Top players from EYBL Session 01
MORE: EYBL Friday | EYBL Saturday
Here is a rundown of 12 of the top prospects and performers during Session 01 of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
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Jarnell Stokes (2012, Memphis YOMCA) - Stokes is just too strong and athletic for most any opponent to deal with. He controls the space around him and is quick to elevate. A double-double is practically a guarantee when he takes the floor.
Julius Randle (2013, Team Texas Titans) - A physically dominant forward, Randle is the type of player who can be counted on to produce points and snag rebounds during crunch time. When he takes his game to the basket, he is unstoppable, but he also has a developing perimeter game which is intriguing.
Nerlens Noel (2013, BABC) - In one viewing Noel blocked at least six shots during a four-minute span. That type of defensive dominance was the norm for Noel. But he is not a one-trick pony. Noel was also a reliable scorer down low and a passing and scoring threat in the high post.
Kyle Anderson (2012, Playaz) - One of the more unique prospects to come around in recent times, Anderson controls games with his intelligence, skill and length at the point guard position. He is the ultimate facilitator and constantly produces a variety of winning plays.
Ricardo Ledo (2012, Albany City Rocks) - Ledo is oozing with natural talent as an athletic wing scorer. He also did a nice job drawing defenders and dishing the ball. Defensively he has the instincts and length to make plays both in the lane and on the perimeter.
Rodney Purvis (2012, CP3) - Purvis is very likely the most reliable perimeter scorer in the class. He has the strength and craftiness to get into the middle of the defense and score in a variety of ways. Purvis is more than competent in the other areas of the game as well.
Brandon Ashley (2012, Oakland Soldiers) - The progression in Ashley's game was impressive this weekend. He has improved his physical strength and played with a more dominant edge around the basket. Also his skill game continues to diversify and improve.
Alex Poythress (2012, Georgia Stars) - Poythress might have been the most athletic power forward at the event. His motor was consistently running at a high RPM, and he made play after play above the rim. Offensively he attacked the basket and finished with authority.
Shaquille Goodwin (2012, Memphis YOMCA) - Goodwin isn't the power player that his teammate Stokes is, but he is rangy, mobile and skilled. His execution of the high/low game is impressive, and he made a living getting to the free-throw line all weekend.
Archie Goodwin (2012, Arkansas Wings) - As athletically and physically gifted as any wing in the class, Goodwin has an enormous ceiling as a prospect. His slashing ability from the wing is at the top of the charts, and he has the tools to become a high level all-around player.
D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (2012, Spiece) - It is tough to find any holes in Smith-Rivera's game. He is a physically dominant point guard who can score and produce assists on command. Wherever Smith-Rivera ends up, he will be ready to make an impact immediately.
Omar Calhoun (2012, New York Gauchos) - No one produced buckets over the weekend like Calhoun. In a similar fashion to former Gaucho Doron Lamb, Calhoun takes advantage of what the defense gives him and can also force the action and draw fouls.
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