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The Jordan Brand Classic had two days of practice; day one at the HSS Training Center and day two at Terminal 23 which was a full day of scrimmaging. Michael Porter was out both days with an injured back but there were plenty of other talented prospects competing.

Deandre Ayton 7’0 220 C – Arizona

Ayton kept it simple with monstrous catch and finishes. He didn’t settle from outside and was a banger underneath. He has the benefit of playing alongside Mohamed Bamba and they did an excellent job of protecting the paint in the scrimmage. Ayton played the roll man and dove hard to the basket in situations he would usually pop to the perimeter.

Troy Brown 6’7 215 SG – Oregon

Brown had an impressive pair of practices; whether it’s scoring or distributing, as well as playing on or off the ball. He doesn’t rely on his explosive ability but utilized it well in the right situations. Brown’s found the right balance of playing assertive yet unselfish, allowing him to score in bunches while making that extra pass and bringing the best out in his teammates.

Kevin Knox 6’8 203 SF/PF – Undecided

Knox had a stretch towards the end of the scrimmage where he scored on multiple possessions. His feel for the game isn’t quite where it needs to be as he tends to predetermine when he will try to score on a play when he gets the ball. He seems to be adjusting to playing off the ball when he’s not the focal point of the offense. With that said, Knox does have a foundation for a well diverse skillset combined with great size/length and athleticism.

Collin Sexton 6’3 175 PG – Alabama

Sexton impressed with his explosive scoring and intensity. He did show questionable shot selection and unnecessary flashy passes at times but his adjustment to playing the point is coming along. He had a little duel with Trevon Duval on a few consecutive plays and came out on top. Sexton’s had a nice set of postseason games so far and looks to close it out strong Friday Night.

Lonnie Walker 6’4 192 SG – Miami

Walker shot well and fits in with whomever he’s playing with. He didn’t have the ball in his hands much but took the most of his opportunities. He caught the flow of the game very easily and can get hot quickly. He showed some explosive finishes and had a solid practice showing.

Wendell Carter 6’9 254 PF/C – Duke

Carter has struggled to make a big impact. He’s been quiet and hasn’t stood out among the talented big men. He had a better second day with some low post scoring but hasn’t made a big impression overall.

Jarred Vanderbilt 6’8 200 SF – Kentucky

Vanderbilt hasn’t been shooting well but led well both in transition and the half court. He changes direction well with his dribble and has a quick first step, allowing him to get where he wants. He forced a few passes but setup others well on most plays. It was interesting tracking the size range of players he matched up with, from 6’4 Lonnie Walker to 6’11 Mohamed Bamba
 

Trae Young 6’2 170 PG – Oklahoma

Young didn’t have the best set of practices. He isn’t showing much ability playing off the ball and I don’t remember him scoring on the second day of practice, which was a full day of scrimmage. The court at Terminal 23 is a little smaller than regulation, thus there isn’t as much spacing as usual which might be affecting him. He hasn’t been able to showcase his scoring ability and like Knox, seems to be struggling when he’s not the focus of the offense.

Brian Bowen 6’7 190 SF – Undecided

Bowen connected from three on multiple plays on the first day of practice. He had a solid second day but his playmaking and driving need some work. Adjusting to the defense and decision making off the dribble will need to improve at the next level but he has the tools and talent to develop.

[Players: Tremont Waters] 5’11 165 PG – Undecided

Waters had a better first day, getting to his spots and making lead passes to the open man in position to score. He’s not one of the most physically gifted players as far as size or athleticism but has a more polished skillset and understands who he is as a player. He positions himself well defensively and competed on that end of the floor.

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