(Julian Norris has showcased his shooting ability this spring)

 

One prospect who had a good showing at the Grassroots Showcase was Evansville Bosse guard Julian Norris. While playing for C2K Elite, Norris had a strong showing against Meanstreets as he shot the ball exceptionally well from beyond the arc and even showed flashes of putting the ball on the floor and creating for others.

 

Norris is coming off a junior season at Evansville Bosse in which he averaged 16.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 32 percent from long range. Norris checks in at around 6-foot-3. Norris is a good shooter and excels in spot-up situations. Norris is best played as a secondary ball-handler and shows glimpses of putting the ball on the floor and creating for others. Norris lacks the natural burst and quickness for the high-major level when he puts the ball on the floor. Norris currently projects as a prospect that should fit in well at the low to mid-major level.

 

The 2022 guard holds offers from Miami (OH), Bowling Green, Middle Tennessee, Murray State, and Southern Indiana. Norris has also received some interest from Temple, Virginia Tech, Kansas State, and Cincinnati.

 

Norris noted that he would like to take visits when things open in June, but he does not have anything planned yet. Norris pointed out that the opportunity to play early on could factor into his college decision.

 

“How I fit in at a particular school and playing time,” said Norris. “I don’t want to go to a school where I won’t play until my junior year. So, an opportunity is a big thing for me.”

 

One of the most impressive prospects at the Grassroots Showcase was JL3 Elite and La Lumiere big man Vince Iwuchukwu. The class of 2022 prospect dominated around the basket throughout the weekend, and it was clear that he has a high ceiling.

 

Iwuchukwu checks in at around 6-foot-10 and has good length. Iwuchukwu is still somewhat raw, but the upside and motor are there to be a productive player. Iwuchukwu does an excellent job of rolling hard to the basket in P&R situations and finishes with power around the rim. Iwuchukwu is assertive and does an excellent job of pulling down rebounds. He showed flashes of putting the ball on the floor, but that’s something that isn’t there yet. He can be a good shot-blocker, but he needs to improve on reading situations and timing up his jumps. For a raw prospect, he has a good touch, most notably at the free-throw line. Iwuchukwu is a player that will make an impact at the high-major level and could have a promising NBA career if he reaches his ceiling.

 

Iwuchukwu noted that the next phase of his development is about getting more comfortable with his jump shot.

 

“I know I can; it’s just about consistency from this point on,” said Iwuchukwu. “There's games where I make three or four threes, and there’s games where I’ll go 0-4 or 0-5, so I think the next step for me is just finding consistency with my shot.”

 

Being a big-time prospect, Iwuchukwu is getting looks from several programs, including Baylor, Purdue, Arizona State, UCLA, USC, Florida State, and Texas.

 

Iwuchukwu noted that he doesn’t have any visits planned for June at the moment as he wants to spend that time focusing on his development as a player. He noted that development and relationships would be two key factors when it comes time to make a decision.

 

“A good coaching staff that forms relationships with their players,” said Iwuchukwu. “I also want a staff that’s going to help me grow my game and grow as a man off the court. Another thing for me is finding a good community around the campus.”