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2019 Nike Hoop Summit Recap
The annual Nike Hoop Summit took place last week in Portland, Oregon, bringing together a group of the top high school players in the country, as well as some of the top international talent, for a week of practices and a formal game that was held at the home of the Portland Trail Blazers, the Moda Center. Several members of the Babcock Hoops’ draft coverage team were in attendance to check out the action. Below is a recap of who stood out the most:
Nico Mannion
Position: PG | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 180 | College: Arizona
Mannion displayed a terrific floor game during practices all week and lit up the game on Friday with 28 points, shooting 7-12 from the field. A cool, calm and collected floor general, Mannion showed glimpses of resemblance to former NBA player Luke Ridnour.
His performance all week showed why many are saying he will be the next great point guard to come out of the University of Arizona, aka ‘Point Guard U’. However, do not get too comfortable with Mannion in a Wildcats uniform, all indications are that he won’t be in Tucson for long as he will likely be in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Cole Anthony
Position: PG | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 185 | College: Undecided
Highly touted point guard, Cole Anthony, played with his usual toughness and chippiness all week. In previous evaluations there have been some concerns with his shot selection and his willingness to be a true point guard. During practices, however, he showed his ability to be an unselfish lead guard. Although effectively scoring a team high 25 points in the game, Anthony went back to his ‘shoot first’ ways as he had a game-high 18 field goal attempts.
Anthony, the son of former NBA player Greg Anthony, has yet to decide where he will be attending school next season. His list has recently been narrowed down to Georgetown, Oregon, North Carolina and Notre Dame. Whispers suggest he will likely be heading to UNC.
James Wiseman
Position: C | Height: 7’0” | Weight: 230 | College: Memphis
Despite his laid back demeanor, Wiseman showed why many are penciling him in as the number one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. At 7’0”, Wiseman moves extremely well for a player his size and showed an impressively high skill level that promises to translate to the next level.
Committed to play for Penny Hardaway at the University of Memphis, his hometown school, Wiseman could easily end up being the biggest star to come out of Memphis since Derrick Rose.
Precious Achiuwa
Position: PF/SF | Height: 6’8” | Weight: 210 | College: Undecided
Although still undecided on where he will attend school next year, Precious Achiuwa, proved he will be a valuable asset day one for whatever school is lucky enough to get him.
A physically chiseled combo forward with a wingspan longer than 7’2”, Achiuwa, showed terrific versatility on both sides of the ball in Portland. Although naturally more of a power forward, he showed signs that he might be capable of playing out on the perimeter down the road.
Achiuwa recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds in Friday’s game and is definitely a player to keep a pulse on.
Isaiah Stewart
Position: PF/C | Height: 6’9” | Weight: 245 | College: Washington
At 6’9” and 245 pounds, Stewart showed why he is ranked as one of the top players in his class. Possessing a terrific motor and impressive physicality, Stewart has been compared to current NBA draft prospect Bruno Fernando of the Maryland Terrapins.
Stewart will be playing for the Washington Huskies next season, but the big question is, will fellow top rated prospect, Jaden McDaniels be joining him? If so, Mike Hopkins will have a one-two punch that will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.
Josh Green
Position: SG | Height: 6’6” | Weight: 206 | College: Arizona
Josh Green will be joining his friend Nico Mannion at Arizona next year. Green and Mannion are the type of recruits Arizona needs to rebound after a subpar season this last year.
A 6’6” shooting guard with a sturdy build, long arms and terrific explosiveness, Green has the potential to be an NBA level player sooner than later.
Needless to say, Arizona is going to be a fun team to watch next season!
Vernon Carey, Jr.
Position: C | Height: 6’10” | Weight: 275 | College: Duke
A lefty big man, standing 6’10” and weighing 275 pounds, Carey certainly looks the part. Although he showed hints of why he has so much buzz attached to his name, Carey had somewhat of an underwhelming week in Portland. To top it off, he only played 4 minutes in the game due to a minor ankle injury.
Regardless of his poor showing, Carey is a must see player next year at Duke. Our Babcock Hoops team will certainly be tuning in.
Oscar Tshiebwe
Position: C/PF | Height: 6’8” | Weight: 230 | College: West Virginia
It is safe to say that Oscar Tshiebwe is a perfect fit for Bob Huggins and the West Virginia Mountaineers. A physical freak, Tshiebwe is simply a monster on the boards as he has the ultimate motor. Although lacking offensive polish, he should be a difference maker right away. Lining up next to returning big man, Derek Culver, I expect them to put a physical bruising on opponents next season.
Matthew Hurt
Position: PF | Height: 6’8” | Weight: 214 | College: Undecided
Although having unorthodox shooting mechanics with poor rotation and lacking prototypical athleticism, Hurt fits the modern role of a stretch four — he can really shoot it!
Word is that he might be heading to Duke next season. If so, the ‘Cameron Crazies’ should have a good time rooting on Hurt, as I expect him to routinely knock down trey balls.
Scottie Lewis
Position: SG/SF | Height: 6’5” | Weight: 185 | College: Florida
Already committed to Florida, Scottie Lewis, looks more like a track star than a basketball player. Lewis’ athleticism is comparable to that of a track star, as well. Combining his physical tools with an extremely high motor, he showed his potential of being a terrific defender and a slashing scorer at the next level. If he is able to develop his outside shooting to be more consistent he has a chance to be very good!
Tyrese Maxey
Position: SG/PG| Height: 6’2” | Weight: 190 | College: Kentucky
Despite being undersized for a shooting guard at 6’2”, Maxey is a pesky defender, a shot maker and has a refreshing upbeat approach to the game. With Tyler Herro likely heading to the NBA, Maxey should fit in nicely at Kentucky solidifying their backcourt alongside returning point guard Ashton Hagans.
Marcos ‘Didi’ Louzada Silva
Position: SG/SF | Height: 6’6” | Weight: 190 | Team: Franca (Brazil)
I was not familiar with Louzada Silva before this event but he was a pleasant surprise that gradually impressed me more and more as the week went on. At 6’6”, the Brazilian showed his potential as a tough ‘3 and D’ type of player.
He just recently entered his name in this year’s NBA draft. He could be a potential ‘draft-and-stash’ option for a team selecting in the 2nd round.
Joshua Obiesie
Position: SG/PG | Height: 6’6” | Weight: 190 | Team: Wuerzburg (Germany)
After a long trip from Germany, Obiesie had two rough practices as he struggled to find his rhythm offensively. On the third day of practice, however, he showed why many have him projected as a 2nd round pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Standing at 6’6” and possessing a strong, athletic build, the lefty showed upside as a big versatile combo guard.
Do not be surprised if you hear Obiesie’s name called this June at the NBA Draft.