Windsor, Colorado, was the site of an unique display of elite talent from organizations across competitions from the NJCAA, EYBL Scholastic, and Elite Prep Basketball. Below are observations of the standout athletes, of the two day event, from October 18-19. Verbal Commits and JUCO Advocate have really been at the focus of elevating, "under the radar", talent especially from the lower divisions of the NCAA, as well NAIA, NJCAA, and Preparatory Level, basketball. We appreciate their commitment to giving under recruited & under utilized athletes' the platform needed, to help their progression, and enhance their underlying value, which could impact programs at higher levels of basketball.
Melian Martinez II New Mexico JC II C 7’0 II SO
Martinez played for a high-activity NMJC basketball program showcasing a high motor and the ability to effectively protect the rim. The perimeter defenders enhanced his defensive role as an anchor, due to their constant ball pressure and disruptive hands. His touch around the rim compounded with him mobility in the PnR providing vertical spacing behind the defense made NMJC tough to defend.
Mady Traore II Frank Phillips II C 6’11 II SO
Traore did not have eye-popping stats in the box score, but while watching his match against Barton, he showcased plenty of intangibles and the physical tools to be a very intriguing prospect for the future. At 7’0”+, he moved like a gazelle when moving north-south, and used his frame/length to his advantage to disrupt shots at the basket. His natural athleticism and fluidity at that size, as well as his ability to handle the ball along the perimeter, makes his development across the span of the next couple of years one to keep an eye out for.
Nikita Tyukalo II Garden City CC II SG 6’7 II FR
The dynamic combo guard displayed a unique skillset of tough shot-making and poise throughout the showcase. Tyukalo’s ability to knock down contested jumpers and create for
himself off the dribble. Standing at 6’6”, he used his size to his advantage when being matched up against smaller guards. His shot-making also overshadowed his playmaking for others too, as he set his teammates up for easy buckets because of the attention he generated.
Jimma James II Northeastern Oklahoma A&M II CG 6’6 II SO
James was one of the more explosive players, both off the bounce and at the rim, constantly looking for ways to generate rim pressure and collapse the defense. He was one of the better transition finishers, using his athleticism to finish plays above the rim. His constant rim pressure allowed for him to set up for others, enhancing the entire offense collectively.
Keandre Kindell II Barton CC II PG 6’0 II SO
Although he is an undersized guard, Kindell was one of the more dynamic playmakers in the entire showcase, displaying shiftiness off the bounce, the ability to hit jumpers beyond the arc, and surprisingly, above the rim finishing. His quick first step off the dribble set him up for plenty of opportunities downhill to create consistently. Whenever he got inside the arc, he showcased touch around the basket, using floaters to score against the outstretched arms of longer athletes.
Xavier Edmonds II Salt Lake CC II PF 6’9 II SO
Edmonds came into the event as arguably the number one rated JUCO prospect in the nation, recently narrowing his recruitment down to TCU, Oregon, and USC and he did not disappoint. At 6’9”, he used his bigger frame to overpower matchups at the rim and draw fouls. He showed crafty footwork in the low post to get around defenders and soft touch at his size. He does not have athleticism that stands out, but he has the ability to play above the rim. He showed shot-making beyond the arc, making him very difficult to contain in all areas in the half-court offense.
Tanner Hayhurst II College of Southern Idaho II SF 6’6 II SO
Hayhurst was arguably the most accurate sharpshooters in the gym throughout the event. He got his shot off in a variety of different fashions whether it was off the dribble or off the catch, stationary or on the move, coming off staggers, pindowns, flares, etc. He attracted so much attention without having the ball in his hands offensively, which created advantages for his teammates to create off of defensive breakdowns.
Alvin Jackson III II Salt Lake CC II CG 6’5 II FR
Jackson showcased a solid all-around skillset and high IQ for the game, making an impact on both sides of the ball. He showed the ability to score the ball on all three levels and play creation on straight line drives to the rim. Although he is only a freshman, he has a bigger, mature frame which he used to his advantage. Jackson also displayed the ability to initiate contact at the rim to draw fouls. A specific play that stood out was when he drove baseline, exploded, and finished over a defender for a dunk.
Written By: Yusef Washington
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