North Augusta, SC- I attended the Nike Peach Jam Finals for five days. I watched Kentucky targets multiple games and this is my evaluation of the ones I saw:
N’FALY DANTE (MOKAN ELITE)- Class of 2020 7-foot big man absolutely dominated the Peach Jam. He was running the floor, finishing rim runs, rebounding and blocking shots. He is not the focal point of the offense, but he gets in where he fits in the best he can.
Dante showed a jump hook, a 15 foot jumper, and set some good screens at top of the key.
He had 22 points and 18 rebounds in the title game vs Team Why Not, and was MVP of the Peach Jam. He has to finish an online class or two before he can reclassify. Kentucky is firmly in the mix. Look out for LSU, Oregon, and Tennessee to compete for his signature in 2019 or 2020.
JALEN GREEN (TEAM WHY NOT)- Class of 2020 6’5” combo guard showed his athleticism finishing at the basket and hitting three point shots. He does not have much of a middle game at this time, but has potential in that area. His team finished 2nd at the Peach Jam to MoKan Elite.
Green had 27 points in the title game.He also had 14 points in the 4th quarter of the Semifinal vs Boo Williams.
Green was up and down in Pool Play (the result of differing agendas by teammates), but got it together once they advanced to the Quarterfinal knockout round. He has said in other interviews he loves Kentucky but Memphis will be big competition for his services.
JOSHUA CHRISTOPHER (VEGAS ELITE)- Class of 20202 6’4” combo guard has strength, can finish through contact, and has a jumper from beyond three point range. I had seen him in two other settings and was not impressed. He changed my mind at the Peach Jam with 20 points in the 4th quarter vs Nightrydas in a win.
Christopher does have the ability to pass the ball but needs work in this area. He also did well in a highly hyped matchup vs Jalen Green and Team Why not with a double-double (17 points 12 rebounds).
Christopher has said in other interviews that Kentucky has been a dream school since he was a kid and just picked up an offer from the Wildcats. Arizona State, Georgetown, Kansas, and Missouri are the other top schools on his list.
BJ BOSTON (AOT)- Class of 2020 6’7” combo guard is an excellent three point shooter and finisher at the rim. He’s a long lanky and able defender on the defensive end. He’s a work in progress in getting his shot off the dribble, but is good at straight line drives:
His team lost in the Quarterfinals in Overtime to Boo Williams after winning their Pool. He’s scheduled to visit Kentucky later this month on July 25th. His final four are Kentucky, Auburn, Duke and Florida.
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