The spring evaluation period begins Friday with the first of five 2017 EYBL tournaments. It concludes in North Augusta, South Carolina with the annual Peach Jam in mid-July. Each of the 11 Mountain West coaches will be seen at these events over the course of the evaluation period, finding talent for future teams. The tournament schedule goes as follows:
- Session 1: Hampton, VA - April 21-23
- Session 2: Indianapolis, IN - April 28-30
- Session 3: Atlanta, GA - May 12-14
- Session 4: Los Angeles, CA - May 26-29
- Peach Jam: North Augusta, SC - July 12-16
Notable players that will be involved in the 2017 Nike EYBL and have interest in Mountain West schools are listed below.
2017 Nike EYBL
Player | MWC Interests | AAU Team | Measures | Class | Hometown | Consensus Stars |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | MWC Interests | AAU Team | Measures | Class | Hometown | Consensus Stars |
Naseem Gaskin | San Jose State, Wyoming, Boise State, Nevada | Team Arsenal | 6-3/180 | 2018 | Oakland, CA | *** |
Isaiah Whaley | Nevada | Team Melo | 6-9/200 | 2017 | Gastonia, NC | *** |
Kwame Hymes | Nevada | Las Vegas Prospects | 6-10/200 | 2018 | Phoenix, AZ | **** |
Jordan Schakel | San Diego State (signed) | California Supreme | 6-6/180 | 2017 | Torrance, CA | **** |
Brandon McCoy | San Diego State, UNLV | California Supreme | 7-0/244 | 2017 | San Diego, CA | ***** |
Tervell Beck | UNLV | All-Ohio Red | 6-6/200 | 2017 | Cleveland, OH | *** |
Antwan January | UNLV | Las Vegas Prospects | 6-10/250 | 2018 | Los Angeles, CA | *** |
Juwan Gary | UNLV | Team United | 6-5/180 | 2019 | Columbia, SC | **** |
Sylvain Francisco | Wyoming | Nike South Beach | 6-0/170 | 2017 | France | *** |
Here is a preview of each Mountain West team’s top recruiting interest this spring:
Air Force
Key prospect: Deven Nelson
Vitals: 6-2, 165 | Class of 2018 | Colorado Springs, CO | ***
Status: Verbally committed
AAU Team: Colorado Hawks (Adidas)
Scouting report: Nelson ranks 3rd in his state for the class of 2018. He’s a smooth guard that excels in transition and can knock down a consistent jumper. (ESPN)
He said it: “It meant a lot to me because I came from a military background,” said Nelson in an interview with Nick Kosmider of PrepHoops last summer. Nelson’s brother and father have experience with the U.S. Army and Air Forces.
Boise State
Key prospect: Roberto Gittens
Vitals: 6-5, 180 | Class of 2017/2018 | Tacoma, WA | ***
Status: Decommitted
AAU Team: Portland BC (Nike)
Scouting report: Incredible dunker, known as a physical freak. An emotional player and is balanced, can play multiple positions. Great leader. (The News Tribune)
He said it: “He wants to keep his options open and see what other opportunities are out there for him.“ Gittens’ high school coach Mike Cocke said in an interview with Scout regarding Gittens’ decision to decommit from Boise State and consider reclassifying earlier this month.
Colorado State
Key prospect: Jules Bernard
Vitals: 6-5, 185 | Class of 2018 | Los Angeles, CA | ****
Status: Undecided
AAU Team: Compton Magic (Adidas)
Scouting report: One of the better players out of California for the 2018 class. Possesses length, athleticism, slashing ability and mid-range jumper. (ESPN)
Fresno State
Key prospect: Timmy Allen
Vitals: 6-7, 205 | Class of 2018 | Mesa, AZ | ****
Status: Undecided
AAU Team: None
Scouting report: Can score at all three levels, changes speeds and has a nose for the ball. Leads by example and is tough in the paint. (ESPN)
He said it: “I’m trying to put my city on the map,” Allen said to East Valley Tribune when discussing staying in his hometown, as opposed to attending basketball-centered schools like Findlay Prep.
Nevada
Key prospect: Jordan Brown
Vitals: 6-11, 210 | Class of 2018 | Roseville, CA | *****
Status: Undecided
AAU Team: Play Hard Play Smart
Scouting report: Ranked #5 nationally for the class of 2018, Brown is an excellent athlete, agile and tremendous on defense. He’s great around the rim, including finishing, rebounding and protecting the basket. (ESPN)
He said it: “He’s been the biggest influence in my life as far as introducing me to basketball and pushing me to be the best,” Brown mentioned about his father’s encouragement throughout his basketball career in an interview with USA Today.
New Mexico
Key prospect: Javonni Bickham
Vitals: 6-8, 230 | Class of 2018 | New Hope, MN | ***
Status: Undecided
AAU Team: Wisconsin United (Adidas)
Scouting report: Bickham is strong around the paint in his 6-8, 230-pound frame. Can hit the occasional jump shot but is best when attacking the basket. (Scout)
San Diego State
Key prospect: Jordan Schakel
Vitals: 6-6, 180 | Class of 2017 | Torrance, CA | ****
Status: Signed
AAU Team: California Supreme (Nike)
Scouting report: Solid frame, good length, skill from the perimeter. Seen as a sleeper around the scouting ranks for the class of 2017. (ESPN)
He said it: That was the most awesome feeling of my basketball life ever,” said Schakel after hitting a key three-pointer to knock off top recruit Marvin Bagley and Sierra Canyon back in February.
San Jose State
Key prospect: Andre Kelly
Vitals: 6-7, 235 | Class of 2018 | Stockton, CA | ****
Status: Undecided
AAU Team: None
Scouting report: Good size and body frame for his age. He has a soft touch around the hoop and moves with excellent footwork. Will be an impact player. (Premier Ball)
UNLV
Key prospect: Brandon McCoy
Vitals: 7-0, 244 | Class of 2017 | San Diego, CA | *****
Status: Undecided
AAU Team: California Supreme (Nike)
Scouting report: Top player from the state of California and best remaining center in the class of 2017, McCoy is an exceptional athlete. He has a strong first step to the rim, can handle the ball well and is quick and decisive with the basketball. (ESPN)
He said it: “We’re excited to see their talent on display in Chicago and look forward to their respective careers,” said McDonald’s All-American chairman when welcoming McCoy and other top recruits to Chicago for the 2017 All-American game.
Utah State
Key prospect: Josh Green
Vitals: 6-4, 175 | Class of 2019 | Glendale, AZ | ****
Status: Undecided
AAU Team: None
Scouting report: Green is from Sydney, Australia and has quickly adjusted to basketball in the United States, averaging over 20 points per game this past season. He helped guide his team, along with #2 recruit DeAndre Ayton, to the state championship. (D1 Vision)
He said it: “I’m definitely looking for a coach that stays around for a long time, a school that fits the way I play, and a school where I can make an impact right away,” Green said to D1 Vision regarding which schools would peak his interest.
Wyoming
Key prospect: Hunter Thompson
Vitals: 6-10, 235 | Class of 2017 | Pine Bluffs, WY | ****
Status: Verbally committed
AAU Team: Utah Prospects (Adidas)
Scouting report: Can play either the 5 or 4, range up to 17 feet and attacks consistently off the elbow. He’s a decent shot blocker and rebounder. (ESPN)
He said it: “It’s going to be really exciting. Just kind of being only an hour from home...it’s going to be an amazing feeling,” Thompson said to Pokes Authority about being able to play in front of friends and family in Wyoming.
Which recruits are you most interested in? Leave a comment below or send a tweet to @boettger_eli or @MWCConnection.