handle and sets up his defender really well, creating off the dribble. He has great upper body strength and has the ability to bully other guards. Mitchell scored 21 points and was active defensively with six steals. Mitchell was named Co-MVP while winning the crowd over, leaving the gym, flooded with Louisville fans, excited for next year.
Justin Simon – Arizona
Simon filled the stat sheet while doing a little bit of everything. The 6’5 combo guard is a great athlete and has excellent court vision. He finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and 13 assists. Simon threw down a windmill on a fastbreak early in the game and was a catalyst for the Purple Team.
Daniel Giddens – Ohio State
A physical specimen, Giddens was the second best athlete on display and didn’t play outside his game of catching and finishing above the rim. He has great hands and is always alert for a potential play to come his way. Giddens can knock down shots from around 15 feet and in but should look to expand his game as his career progresses. He runs the floor as well as anyone his size at 6’10. Giddens scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds as part of the Purple Team’s second unit.
Dedric Lawson – Memphis
The long forward won’t overwhelm you with his athleticism but he isn’t a bad athlete either. He is a decent shooter from outside but settles for it when he should try to score closer to the basket. Although Lawson’s performance didn’t really “wow” anyone, he still managed to put up an impressive stat line (14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four blocks).
Jawun Evans – Oklahoma State
Not known as a scorer, Evans excels when creating for others. He rarely puts himself in position to score and instead uses his speed to beat his defender and dumps it off for a teammates to finish. Evans was one of three players that didn’t attempt a three, which is rare for a player only six foot tall. He finished the game with six assists and was only one rebound away from tying the leader, with eight. Travis Ford won’t have to worry about Evans shooting OSU out of a game, but it would be beneficial for the undersized guard to learn to become a scoring threat from the perimeter.
Deng Adel – Louisville
Not a terrible performance considering Adel did finish with 20 points (on 17 shots) and nine rebounds, but Adel lost the ball a few times in the paint and missed a number of dunks. It is understandable in the pace of an All Star Game. His shot is also flat; he needs to put more arc on it.
Ray Spalding – Louisville
Finishing with six points and six rebounds, Spalding’s performance was somewhat underwhelming. He failed to show any type of motor. While he wasn’t considered the top player at the event, it seems he would have played with more enthusiasm in front of his future fans and hometown.
Austin Grandstaff – Ohio State
Grandstaff definitely has the ability to shoot it from deep but was too quick with the trigger at times. He finished with 18 points (on 19 shots), shooting 4 for 12 from three. After a cold spell, he did manage to hit back to back threes in the face of Prince Ali. Grandstaff is a nice player but appeared to be trying to look too nonchalant throughout the game.
top four
I think it was obvious to those as myself at the game that 4 guys were pretty much heads and shoulders above the rest 1. I would put Mitchell here he didn’t try to do to much but whenever he wanted to do something he did it with ease. 2 Bryant – inside and out solid player with tons of upside. 3. Simon, he’s fluid and college ready 4. Stone, probably not his type of game or he might be higher, but all indictions are he’s the real deal.
top four
I think it was obvious to those as myself at the game that 4 guys were pretty much heads and shoulders above the rest 1. I would put Mitchell here he didn’t try to do to much but whenever he wanted to do something he did it with ease. 2 Bryant – inside and out solid player with tons of upside. 3. Simon, he’s fluid and college ready 4. Stone, probably not his type of game or he might be higher, but all indictions are he’s the real deal.