ESPN recaps of Best Western Waynesboro Caisson Shootout
ESPN.com recruiting analyst Reggie Rankin was on hand for the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Best Western Waynesboro Caisson Shootout.
Standout Players: Day 1
Isaac Copeland, (Raleigh, N.C./Miller School, Va.)
2014, PF/SF, 6-foot-9, 190 pounds
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: Georgetown, Florida State, West Virginia, Virginia, NC State
Copeland scored 14 points in one game in a very balanced Miller School attack and displayed great versatility on both ends of the floor. He made 3-pointers off the catch when his feet where set and attacked defenders with drives to the rim, on which he used his tremendous length to elevate over opponents and score. He is an excellent passer and moved well without the ball. Copeland also displayed the ability to defend on the perimeter, rebounded well in his area and started the break with bust-out dribbles. Copeland is a high-level lob catcher when he runs the floor but will need to add strength, be more physical and continue to work on his ballhandling. All in all he is a high-major performer with skill and tremendous upside.
Travis Hester (Crozet, Va./Miller School)
2013, SG, 6-3, 190
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: Gardner-Webb, Manhattan, Appalachian State
Interest: Wisconsin Green-Bay, Tulsa
Hester is a strong and physical lefty who scored 18 points in one game, most coming from behind the arc. He is a better-than-advertised athlete who finishes through contact on straight-line drives to the rim. Hester competes and plays with good energy and urgency and knocked down spot-up jumpers, ball reversals and jumpers coming off screens. He has a short memory and his confidence when shooting seems to never be shaken. Hester can help at the point because he can run the offense and keep the ball moving, but make no mistake about it Hester looks for his shot and can get on a roll if the defense doesn’t know his whereabouts. Hester will have to work on his foot speed and ballhandling against intense pressure, but his play in attack mode was very productive on Day 1.
Alassane Kah (Columbus, Ohio/Fishburne Military School)
2013, PF, 6-8, 215
Status: Signed with Western Kentucky
Kah displayed a good motor and high-level explosiveness around the rim, where he finishes drop-off passes quickly and above the rim. He ran the floor extremely well on a consistent basis and has excellent quickness to the ball when it comes off the glass. He will have to add strength, continue to work on his post moves and build his face-up game but Kah has excellent upside.
Kuran Iverson (Hartford, Conn./Fishburne Military School)
2013, SF, 6-8, 215
Status: Signed with Memphis
Iverson scored an easy 15 points, mostly by finishing on the break and attacking the basket. In addition, he made a number of excellent passes to cutting teammates and while running the floor. Iverson is excellent at delivering the ball, but not just to the open man; he can fit a pass in tight quarters as well. He will need to continue to work on not being casual with the ball at times and staying engaged and focused the entire game, but his talent and feel for the game are undeniable.
Ahmad Fields (Washington, D.C./Massanutten)
2013, SF, 6-5, 180
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: Utah (official visit Dec. 17), Drexel (official visit Dec. 28)
Interest: Mississippi, Miami (Fla.)
Fields is a high-energy, athletic slasher. This lefty has a great motor to go along with an excellent first step. He can make plays in the open court and finish through contact. He plays in attack mode at all times and is a capable multiple-position defender. He can knock down midrange shots when in a flow, but that area still needs work. He competes at a high level and can impact the game without scoring and exposes opponents who can’t match his intensity level.
Frank Mason (Petersburg, Va./Massanutten)
2013, PG, 6-0, 175
Status: Signed with Kansas
A strong, physical and tough point guard who can get in the lane at will, Mason breaks down coverage in the lane to complete plays and can deliver the ball on target at high speeds to teammates and run the half-court set. His great burst of speed simply puts relentless pressure on the defense. When he’s on the defensive side, he anticipates well in the passing lanes, which results in steals. He will be forced to make shots on the next level, although his pull-up and floater aren’t great — respectable, but not great. At times he over-dribbles and gambles on defense but he can run the show at a high level.
Deandre Burnett (Miami/Massanutten)
2013, SG, 6-2, 185
Status: Signed with Miami (Fla.)
A big-time shooting guard in a point guard’s body, Burnett gets to the rim and probably has the ability to make more 3s with ease than he did because of his smooth, confident and effortless stroke. He never missed two attempts in a row on Day 1. He is strong and physical, and if the defense is not there on the catch, forget trying to catch up to him and just inbound the ball after he makes the shot. Burnett simply breaks defenses backs with his shot-making ability.
Terry Rozier (Cleveland/Hargrave)
2013, PG/SG, 6-1, 175
Status: Signed with Louisville
Rozier played hard and competed at a high level on both ends en route to a 40-point performance against Kiski School. He relentlessly attacked the rim and finished in transition. He sprinkled in a few rhythm 3s and made plays in traffic with excellent touch and body control. He is still streaky from behind the arc, but when he gets into a groove, look out. He can play and defend both guard positions and seeks out the ball when the game is on the line.
Standout Players: Day 2
Jerron Wilbut (Downers Grove, Ill./St. John’s NW Military Academy)
2013, SG, 6-3, 195
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: Seton Hall, Wisconsin-Green Bay
Interest: Marquette, Alabama, Auburn, Murray State, Virginia Tech
Wilbut is a strong, physical, aggressive wing who can beat his defender off the bounce and finish through contact or with touch and body control at the rim. He is streaky from behind the arc, but when he is on the move and has some rhythm he can get in a groove and drop some big 3-pointers. Wilbut is a top-notch defender, especially on the ball. He applies turnover-causing ball pressure with his active hands, quick feet and strength, which allow him to stay eye-to-eye with the ball-handler and keep him from getting to his sweet spot. Wilbut is tough, aggressive and serious as he competes and looks to make plays on both ends of the floor.
Neville Fincher (Teaneck, N.J./Hargrave Military Academy)
2013, C, 6-9, 225
Status: Uncommitted
Planning to visit: Kansas State, Tulsa
Other offers: Duquesne, Miami (Ohio), Marshall, Delaware and serious interest from Minnesota
Fincher’s powerful above-the-rim finishes on swing steps and ability to grab rebounds in heavy traffic were very impressive. He also does a good job contesting and blocking shots. He has a college-ready body and competes at a high level but must do it on a more consistent basis, which will lead to even more production. He will need to hone his back-to-the-basket moves, including his footwork and touch. Fincher can run the floor well but must make it a priority each and every possession. When his skills and sense of urgency catch up to his strength and explosiveness, watch out.
Zack Lewis (Windsor, Conn./Fishburne Military School)
2013, PG, 6-3, 180
Status: Signed with Canisius
Lewis runs the offense and keeps the ball moving with his ability to pass. He makes simple but winning plays and has the ability to knock down open 3s. When Lewis is set he can line it up and put it down. He doesn’t get a lot of lift, but he has a good release and better follow-through. He is thin and will need to add strength, but he competes and plays with a purpose.
Rashad Richardson (Lafayette, Ind./Kiski School)
2013, SF, 6-6, 190
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: Manhattan, IPFW, Detroit, Illinois State, James Madison, Hofstra
Richardson is an excellent open wing shooter. The lefty has great confidence and a quick trigger when spotting up on the break, receiving ball-reversal passes or coming off screens. He is capable of getting hot and he makes the defense pay for losing track of him. Richardson will have to work to continue to build his game in terms of creating his own shot off the dribble, working on his right hand and being more of a factor on the glass, but his ability to knock down open jumpers is a major asset.
Ed Stephens (Hopkins, S.C./Gray Military Academy)
2013, PG, 6-2, 180
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: South Carolina State, USC Upstate, Loyola (Md.), Appalachian State
Stephens is a true point and excellent facilitator. He makes good decisions and takes care of the ball. Stephens pushes the ball with great pace and finishes well for his size when he doesn’t drop off or kick out to open teammates. He also does a good job running the offense and understands when it’s time to look for his shot and can drill the open jumper with confidence. He can also set the tone on defense with his ball pressure. Stephens will have to add strength and work to improve his foot speed, but he’s tough and competes every second he is on the floor.
Breakout Performer
Daniel Camps (Fayetteville, N.C./Kiski School)
2013, SF, 6-5, 200
Status: Uncommitted
Interest: Northern Kentucky, Mercer, Tennessee-Martin, Brown, Miami (Ohio), Miami (Fla.)
Camps is a power wing who simply attacks the rim over, around and through defenders. He is an above-the-rim finisher on all clear paths to the basket and when he receives the ball on cuts as he moves well without the ball. He also competes on the defensive end by contesting shots in and out of his area, and he’s capable of defending both wing positions. He is tough and plays with great energy and urgency on both ends. He is a good perimeter rebounder and willing passer when he draws multiple defenders. Camps is a tough, physical wing who does the dirty work to help his team. This kid is a sleeper.
Newcomer to Watch
Mario Matasovic (Croatia/St. John’s NW Military Academy)
2013, PF, 6-7, 210
Status: Uncommitted
Matasovic has only been in the United States a short time, so his recruiting is just starting. But if he continues to play like he did on Friday, the phone will soon start ringing off the hook. Matasovic is long and pretty athletic, and he competes on both ends with productivity. On offense he can face and knock down open 3-pointers and mid-range jumpers with regularity. He would be a very good pick-and-pop or stretch power forward. Matasovic also rebounds in his area and finishes well around the basket. He defends with passion and blocks shots on the ball or coming to help from the weak side. He has toughness and an all-business approach to his game. He will have to add strength and work on creating his shot off the bounce, although he can beat his defender off the dribble with the right angle and straight-line drives. Matasovic has a ton of potential.
Tremendous Upside
Barnett Harris (Monroeville, Pa./Fishburne Military School)
2013, PF, 6-9, 190
Status: Signed with Delaware
This long and lean lefty runs the floor well, finishes above the rim, rebounds in and out of his area, and is good for at least one back-breaking tip in every game. He can make mid-range shots with time and space. He is also active on the defensive end and communicates well. He is a good shot blocker, has an excellent motor and competes hard. Harris’ best playing days are ahead, especially after he adds strength and continues to develop his skills.
Standout Players: Day 3
Travis Hammonds (Richland, S.C./Gray Military Academy)
2013, SG, 6-foot-9, 190 pounds
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: Charleston Southern, Jacksonville
Interest: Clemson, South Carolina
Hammonds is an aggressive wing who is a good athlete and can score very quickly. He runs the floor well on the break and can finish through contact. Hammonds plays with confidence and can get it going from behind the arc. He has an awkward release but finishes his shot with a very good follow-through. Hammonds also does a great job setting up his jumper with an excellent shot fake that allows him to take full advantage of undisciplined closeouts and improve his shot percentage. He is a good straight-line driver and will post small defenders and elevate over them. He is also a willing passer on the break and in draw-and-drop off or kick situations. Hammonds also competes on defense and plays with good energy and urgency. He will have to continue to add strength and work on his ballhandling under intense ball pressure and his ability to create his shot. At times his shot selection is questionable and he will need to pay more attention to clock management but Hammond’s doesn’t take plays off and is very productive.
Jevon Thomas (New York/St. John’s Northwest Military Academy)
2013, PG, 6-0, 170
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: Auburn, Kansas State, Seton Hall, UNLV
Thomas is a strong and physical attacking point guard who pounds the ball hard and has breakaway speed and quickness. He is as quick as he is strong, gets to the rim and can finish through contact. He can create space with his step-back jumper and has a pretty good pull-up with good elevation. He is not afraid to compete for rebounds, either. Thomas is a good on-ball defender who applies good pressure and can set the tone on defense when he stays solid. At times, though, he over-dribbles and penetrates without having a plan and he needs to work to make his jumper from behind the arc a more consistent weapon. He also has a tendency to try to score by attacking more than focusing on running his team and getting teammates involved. He is talented and physically gifted but must become a better facilitator and learn to manage the clock.
Daniel Dixon (Great Falls, Va./Fishburne)
2013, SG, 6-5, 180
Status: Signed with William & Mary
Dixon is a true shooting guard who can effectively score off the catch and the dribble. He can finish above the rim when he is ahead of the pack in transition as well. He can knock down open 3-pointers off the catch or rhythm dribble and does a good job attacking pressure by getting to the rim and finishing or drawing the foul. Dixon has a nice floater as well. He is capable of defending both guard positions. He will need to add strength and could help more on the glass but he has a plan on offense and knows how to execute it.
Q.J. Peterson (Hedgesville, W. Va./Massanutten)
2013, PG, 6-0, 175
Status: Signed with Virginia Military
Peterson is an aggressive point guard who plays with great energy and effort on the both ends. He has good speed and quickness to beat opponents to the rim and does a good job fighting for position for his size mostly, because he is athletic and has good touch and body control. He can make 3s off the catch when his feet are set and he can find an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Peterson works hard to pressure the ball as well. Peterson never stops or gives up on the play. He gambles on defense at times and with the ball in his hands he will sometimes overpenetrate and travel. But overall he makes plays and gets the most out of his minutes.
Player With Great Upside
Aram Martin (San Antonio/Miller School)
2013, PF, 6-9, 185
Status: Uncommitted
Offers: Penn, Cornell, South Florida
Interest: Nebraska, Rice (scheduling visits to both soon)
Martin is an extra-long and thin forward who affects the game positively in a variety of ways with his great length and mobility. He runs the floor with long strides and finishes above the rim on all clear paths to the basket and when he has an angle on his defender. In the half court he is a face-up player with range to the arc when he gets time and space. He rebounds and blocks shots in and out of his area with length, not strength. Adding strength should be at the top of his to-do list, in addition to working on his ballhandling and developing his post game. If he does that, he won’t have to settle for jumpers and can take advantage of matchups with smaller defenders. He will have to learn to not bite on shot fakes as well. Martin plays hard and competes most of the time on both ends and has great upside.
Highlight of the Day
Senior Garland Owens (Rockville, Md./Maasanutten), who is committed to Boston College, provided the crowd with a one-handed tip-in dunk off an offensive rebound that he caught behind his head and finished in traffic. The 6-5 forward was so high in the air that he finished the play on the way down. Owens likes to slash along the baseline and he can block shots and rebound. He has elite athleticism and is capable of becoming an excellent multiple-position defender. He has to add to his game and be more productive, but as he showed on Saturday, he can take the air out of an opponent with his ability to play above the rim with flare.
