By Ian Powers
Emmanuel Mudiay, 6’5" 195, PG/SG, 2014- Mudiay ran with Texas Pro last weekend in Hampton and showed why he is considered to be the best pro prospect at the point guard position in the country, regardless of class. He was at his usual best in the open court where he used his court awareness and pinpoint passing ability to make plays for teammates. He also was able to get in the lane at will in the half court and show off his much improved athleticism. His size allows him to do things that other point guards cannot do. His feel for the game is off the charts and at times he makes things look easy. His jumpshot is still streaky and will have to be ironed out, but he’s only 16 and time is on his side.
Tyus Jones, 6’0" 170, PG, 2014- Mudiay’s biggest competition in the class at the point guard position is Jones. While he is not as big and athletic as Mudiay, he is poised and understands how to run a team. He makes one handed passes with either hand around the perimeter because of his big hands and gets teammates open looks. He is a consummate floor general and is a great leader. He is a pass first point guard but his offensive abilities are nothing to laugh at. When he needs to score he can put the ball in the hole with the best of them. He had 40 in his last game of the weekend at Boo Williams and made it look easy. He is a top 5 player in the class and a future pro.
Dakari Johnson 6’10’ 260, C, 2014- Johnson was forced to sit out last season due to transfer rules, but watching him play this weekend one would have never guessed. He used his down time wisely and is in the best shape of his life. He is a load down low and uses his body to carve out space and score. He has soft hands and his improved conditioning allows him to run the floor better and be fresh at the end of games. He’s not an elite athlete, but he’s athletic enough to get things done down low. He can be as good as he wants to be if he continues to work and hone his skills.
Keith Frazier 6’5" 190, SG, 2013- Frazier is a scorer plain and simple. He can shoot it with range and has shown more of a willingness to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. He has a quick first step and the bounce to finish over people in the lane. He is a confident shooter who always thinks his next shot is going in. I would like to see him buckle down a little more defensively, but he has the length and athleticism to be a fine defender in time. Shot selection needs to improve, but overall, he’s a top 10 talent.
Ishmael Wainwright, 6’5" 220, SF/SG, 2013- Wainwright is the ultimate glue guy who can and will do whatever is necessary to win a ball game. He locks down on defense, handles the ball in the half court, gets guys involved, and scores when needed. He won’t wow you with his offensive capabilities and will probably never be a big scorer, but guys like him are essential to winning and he gives 100 percent each time out. He hit a 30 foot buzzer beater to hand the Houston Hoops their second last second loss of the weekend. Winner.
Trey Lyles, 6’9" 220, PF, 2014- Lyles may be the most skilled big in the country. He can step out and shoot the three, put the ball on the floor and rebounds on both ends. He can play with his back to the basket, but that is not his calling card. He prefers to face his man up and beat him from deep or put it on the floor and get to the basket. He was not as consistent as I have seen him in the past, but the tools are there to be upper echelon player in the class.
