Nike EYBL Session 1 MinneapolisBy: ipowers

By Ian Powers

Andrew Wiggins, 6’7" 205, SF, 2014 – Wiggins is making a strong case for best player in the country regardless of class. He was electric all weekend displaying his athleticism and an assertiveness that wasn’t always apparent last year. He has a Jordanesque first step that makes it almost impossible to stay in front of him and he finishes over most defenders at the rim because of his great bounce. In one game this weekend he was simply a man amongst boys. His handle has improved to the point that can bring the ball up the floor and initiate the offense. His jump shot is still a work in progress. He’s a better shooter off the bounce than he is spotting up. If this play continues, his top spot in the class will be hard to overcome.

James Young, 6’7" 210, SF, 2013- Young was arguably the best player in Minnesota. He averaged 26.8 ppg over the weekend and scored in a variety of ways. He has always been a premier athlete, but his slashing and jump shot were hitting on all cylinders. He shot the ball better than I have ever seen him shoot it and he solidified his status as a top 10 player in the class. Michigan St. is rumored to be the leader in the clubhouse, and if that’s the case,he will give Tom Izzo the type of offensive player that has been missing in East Lansing over the last few years.

Marcus Lee, 6’9" 210, PF, 2014- One of the hottest names in the country made his national debut this weekend and he was as good as advertised. He was easily the best big in attendance. He is unique in his ability to block and alter shots and change ends of the floor better than a lot of guards. He rebounded on both ends and played with a motor that was refreshing for most of the coaches on hand. He is extremely long and has cat like quickness for a kid his size. His offensive game is still a work in progress but he flashed the tools that suggest he will be a polished offensive player in a few years. His upside is off the charts. He has drawn comparisons to Anthony Davis and rightfully so. The coaches in attendance at his games were a who’s who of college basketball royalty and the word "special" was used to describe his talent. He picked up offers from Duke, Florida, Baylor, Indiana, and Kansas over the weekend, but everybody is trying to get involved with him at this point.

Jordan Matthews, 6’3" 180, SG, 2013- Matthews is the son of former San Francisco Head Coach and current UCLA assistant Phil Matthews. It was my first look at Matthews and he was very impressive. He shot the ball extremely well and has a strong body that allows him to get to the rim and finish through contact. He plays with an intensity on both ends of the floor and definitely helped his stock with his performance. His recruitment should pick up based on his impressive showing this weekend.

Parker Cartwright, 5’9" 155, PG, 2014- This small but talented point guard is as pure as they come. He gets everyone involved and is a pest on the defensive end of the floor. He can affect a game without scoring and is the engine that made his team go all weekend. His small stature doesn’t hinder his ability to score in any way. He is lightning quick and can shoot the ball consistently to three. He uses his craftiness to score at the rim without getting his shot blocked. He’s a tremendous passer and leader.

Tyler Ennis, 6’3" 190, PG, 2013- Ennis is one the smartest players in the country at the point guard position. He has great size for the position and keeps his team in good situations the vast majority of the time. He can shoot it and get in the lane and score or create an opportunity for one of his teammates. He has good athleticism and quickness and will be a great get for whatever school he chooses.

Jabari Parker, 6’8" 225, SF, 2013- Parker is the acknowledged # 1 player in America and he did not disappoint. He makes the game look so easy. The thing that separates him from most players is his fundamentals. His triple threat position is outstanding and he has a textbook rip through drive move and a great step back jumper. He has grown an inch or so since last year and his athleticism continues to improve. He is a great player who only cares about winning and will be hard to overtake for # 1 in the class.