By Ian Powers
Julius Randle Plano, TX Prestonwood Christian 6’9" 245 PF 2013- Considered by many to be the best player in the country, Randle didn’t disappoint on Tuesday. He was his usual dominant self and was unguardable Tuesday morning. His strength is what makes him stand out on the high school level. He man handles his opponents down low and has the quickness to put the ball on the floor get to the rim. He either scores or gets to the line and will cause matchup problems everywhere on the floor. I still would like to see him develop more of an offensive game over his left shoulder, but time is in his side and he is more than capable of improving that aspect of his game. The debate on who is the top player in the class between Randle and Jabari Parker rages on and neither is going down without a fight.
Dominic Artis Vallejo, CA/ Findlay Prep 6’0" 165 PG 2012 – Artis is the fastest rising guard on the West Coast and today his full package was on display. Artis consistently knocked down jumpers and got in the lane either to score for himself or to set up a teammate. He doesn’t possess blinding quickness but he is more than capable of running his team and winning ballgames. He finished with 22 pts and 5 ast in the Oakland Soldiers win over Boo Williams Tuesday morning.
Brandon Ashley Dublin, CA/Findlay Prep 6’9" 220 PF 2012- Ashley was dominant during the morning session of the EYBL league finals. He finished with 24 pts and 11 rebs on 8-11 shooting including 8-9 from the line. He has an inside/outside game that is drastically improving. He is showing more confidence in his face up game and his ability to beat other bigs off the bounce. He combines his quickness with an ever improving jumpshot. He is unique in the way that he gets his job done and is establishing himself as a consensus top 10 player in the class. His upside is significant and if he continues to add to his repertoire he may eventually be able to move to the wing.
Josh Fortune Hampton, VA/ Kecoughan 6’5" 180 SG 2012- Fortune put on a shooting display Tuesday morning. He knocked down 4 of 5 three’s in the first half and finished tied for game high honors with 24 pts. Whenever he shot the ball it looked as if was going in and he did not hesitate pulling the trigger. He didn’t display much in terms of putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket, but it wasn’t necessary because he was deadly from behind the arc on catch and shoot opportunities. He is a definite high major shooter and has the size to match up defensively on the wing.
Rasheed Sulaimon Houston, TX/ Strake Jesuit 6’4" 183 SG 2012- Sulaimon was impressive in the evening session on Tuesday. He had every aspect of his game working. He was money from 3 and he was able to cross his man over and get into the lane and score when he wanted to. He was efficient from the floor going 9-17 and played his usual aggressive defense on the perimeter. He is a competitive kid who hates to lose and he’s not afraid to be vocal with his teammates. He finished with a team high 24 points. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to come out with a W against All-Ohio Red.
Kenny Kaminski Medina/ Medina, OH 6’7" 240 PF 2012- The Michigan St. recruit played extremely well in front of his future coach Tom Izzo Tuesday evening. He won’t wow with his length, quickness, or athleticism, but he will with his relentless effort and ability to stretch the floor. He was open on numerous occasions in pick and pop situations and made the most of it with 3 triples. He finished with 30 pts and 7 rebs to lead his team to an upset against the Houston Hoops. He is an undersized 4 who is limited athletically and will have problems with length inside, but he will be a factor as a stretch 4. Good get for Coach Izzo and the Spartans.
