Dallas was the hotspot for the first live period weekend as Adidas, Nike and Under Armour Associations were running their Circuits in The DFW. The Lonestar Challenge is in conjunction with Under Armour possesses a history of bringing the top independent teams to Dallas in April to showcase their prospects to an abundance of college coaches. This year was no different as 100 plus college coaches ranging from D2 to schools in Power 5 Conferences made their way to find their next recruit as the varsity elite division possessed anywhere to 140-160 collegiate prospects. Grassroots programs from 10 different states were present at the Lonestar Challenge as California Supreme, Team Auto Nation from Florida, TMPW Xplorers from West Virginia, Example Sports & Fundamental U from Illinois and representatives from Louisiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kansas showcased their talent to the amplitude of college coaches present.
Jonathan Aku and the 2020 Big Man Class
Jonathan Aku, 2020 C – Texas Impact 4:13: There is a new addition to the 2020 class in big man Jonathan Aku as the promising center looks to block shots, rebound and although raw offensively, showed flashes of becoming a dependable post option. Aku is a top 15 Talent in his class and with a crop of Eddie Lampkin, Darius Miles, Kylon Owens and Allen Udemadu, Aku falls in the middle of that pack right now but with a very strong summer in the 17U level, Aku will find himself as the top big man in the state.
Quevian Adger picks Up First Offer
Central Connecticut Head Coach Donyell Marshall was in to witness Adger’s first game at the Lonestar Challenge and offered the BMM Wing that night. Adger, who is multidimensional, plays with an edge and moxie that is exuded on the court, compiled a double double against Team Stackz. Adger who is the number 12 player in the 2020 class, will continue to garner more attention as the grassroots season goes on.
Stock Risers
Max Abmas, 2019 CG – 3D-Sports: Abmas has a smooth shooting stroke and it was on display against Cal Supreme. The Dallas Jesuit product’s ability to score it from deep opened up driving lanes for his teammates. Abmas has proven to be a division one prospect.
Jeremiah Keys, 2019 CG – Texas Impact 4:13: Keys did himself a favor Friday night as the explosive guard from Fort Worth finished above the rim and skyrocketed to pin shots off the back board. Keys has made strides as a primary ball handler and could become one of the top guards in the state if he turns the corner.
Xavier Cork, 2019 PF – Dallas Showtyme Elite: Another prospect that has made strides is Xavier Cork. The lengthy 4-Man for Dallas Showtyme finished around the rim and showed fluidity facing up and generating a bucket. A top 60 prospect on Texasboysbasketball.com Xavier saw a bump in his stock.
DJ Bassey, 2019 C – Dallas Mustangs 17U: Bassey is moving a lot better than the last time the staff witness him play during the scholastic season. Bassey’s body has looked to have made progressions which have allowed him to excel in his duties as a rim protector and glass cleaner. The Dallas Mustangs caught the attention of coaches and the TBB staff on Friday.
Donovan Souter, 2019 SG – E.A.D Elite: Souter is ready to shoot it at any time he catches the ball, the quick trigger 2-guard for EAD plays to his strengths and displayed playmaking abilities that the staff hasn’t ever seen from him. Souter is in a primary role and excelling in it allows the top 75 prospect’s stock to grow.
Friday Notables
Hunter Staten, 2019 C – ProSkills Oklahoma: Staten shot it very well from 15-17 ft out and the burly big man knows how to use his body to carve space around the basket. Staten produced 12 points against Texas Impact on Friday.
Amir Adams, 2019 SG – Cal Supreme: Adams’ array of ways to impact the game was on display. He has good bounce, long and is lethal in the open court. Adams showed a skill set that translates to the next level.
Samuell Griffin, 2019 PG – Team Auto Nation: Griffin is a pure point that dictated pace, knows how to move without the ball and made the right plays. Griffin is the engine that gets it going for Auto Nation and his playmaking and decision making impressed the staff.
Edited by AB