Ben Davis High School saw a fantastic group of 2018 and 2019 players take part in the Underclassman All-American game. High-profile players Romeo Langford, Naz Reid, Charles Bassey, Rechon Black, and Zion Williamson. Here's a review of the play.
Early on, University of Washington commitment Jontay Porter was hitting some tough shots. The lefty was hitting fadeaways in the mid-range but he wasn't out of control. He did a good job of rebounding against size and athleticism all game as well. His production was impressive.
On the other end, New Albany, Indiana native Romeo Langford set the tone early. He buried a deep three-pointer then got to the basket off the dribble. Against elite athletes, Langford was able to do whatever he wanted on the court. He finished with 16 points.
The post prospects in the game were excellent led by Naz Reid and Charles Bassey. Both are fantastic athletes. Reid is more powerful while Bassey is a little more agile. Reid picked up his production as the game wore on. He can control rebounds when he wants to create space in the lane. Bassey – a freshman - had a putback dunk that nearly broke the backboard. Reid ended up winning the MVP for the West team.
The breakout performer was James Wiseman. The 6-foot-9 wing from Tennessee was fantastic. He looked like the embodiment of a future pro. He has an insane wingspan at a lanky 6-9. Wiseman is a very good athlete that can run and jump with the best athletes in the country. To top it off, Wiseman has a smooth stroke from the perimeter. The skill is there now and he has the potential to be even better.
Quick hits...
Kevin Easley started slowly but got better as the game went on. He was able to get to the paint off the dribble a couple of times.
Tyger Campbell played his normal game as a floor leader and distributor. He was solid throughout.
Emmitt Williams displayed an improved perimeter game. Williams has been known as an athlete and motor guy. He showed that he could play on the wing.
Zion Williamson is a powerful guard with explosive leaping ability. There is plenty to like about Williamson going forward.
Antwann Jones was about to hit a few three-pointers off rhythm dribbles. He's a big guard while being a good athlete.
Marcedus Leech is a long, athletic wing. His outside shot looked smooth in the Underclassman All-American game. Major upside to his game.
Matt Van Komen is, at least, 7-foot-2. It is hard to tell when players are that tall. As a 7-2 freshman, he needs strength badly. I liked his effort level and his overall athleticism for a person his age and size. He has skill to his game as well.
Joe Wieskamp – an Iowa commitment – had a quiet game. He isn't a one on one player, so this is a tough environment for him to stand out. He's going to be a good player at Iowa, though.
Dwayne Cohill is starting to play point guard full-time and he did a good job of penetrating and distributing in the All-American game.
Damezi Anderson struggled with his outside shot, but he found ways to score at the basket a few times. It was an average to below average game.