Louisville, Ky: I was back in my home state for the Memorial Day weekend checking out the third session of the EYBL. As usual lots of talent in the gym, but only a few players were consistent all weekend. I'll first mention one of the greatest atmospheres I've seen in a long time.
Saturday night 9pm EST Court 1 DJ Wagner vs Bronny James: Yes this was NJ Scholars vs Strive For Greatness 17U. The court was so crowded that it went so close to the other court. I have not seen this in travel basketball since Nike EYBL Indianapolis a few years ago on Court 8. That was Emoni Bates vs Bronny James. Wagner had a decent game, but Bronny shot 2 for 14 from the floor though he took good shots. Aaron Bradshaw stole the show with a double/double of 21 points 11 rebounds. Totally dominated the game on both ends of the court in a NJ Scholars close win. I think this was more people than the atmosphere in Indianapolis. A sea of red in the stands as Louisville has a great chance at getting DJ Wagner. Their fans showed out in full force for this showdown. It was a great time seeing it and being a part of the buzz.
The most consistent player outside of Bradshaw was Robert Dillingham of CP3 17U. He averaged 22 points on 44% from three on a sprained ankle. He gutted it out the entire weekend, and told me on Saturday his ankle was really hurting. He's very slight but also very quick off the bounce with a nice outside shot. Running mate Aden Holloway was consistent all weekend as well though CP3 lost a couple of close games for the weekend.
DJ Wagner, NJ Scholars 17U: 6'3" combo guard did not shoot the three well this weekend(29%), but did everything else well. Good passer, can get to the rim and finish with either hand, nice mid range pull-up jumper. Defended well this weekend getting steals off the ball and pressuring ball handlers on the ball.
Sebastian Mack, Oakland Soldiers 17U: 6'2" combo guard had a nice weekend scoring double figures as the Soldiers went 4-1 for the weekend. He scored from three, and on a lot of nice drives and finishes at the rim. Nice step around Euro's in the lane with strong finishes at the rim. Still needs to become a better passer to be a full time point guard, but can score with the best of them. Changed teams from Vegas Elite.
Matas Buzelis, Expressions Elite 17U: 6'10" guard did a little bit of everything this weekend. Did not have big scoring games but filled the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, and running the offense from the point guard position a lot of the time. He can be a point guard on the next level, but at least can be a good secondary ball handler for a major college squad.
Coen Carr, Georgia Stars 17u: 6'7" wing is the King of Bounce. His games were fun to watch because of the anticipation of him putting someone on a poster. He scores points in a loud way especially in the open court. He did show a three point shot and some nice two dribble pull-ups. If he starts hitting those shots consistently look out!!!!!!!
Gavin Griffiths, Expressions Elite 17U: 6'7" wing shooter was hitting the three pointer all weekend. Can hit it off the dribble as well as the catch and shoot. He'll be making his college decision soon and the favorite is a Big Ten school. If he can get an off the dribble game he'll be very successful at the next level.
RJ Jones, JL3 Elite 17U: 6'3" combo guard showed scoring chops once again from three point range and mid range pull-ups. Versatile in that he can do it off the dribble and well as catch and shoot three point shots. Very good defensively can guard three positions on the high school level.
Dalen Davis, Meanstreets 17U: 6'0" point guard did a good job scoring off the dribble threes and drives to the basket especially against the NJ Scholars on Monday morning. Earned an offer from Illinois after the session was over. Has played well all Spring against other top rated guards.
Richard Barron, Meanstreets 17U: 6'5" wing is a very good catch and shoot three point shooter. He was consistent hitting them all weekend and helping out on the defensive glass. has a chance to be a good three and D guy on the next level.
Liam McNeely, Drive Nation 17U: 6'7" Class of 2024 was playing up for the first time on EYBL. Numbers were not the same playing on 16U, but his versatile game just fits. He's a good passer, three point shooter, rebound, and good defender on and off the ball.
Richard "Tre Johnson, Team Griffin 17U: 6'6"Class of 2024 playing up with no problem. Can get his shot at all three levels. Nice three point shooter, ball handler, driver to the basket and finishes at the rim.
Daravyn Gubbs-Lawhorn, Indy Heat 17U: 6'2" point guard Purdue commit was doing everything this weekend. Hitting threes, attacking the basket, running the offense at times, and getting steals on defense. He was consistent at everything all weekend.
Kaleb Glenn, Indy Heat 17U: 6'6" wing took it to Top 5 player Ron Holland in the game I watch scoring on drives to the basket and hit a couple of pull-up jump shots from mid range. Is an athletic player on both ends of the court and is a good rebounder for a wing.
Chris Riddle, Mac Irvin Fire 16U: 6'6" wing is strong at finishing at the basket, and has good enough ball handling to get to the rim. Improved three point shooter who hit a few of them this weekend. Good defender who uses his strength to keep other wings out of the paint.
Tayshawn Bridges, Mac Irvin Fire 16U: 6'2" combo guard is in constant attack mode at all times to the basket. Very athletic finisher who draws fouls as he shot 17 free throws in one game. Good passer, rebounder(had 10 in one game), and on ball defender.
James Brown, Meanstreets 16U: 6'9" forward was posting up hard and scoring with either hand at the basket. Showing a mid range jumper and taking players off the dribble. Rebounding and becoming a better rim protector. Secured an offer from Georgia over the weekend.
Carlos Harris, Meanstreets 16U: 6'2" point guard showed his penetrating and scoring at the rim. Hit a couple of nice mid range pull-up jump shots in the game I saw. Good defender of both guard positions.
Cameron Boozer, Nightrydas 15U: 6'8" forward is just dominant on this level of basketball. Can step out and hit threes, two dribble pull-ups, post up and finish at the rim with dunks, and up and unders. Good rim protector at this level as well. It's like men playing against boys for this young man. If there's a better player in Class of 2025 nationally I would love to see him.
AJ Dybantsa, Expressions Elite 15U: 6'7" Class of 2026 wing was playing up and more than holding his own. Very skilled for any age I could tell after watching him for 10 minutes this young man is special. Can do it all on the court offensively, and is a good rim protector for the skinny frame that he carries. Boston's next great talent following the late Terrence Clarke. Father told me he will be training with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics this summer. Travis Graf gets the assist for telling me about this young man. If there's a better incoming freshman in high school basketball I'd love to see him.
Sleeper to watch out for: Tyler Bey, Oakland Soldiers 17U: 6'7" wing will be playing for Fairfax, Los Angeles(CA). I look for him to explode on the scene this summer as he is athletic and can score on all three levels. Lots of potential on the defensive end as he's good at blocking shots off help side, and rim runs offensively.
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