HoopHall Classic: Top performers
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Now in year 15, the Spalding HoopHall Classic has entrenched itself as the nation’s premier showcase event. The biggest reason for that is the ability of the HoopHall to pack in big-time performers. On Saturday, Kobi Simmons was one of many big-timers who lived up to their advance billing and he headlines the day’s top 10 performers.
PG Kobi Simmons, Alpharetta (Ga.) St. Francis
Where he’s going: Committed to Arizona on Saturday.
What he did: What a time to be alive if you are Simmons. His team gutted out a double-overtime win after he fouled out and despite having to hold back because of his foul trouble, Simmons went for 34 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. On top of that he committed to Arizona. He was quick, he made timely shots, he played an all-around game and his teammates fed off of his positive energy.
PF T.J. Leaf, San Diego (Calif.) Foothills Christian
Where he’s going: UCLA.
What he did: Already ranked No. 15 nationally, the 6-foot-9 four man is making a strong case for the national top 10. In a win over Waterbury (Conn.) Sacred Heart, Leaf exploded for 30 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He hit mid-range jumpers, swished threes and had a handful of tough finishes around the hoop. Maybe most impressive was his passing as he carved up the defense out of both the low and high post.
SG/PG Frank Jackson, SG/PG, Highland (Utah) Lone Peak
Where he’s going: Duke
What he did: Jackson was the day’s top scorer going off for 49 points. He did need 40 shots to get there, but his team needed him to fire it up as often as possible. Because of his high usage rate, Jackson took a few bad shots but his explosiveness, deft touch (7-18 from three) and ability to create off the dribble were impressive. At Duke, he’ll be surrounded by elite prospects and will be afforded the opportunity to be more choosy with his shot selection.
SG Mustapha Heron, Waterbury (Conn.) Sacred Heart
Where he’s going: Auburn
What he did: After a slow start he almost brought his team back from a massive deficit while scoring 31 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out four assists. He hit on some deep threes late and had the crowd going crazy as he made one clutch play after another.
PG/SG Markus Howard, Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep
Where he’s going: Visited Arizona State officially and has visits set to Baylor, Central Arkansas, Indiana and Marquette.
What he did: Ranked No. 31 overall in 2017, Howard can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. After a quiet first half, Howard caught fire from deep to score 25 points (five threes) while dishing out three assists. Though he checks in at just under six-feet tall, he is capable of playing as a shooting guard thanks to his deep shooting and skill.
C Thon Maker, Mono (Can.) Athlete’s Institute
Where’s he going: Arizona State, Indiana, Notre Dame and Kansas involved.
What he did: Maker didn’t get a ton of help and he got his 16 points, 10 blocks and eight rebounds because of his non-stop motor, length and athleticism. He ran the floor like a sprinter, had great energy and competed like the result mattered. In college, offenses should be set up to make things a little easier on him.
SF V.J. King, Fairfax (Va.) Paul VI
Where he’s going: Louisville.
What he did: The 6-foot-7 five-star wing has been sensational as a senior and that continued as he strung together 23 points, six rebounds and two assists on Saturday. His bread and butter is his mid range pull-up game but he’s also a fine athlete and has a great feel for things on the offensive end.
C/PF Corey Manigault, Fairfax (Va.) Paul VI
Where he’s going: Pittsbugh.
What he did: Coming out of the summer, it looked like the burly 6-foot-8 insider’s development had stalled a bit. During his final high school season, Manigault has taken his game to a new level. He’s always been strong and able to play bigger than his size but his offensive aggressiveness and desire on the glass have been noticeable. At No. 135 in the 2016 Rivals150, he looks like a great value for Pitt after scoring 18 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
PF Simisola Shittu, Montverde (Fla.) Academy (2018)
Where he’s going: Not yet listing specific programs.
What he did: An import from Canada, the 6-foot-8 power forward currently ranks No. 8 in the class of 2018. Powerfully built with long arms, Shittu proved to be a crafty finisher and capable of making some heady plays. His passing may have been even more impressive than his efficient scoring in a 15 point, five assist effort. Montverde’s front line currently features three of 2016’s top 10 prospects (No. 2 Silvio De Sousa and No. 5 E.J. Montgomery are the others) and he had the best day of the bunch on Saturday.
PF Nick Rakocevic, Westchester (Ill.) St. Joseph
Where he’s going: Offers from Miami, Auburn, Wisconsin, DePaul and Creighton with North Carolina and Louisville taking a look.
What he did: Formerly a Rivals150 prospect in the class of 2016, the slim power forward is having a big senior season after a poor 2015 summer. He ran the floor, crashed the glass and made the most of scoring opportunities whether at the glass or out to 15 feet with his jumper. He is fighting hard to make his way back into the national rankings.