The Inaugural Southwest Regional Showcase and Camp presented the stage for players to “come raise their stock,” and multiple prospects on Saturday executed just that. “The Battle of the Big Man” between Tyreek Smith and Nigel Johns only secured the reason of a raise in their #. There is a Dallas Can Academy product that is making a case to be a top five point guard in his class and two 2018 forwards made the most of the opportunity given. Live stats powered by EPLAY are on display at Texasboysbasketball.com as this is the first camp ever in grassroots basketball to provide live stats. Blocks, rebounds, points, etc. this wave of technology by EPLAY is only breaking ground on what it is to become in the near future.
Tyreek Smith, 2019 PF: Smith’s athleticism and tenacity on the board was on full display as he showed some promise as a face-up scorer from 12 ft out. Smith averaged three blocks on Saturday and making a strong case for a top 3 spot on our 2019 list.
Bryce Cook, 2019 PG: Cooks was a handful to contain period as he sliced through the opposing defenses and got to his spots on the floor. What was most promising was his ability at his size to finish against length at a consistent basis and the Tulsa commit arguably had the best point guard performances on day 1.
Caleb Lohner, 2020 SF: Lohner scored in a variety of ways as he showcased his smooth shooting stroke but the staff saw his willingness to scrap on the boards and finish through contact. Checkout Lohner’s interview with the TBB staff here
2021’s Make a Mark
One of if not the best rebounding guard regardless of class is Joseph Venzent. Having recorded the second most total rebounds overall and second most in game rebound performance, Joseph’s aggressiveness on the glass was refreshing to see. Venzent scored off the bounce with regularity and showing more consistency with his stroke from beyond the arc. PJ Neal has a very good feel for the game for his age and held his own at this varsity camp. A strong body set-up man that is making some strides on his jumper and although can be unselfish at a fault, constantly looks to get his teammates involved.
Stock Risers
Nigel Johns 2019 C: The #21 player in 2019 at texasboysbasketball.com cemented himself as a high major prospect. Johns has slimmed down, played more explosive around the rim and had a strong showing when matched up against Tyreek Smith. The staff has been high on Johns for a while and I believe he is a top 3 center regardless of class.
John Henry Nwachukwu, 2019 G: John Henry played with a high motor and his activity generated scoring opportunities for himself. John Henry rebounds, defends and connected on jumpers coming off the dribble. Nwachukwu averaged 14 points on Saturday and could squeeze in our top 75 in 2019.
Cobe Williams, 2019 PG: Williams got wherever he wanted on the floor as the super quick guard’s athleticism was on full display when finishing around the rim. He utilizes his speed in the open court and finds the open man on drives. Williams was the only player to record a double double at the camp with 10 points, 11 rebounds in his first outing.
Steven Samuels, 2018 F: Samuels was flying around and finished above the rim on multiple occasions. Samuels was aggressive on the boards as he gave his team second and third chance opportunities. His feel for the game is improving and a prospect that definitely has the talent to play at the next level.
Camden Patterson, 2018 C: Pittman got his nose in and looked to be physical in the paint. He’s capable of connecting on jumpers from 10 ft out. Shows a decent touch inside but did a good job operating in tight spaces. Another 2018 player that showed he is talented enough to play at the next level.
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