Fundamental U High Academic Showcase Review!!!!!!

Big Tim

Aug 11, 20243 min read

Updated: Aug 11, 2024

The 18th annual Fundamental U academic showcase was a success as usual. Player had to have a 3.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) or higher to participate. There were plenty of college coaches in Waukegan Fieldhouse on August 5th, 2024. Thanks to Michael Weinstein, Director of Funamental U for putting the showcase togther (still looking for my 4XL T-Shirt Mr Weinstein HA HA HA). Plenty of untapped talent in the building, mostly Class of 2025 talent. Here we go:

MATCHUP OF THE DAY:

Class of 2025 6'0" point guard AJ Demirov of South (Crystal Lake) vs Class of 2026 6'3" point guard Chris Kirkpatrick of New Trier (Winnetka): This was a medival ridiculous matchup between two of the biggest talents in the Fundamental U program. Demirov got the first strike and it was a BIG ONE!!! Kirkpatrick was guarding him and Demirov dropped Kirkpatrick all the way to the floor with a crossover dribble. He then went to the rim to score. Kirkpatrick was not outdone though. He got up off the rack and proceeeded to dominate proceedings. He did it in every way imaginable. Scoring at all three levels of the floor, getting steals on defense, and getting defensive rebounds and making some nice touchdown passes to teammates for layups. I'm going to call this even but I see both as future division one prospects. Both dominated their other two games both doing three level scoring and assisting teammates. This matchup though was a get your popcorn ready moment.

COLBY SMITH GOES OFF THE ENTIRE EVENING:

Class of 2025 6'4" combo guard Colby Smith of New Trier and Fundamental U was scoring every way imaginable, even threw in a couple of dunks. Scored on threes, step back mid range jumpers, and strong drives to the rim. He added some nice kickouts to teammates for three point shots. He guarded his man on the other stopping straight line drives to the rim.

NEW TRIER WILL BE FAVORED FOR A THIRD STRAIGHT TRIP TO CHAMPAIGN:

In addtion to Kirkpatrick and Smith, they have Class of 2026 6'3" shooting guard Danny Houlihan (LAYUP), who didn't play in this event. There's another young man who could step forward to contribute who played well here. Class of 2026 6'5" wing Will Baxter (#330) was doing some three level scoring in this event, taking players off the dribble and finishing at the rim. Dangerous team.

CLASS OF 2025 SLEEPER IN THE CHICAGO AREA:

That would be 6'5" wing Andrew Hill of Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep (Elmhurst) who was outstanding in the event. He scored from three, on powerful drives to the rim, finishing with up and under layups and dunks. He asserted himself early and often in each game he played. Did some rim protecting blocking shots and getting rebounds on both ends of the court.

CLASS OF 2027 5'7" POINT GUARD DARSH POOVANNA WENT ON A SIX POSSESSION TANGENT THAT HAD HIS WHOLE BENCH UP:

The Barrington and Fundamental U point guard went nuts for about five posssesions. Comes down hits a three. Next possession nice dribble moves and hits a layup. Next posession nice crossover to get loose for a short jumper. Gets a steal, comes down and hits a 35 foot three pointer. Next possession dribbles down into another 35 foot three pointer. Next possession dribbles into ANOTHER 35 foot three pointer. ON FIRE!!!!!! Even the officials were laughing at the complete takeover by this young man. Could be a future star for the Broncos showing size doesn't matter.