Southern Jam Fest: McCormack, Achiuwa, stand tall
HAMPTON, Va. – The Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest came to a close on Sunday as the very best from the Mid-Atlantic region hit the floor at the Boo Williams Sportsplex. A number of ranked prospects had standout performances on the final day of the event. David McCormack looks to be one of the top three centers in his class nationally and Immanuel Quickley remains in the conversation as to who the top point guard is in 2018. Here is a look at Day 3’s top performers.
Recruitment: UCLA, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Duke and many others are involved.
His day: While his team was ousted in the semifinals, McCormack was nearly unguardable in the post as he showed off deaf touch over his left shoulder on the sweeping hook shot, threw down impressive dunks in traffic and looks to be in the best shape of his basketball life as he ran the floor and produced whenever the game sped up.
Quote: “After the first two live periods, it is really hard to tell who is standing out. Things have really skyrocketed recently and hope it stays that way. I can’t really tell, for the most part.”
Prediction: At this point in time, anything could happen with McCormack as he sits as a top three center in his class. Throw in the fact that 2018 boasts a dearth of quality big man and the value placed onto the Team Loaded VA product rises even further. Kansas and Duke sit in a good spot, along with a bevy of others.
Recruitment: Down to a final seven of Kansas, Duke, Kentucky, Providence, Miami, Maryland and Virginia.
His day: Quickley’s team was cut down in the semifinals, but his quarterfinal outing was one that had people abuzz. The knock on the 6-foot-4 guard was that he couldn’t make a jump shot, but he proved that is no longer the case. He nailed seven three-point jumpers and scored 34 points in keeping his team afloat.
Quote: “I want cut it down in the next couple of weeks to maybe four or three. Once I cut my list one more time, I will visit all those schools.”
Prediction: Kentucky sits in a great spot. The sleeper here is Miami, a program that has done excellent work in landing top shelf talent out of the DMV.
Recruitment: South Carolina, Kansas State, Florida, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest
His day: His team went down in defeat to begin the day, but Dean was tremendous as he led his squad on the scoreboard as he knocked in 25 points and also showed the ability to facilitate and run a half-court offense.
Quote: “Virginia Tech, Kansas State, South Carolina, Florida and Wake Forest really have contacted me the most. There have been others but those five have been in touch the most.”
Prediction: Word is just now getting out on Dean as the South Carolina native should soon be a top recruit for some of the better programs up and down the east coast. However, USC has done a tremendous just to date with the in-state recruit and it should be seen as an early favorite for him.
Recruitment: Committed to Virginia Tech
His day: Named the 17-under tournament MVP, McCallister was engaged and productive all weekend. While he does have to become a better shooter, the 6-foot-3 wing can guard all three perimeter positions, is an explosive athlete at the basket and is willing to do whatever it takes for his team to succeed.
Recruitment: St. John’s, Kansas, Ohio State and UMass
His day: It was one of the best outings of the spring that I had seen as Achiuwa used unbelievable isolation moves in getting around his defender at the basket. He also knocked down two perimeter jumpers, rebounded the ball in traffic and hit open teammates near the basket for the easy score.
Prediction: Achiuwa is an easy five-star prospect in the 2019 class and sitting at No. 18 overall, could move up even higher. Bluebloods will come in, but St. John’s sits in a great spot for him, a rising junior that is the younger brother of former Red Storm star God’s Gift Achiuwa.