Underclassman Camp Class of 2020 Second Team

Here are more of the top rising sophomore performers from the Bank Hoops Underclassman Camp that didn’t already make the top prospect team. The class of 2021 and middle school teams, and other player evaluations, are forthcoming.

Lee Almore  6-0  So  Detroit Public Safety: Came in perhaps lesser known than many, but it was impossible to miss this energetic two-way guard. Lanky, live body he pushed defensive rebounds the other way time and again fast and loose with the ball but somehow it would come together to convert as layups. Wingspan and active hands gets to balls, tipping passes, tipping in misses. Took pride in his defense, playing low, with attitude, fighting over screens. May not have all of the skill or acumen of many from Michigan’s deep guard class in 2020, but those can be learned. Almore’s athleticism and enthusiasm can’t be taught, which make him a must follow long-term recruit.

Ryan Corner  6-9  So  Allendale: A rare young big man who was actually better in games than drills. The most valuable trait he showed, that he couldn’t really in station work, was his ability to catch and finish on the run. Was efficient doing the same in the lane in the halfcourt. Got all the rebounds you’d expect of the second-tallest player in camp. Challenged, blocked and changed shots while avoiding body fouls or swiping downward. In real life games he’s going to want to hedge, and when switched onto guards Corner was in trouble but did a good job staying in front of and challenging the 6-4 types away from the basket. Needs to work on footwork, body control, not lunge on the closeouts. Thousands of dunks, jump hooks and short corner shots, and he’ll be pondering scholarship offers in two years.

Dallas Green  6-3  So  Flint Carman-Ainsworth: Looks like the heir apparent to Omari Duncan in Carman-Ainsworth’s frontcourt, and Green already has the mentality to contribute this winter for a top 5 team in Class A. That was evident here, as he was the most unselfish player in the camp. He looked to get teammates involved in various circumstances, pushing it up on the break, post feeds, kicks to shooters, and he did it democratically. Set ball screens, would cut after he passed. Used size, athleticism, motor on the glass. Created second opportunities when he ran to the rim in transition instead of drifting to the arc. Showed a nice three-point touch stepping into it when ball went inside-out. Ideal free throw line target against a zone with how he shoots and passes from that range. When he looked for his own points Green had a strong first step splitting defenders, but needs to finish more consistently at the rim. Didn’t see him post up often, but had a nice up-and-under and knew how to use the glass when he did.  Sometimes got caught upright defensively, but also got quickly to 50/50 balls and had similar bursts on the offensive glass.

Taevion Rushing  5-9  So  Flint Southwestern: One-on-one scorer with a quick flick shot with a soft ending of shooters’ rolls in and out. Good at creating space, particularly with his step-back jumper. Particularly dangerous as the pace increases and he can attack downhill. Played with hands by side on defense, yet scrappy and would get on the floor. Liked that Rushing was still playing hard, competing and running the court through his third game.

“Flint guard who shot it from deep and knows how to fill the lane,” a coach said. “Didn’t see much of a mid-range game and that needs to develop as bigs will get better at protecting the rim. Got into the lane at will when I saw him and would like to see him use that skill to create shots for others more. Good on-ball defender but sometimes gambled too much off it.”

Brock Stevens  6-0  So  Grandville Calvin Christian: Didn’t handle the ball as much in games as perhaps he’s used to, which ended up showing Stevens’ versatility as he was able to find his spots and knock down three-pointers. One of the most physical guards in camp, on both ends of the floor. Active and vocal on both ends too, not sitting on the ball, screening, cutting; talking as a help defender. Won a lot in AAU and is poised for a breakout season for top 10 Class C Calvin Christian.

“Jack-of-all-trades, high motor guard,” a coach said. “He is a very good defender on and off the ball and isn’t afraid to mix it up. I saw him dive on the floor for loose balls and take a charge, in the same game. Offensively does everything well, but isn’t great at any one thing. Passed up open shots and would like to see him more aggressive, but is ‘system’ type player.”