Wednesday, March 29, 2017

2017 SEBA Atlanta College Showcase (Event Review)


The 2017 Southeast Basketball Academy (SEBA) Atlanta College Showcase took place on March 18 on the campus of Oglethorpe University. For the past twelve years, this event has successfully brought together available prospects from throughout the South and provided them with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to College Coaches. The event has served as bridge between players and coaches and has resulted in scholarships and playing opportunities for hundreds of players since its inception.

This year’s edition of the SEBA College Showcase carried on that tradition, as 180 prospects representing all parts of Georgia as well as seven other states were eager to compete and display their talent to the large collection of college coaches in attendance.

Event's Top Performers:
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Ceaunte Zachery (Lithia Springs)
Ceaunte Zachery (6’ 2, CG, Lithia Springs; 2017)
Wiry and smooth scoring guard with athleticism and versatility. Can take the ball to the rim, knock down the three ball, and thrives in transition. Active and versatile defender. Late bloomer who has improved significantly over past year. Was named 1st Team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-State this past year at Lithia Springs. Recruiting interest is picking up, including recent inquiries from several programs at Low D1 level.     
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Eric Lovett (TSF Prep)
Eric Lovett (6’ 4, CG, The Skills Factory Prep; 2017)
One of the top all-around guard prospects in the camp. He showed nice combination of size, skill, and athleticism at the guard spot. Really excelled when taking the ball to the rim on the fast break. When defense sagged, he knocked down good looking three point shot off the bounce and catch. Good court vision and set-up teammates nicely. Is going to be an excellent addition to a program at the High D2 or Low Major D1 level.   
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Josh Brown (Riverwood)
Joshua Brown (6’ 7, Wing, Riverwood International; 2017)
Intriguing prospect with big upside. Had excellent showing throughout camp. Showed great versatility with ability to score from wing and around the rim. Knocked down several three point shots within flow of offense. Has good leaping ability and had several impressive above the rim finishes. On defensive end, was strong on the boards and blocked numerous shots. Averaged double-double for strong Riverwood squad this past year. Very bright future.   
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Dijon Brown (Morrow)
Dijon Brown (5’ 8, PG, Morrow; 2017)
Dynamic and explosive scoring point guard. Has tremendous quickness and was able to get penetrate at will into the paint, creating shots for himself and teammates. Has nice pull-up midrange jumper. Worked hard and showed positive attitude throughout the day. Averaged 23 ppg this year as a Senior and was a 1st Team All-Region Selection at Morrow High.  
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Desmeontay Dyer
Desmeontay Dyer (6’ 3, SG, Eastside; 2017)
Impressive Wing-guard who stuffed stat sheet on both ends of floor. Was one of the camp’s better scorers, converting on a mixture of drives to rim and outside shots. Plays with a big motor and was consistently attacking the boards for second chance opportunities. Plays much bigger than listed height. One of the State’s most improved players, Des Averaged 18 ppg and 11 rebounds this past season, which was his first and only season of varsity play. All-Region selection for Eastside.     
  
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Matt Chism (Dawson Christian)
Matt Chism (6’ 4, PG, Dawson Christian; 2017)
Excellent playmaking guard who caught attention of multiple college coaches with his play. Has great size for a lead guard and handles ball well. Used a deceptively quick first step and tight dribble moves to penetrate the lane at will throughout the day. Finishes well at the rim and with floaters in paint. Has good passing skills and vision and is adept at setting up teammates. 
      
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Caelon Ball (Kell)
Caelon Ball (6’ 2, Wing, Kell; 2017)
Physically strong and athletic wing who plays very well in transition. Has good leaping ability and had several impressive dunks when attacking rim. In the half court set, has ability to create his shot off dribble. Solid three point shooter off the catch. Active defender in passing lanes. Rebounds very well from guard spot. Was named Region “Player of Year” in 7-AAAAA this past year and led team to school record 21 win season. Above average student in classroom. 
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Mason Kelly (Eagles Landing Christian Academy)
Mason Green (6’ 10, Forward, Eagles Landing Christian Academy; 2017)
Prospect with excellent length and upside potential. Showed flashes of dominant play. Has the ability to protect the rim and consistently block shots. Was aggressive on the offensive and defensive boards. Had fair share of offensive put backs for scores. Finished around rim with dunks. Will need to put on weight and work on being more consistent, however, the makings and talent are there for him to be an excellent prospect at next level.  
      
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Carson Culverhouse (Carrollton)
Carson Culverhouse (5’ 11, CG, Carrollton; 2017)
Standout guard who plays with “pizazz” and a big motor. Has deep range on three-point shot and was one of the top shooters in camp. Creates well off the dribble and gets good separation from defense on his jumper. Handles the ball very well and has great court vision. Strong student with 3.7 GPA and 24 ACT score. Was named 1st Team All-Region this past year at Carrollton.           
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Devin Gardner (East Bay)
Devin Gardner (6’ 2, CG, East Bay, Florida; 2017)
Athletic scoring guard out of Tampa area who impressed with his all-around play. Slashed to the rim for scores, while also consistently knocking down three ball. Looked good while leading break and setting up teammates. Pressures ball well on defense and created several turnovers that led to easy scores.   
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Jibril Wyckoff (Redan)
Jibril Wyckoff (6’ 3, SG, Redan; 2017)
Long and wiry guard who attacks the rim really well. Gave opposing defenses fits with his ability to drive to the rim and finish strong. Plays with good motor and with purpose. Was one of the top players in talent rich Dekalb County this past season averaging 17 ppg.  
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Bryce Parks (Dutchtown)
Bryce Parks (6’ 3, CG, Dutchtown; 2017)
Long and bouncy guard with very long wing span; Bryce was one of the camp’s better shot makers. He has a scorers mentality and was pumping in buckets from the perimeter, in transition, and while attacking the basket. Had couple impressive above the rim finishes. As he continues to physically develop, has great upside and best ball is certainly ahead of him.     
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Olando Merrick
Olando Merrick (6’ 6, Wing, True Partnership Christian Academy; 2018)
Physically strong wing with good leaping ability. Was a tough matchup throughout the day for opponents. Excelled when putting the ball on floor and penetrating to rim. Had several thunderous dunks in traffic. Consistent jump shot. Excellent rebounder for position and runs floor hard on break. Reclassified to Class of 2018. 
  
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Tony Pulice (Dawsonville Christian)
Tony Pulice (6’0, PG, Dawson Christian Academy; 2017)
Skilled and speedy lead guard who impressed with his ability to create and score. Sees the floor well and set up teammates for easy baskets with well-timed passes. Knock down shooter from three-point land. Understands the game and plays within himself.  
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Michael Johnson (Allatoona)
Michael Johnson (5’ 10, PG, Allatoona; 2017)
Athletic lead guard who shined on both sides of the floor. Offensively, has good presence as a floor leader; comfortable running a team. Is good distributor and scoring threat. Finishes well at basket and knocked down good share of outside jumpers. Defensively is tough on ball defender and active in lanes. Helped lead Allatoona to State championship game as a Junior and Final 4 appearance as Senior.    
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Destin Exinor (River Ridge)
Destin Exinor (6’ 4, Forward, River Ridge; 2017)
Powerful and athletic forward who was a force in the paint. Plays with great strength and energy, Was one of the top rebounders in the camp. Workhorse on the offensive boards converting put backs and creating many second chances for his team. Averaged a double-double this past year while being named 1st Team All-Region. 
  
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Malik Lawrence (Calhoun)
Malik Lawrence (5’ 11, PG, Calhoun; 2017)
Smooth playmaker who can score and distribute. Has a deadly pull-up jumper in half court set and in transition. Has good quickness and handle. Showed ability to draw defense and kick to open teammates for easy shots. Has good defensive intensity and plays with hustle. All-Region selection for strong Calhoun program that has won 50 games over past two seasons.  
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Eddie Figueroa (Sprayberry; 2017)

​Additional Camp Standouts:


2017 Guards

The camp roster included a very deep pool of talented perimeter players worthy of close looks from college coaches. Cobb County standout Eddie Figueroa (6’0, PG, Sprayberry) is a jet quick high scoring lead guard who takes the ball to the rim extremely well. He is a threat from deep and very good in transition; has quick hands and picked up his share of steals on the day. Eddie averaged 21 ppg this past season and was named All-Region. DJ Jackson (5’ 7, PG, South Paulding) was one of the smallest players in camp but he has “big” game. The ultra-quick point guard is a first rate distributor and set-up man. He has a solid three point shot that prevents defense from sagging. DJ is also a very good on ball defender who can harass opponent’s length of floor. A proven winner, he was major contributor for Coach Gil Davis’ South Paulding squad which spent bulk of season ranked # 1 in State. Kennon Watkins (6’ 1, PG, Booker T Washington Magnet) is a talented lead guard out of Montgomery, Alabama. He has a very quick first step and good handle which allows him to penetrate the lane and create. Excellent pull-up jumper and can finish strong around basket. Kennon is also an excellent student in classroom. Quintus Evans (5’ 9, PG, Stockbridge) was one of purest point guards in camp and one of the event’s top assist leaders. He does a great job running the show for his team and making players around him better. Excellent passer who can also score the ball when situation calls for it. He is also an active and vocal defender. 
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Elijah Butts (2017; Kennesaw Mountain)
Elijah Butts (6’ 1, CG, Kennesaw Mountain) is a strongly built combo guard who can put up points and score from all three zones. The 1st Team All-Region player has good defensive versatility and rebounds well from the guard spot. Holt Shannon (6’ 2, SG, Mt. Paran) is a multi-dimensional and skilled guard that needs to be evaluated by higher academic programs. He has a nice pull up jumper where he creates good separation from defense. Has strong build and can body smaller guards on way to basket. Moves well in half court set and utilizes screens well to set up shot. Uriah Pickens (6’ 2, SG, Decatur) is a physical guard with nice game. He showed good shooting ability, knocking down threes off the dribble and the catch. He uses change of speed moves very well to penetrate and has the strength to finish strong at the basket. Jesse Holt (6’ 0. PG, Dade County) is a skilled guard who showed a well-rounded perimeter game. The North Georgia standout knocked down numerous shots and distributed the ball to his teammates in scoring position, while playing with poise and court presence. Jaylen Love (5’ 11, SG, Hampton) is an athletic combo guard who scored the ball well. He penetrates aggressively and thrives in transition. An All-Region selection at Hampton this year, he plays with intensity and strong desire to compete. Chandler Gibson (5’ 11, PG, Monroe Area) is a skilled player who knows how to play the game. He is a deadly long range shooting threat, and balances his outside prowess with ability to beat man off the dribble and finish at the hoop. The All-Region selection sees floor well and had his share of well-timed assists. Derrick Newberry (6’0, CG, South Effingham) is nice looking guard who can create with the ball in his hands. He has above average quickness coupled with good floor vision. The All-Region player out of Savannah area scored the ball with efficiency. Clayton County’s TreJon Taylor (6’ 0, CG, Mt. Zion) is an athletic guard with good quickness and playmaking ability. He showed a deadly pull-up jump shot as well as ability to get to the rim and finish around bigger players. Whid Childs (5’ 10, PG, Marist) is a skilled guard with a high basketball IQ. The All-Region 1st Team selection has a nice handle and outside stroke. His court stability and extremely high test scores make him a prospect worthy of close looks from elite academic institutions.  ​​
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Holt Shannon (2017, Mt. Paran Christian)
Underclassmen Guards

The Underclassmen also boosted a good number of standout perimeter players. Christian Kelly (6’ 3, SG, Duluth, 2018) is a high potential player that College Coaches should track this Spring/Summer. The long and skilled guard can create his shot very well off the dribble and is a knockdown three-point shooter who can light it up when in a rhythm. Tahkwon King(6’ 1, CG, Jefferson County, 2018) is a talented player who drew attention with his productivity and athleticism on both ends of the floor. The 1st Team All-Region player was very good in transition and had several eye opening dribble moves and finishes. William “Tripp” Black (6’ 3, CG, Charles Drew, 2018) is a big-time shooter who can fill it up from beyond the arc. He has deep range, moves well without ball, and has the ability to get real hot and reel off string of treys. Jahwan Smith (5’ 10, PG, Kell, 2018) is a speedy floor general who is an excellent distributor and on-ball defender. He averaged six assists a game this year for a strong Kell squad. Another impressive prospect to keep eye on is Wil Walraven (6’ 2, CG, Sonoraville, 2018). The talented combo guard has the ability to score in bunches all over the floor. The All-Region selection averaged 19 ppg as a Junior this past season and has already reached the 1000 point plateau with a season left to go in his career. Joshua Strong (6’ 0, CG, 2018) is a dangerous scorer with very quick first step. The left handed guard attacks rim and uses body well. Averaged 18 ppg as a Junior in strong All-Region campaign at Kennesaw Mountain. Andy Blair (6’ 2, SG, Palm Harbor, FL, 2018) is a heady and fundamentally sound player who had a nice showing. Versatile and well rounded, he shot the ball well from beyond the arc, distributed, and made smart plays. Jalyn Hickman (5’ 10, PG, Gatlinburg-Pittman, TN, 2019) is a talented lead guard with a bright future. One of the top sophomores in attendance, He showed a high level of skill as well as a quarterback’s mentality on the floor.  Talique Williams (5’ 8, PG, Harris County, 2020) was the youngest player in attendance, but that did not stop him from having a strong showing. The cat quick point guard, who was named 1st Team All-Region as a freshman this season, plays with a maturity beyond his age and is a very good distributor. With continued development, he has a chance to be a really special player.
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Ken Stanciel (Collins Hill; 2017)
2017 & 2018 Wings

Kenneth Stanciel (6’ 3, Wing, Collins Hill, 2017) is a tough wing who plays with high energy. The type of “glue guy” who helps teams win games, He was all over the court on both ends of the floor and impressed with his ability to match up defensively with guards and bigger forwards. The 1st Team All-region selection finishes well at the hoop and has great body control. He is an above average student in classroom with strong test scores. Jackson Baylark (6’ 4, Wing, Pope, 2018) is a promising wing with fantastic athleticism. His leaping ability was on display with several impressive dunks and great production on the offensive glass. Defensively, he is a strong rim protector and rebounder. As he continues to develop his perimeter skillset, he is a definite player to watch among Georgia’s 2018 prospects. Terry “TJ” Goodrum (6’ 4, Wing, Allatoona, 2017) is a big wing with the ability to stretch the defense with his outside shooting ability. He is a versatile defender capable of matching up with guards and guarding bigger forwards. Khaleed Stapleton (6’ 3, Effingham County, 2018) is an athletic wing who attracted attention with his strong play throughout the day. He slashed his way to the rim and uses his body well to score at the rim. Also gets up and down the floor well and is in good in transition.Austin Panks (6’ 3, Wing, Buford, 2017) is a smart and battle tested player who won a State Championship this past season at Buford. For his camp team, he knocked down jumpers, finished on drives, and made hustle plays and was a clear asset for his squad. Jonathan Wood Jr. (6’ 4, Dade County, 2018) is a well-balanced inside-out threat who made a good impression. He was active defensively, strong on the boards, and a capable scorer; while also doing many intangibles that help win games. Ellis Wester (6’ 3, Wing, Jonesboro, 2017) is an athletic wing who scored the ball well off drives and on jump shots. He worked hard in skill stations and showed eagerness to improve. Terraius “AJ” James(6’ 2, Elbert County; 2019) is a promising athletic slasher with good feel for the game. He ran the floor hard and is good in transition, while also having a knack for being around ball to make plays. Benjamin Ross (6’ 3, Wing, Woodland, 2017) is a high energy guy with some explosive bounce. He plays bigger than his height and was effective on the boards, in addition to blocking shots and deflecting passes. His intensity was constant throughout the day, which was great to see.Kenneth McCullough –Lomax (6’ 4, Wing, Eagles Landing Christian Academy, 2017) is a strongly built and athletic wing who had a good showing. He excelled while putting ball on floor and attacking basket, where his lift and strength allows him to score consistently.      
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Jackson Baylark (Pope; 2018)
2017 & 2018 Forwards

Timothy Green II (6’ 7, Forward, Carrollton) was one of the highest upside potential players in attendance. The long and athletic forward scored on variety of interior moves complemented by consistent pull up jumper. He moves well for his size, and is an excellent rim protector on defensive end.  His on court talents combined with a top notch academic profile make him a 2018 prospect Colleges will definitely want to evaluate  Kristian Collins (6’ 5, Forward, Peachtree Ridge, 2017) had a good showing throughout the day. He is a player with inside-out versatility and can play on wing and in paint. He was excellent on the offensive boards and creating second chance points for his team. Has nice potential and will be a nice pickup for a program. Khalil Brown (6’ 6, Forward, Tri-Cities, 2017) is a long and athletic forward who opened some eyes with his play. He finished consistently in paint and put the ball on the floor to slash to rim. Showed a consistent pull-up jumper and can run the floor. Khalil was also active while grabbing boards and playing good interior defense. Brendon Tyler (6’ 4, Forward, Tri-Cities, 2017) is another prospect out of Tri-Cities High school with potential. He is long and athletic and was very effective in and around the paint. Cyrus Barnes (6’ 4, Forward, Lake Gibson, FL, 2017) is a prospect out of Central Florida who plays with a big motor. Whether knocking down baseline jumpers, grabbing offensive putbacks, or running break in transition, He was making plays to help his team succeed.
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Tim Green II (Carrollton, 2018)
Kyree Bell (6’ 5, Forward, New Manchester, 2017) was a player who made a name for himself amongst camp staff with his work in the paint. He crashed the boards hard, ran the floor on the break, and exhibited potential that is worthy of looks from schools at next level. Cameron Crowe (6’ 6, Forward, Woodstock, 2017) is a stretch forward with a nice outside shot and team first mentality. A prospect with a tremendous academic profile, he plays within himself and is a player that elite academic colleges can evaluate for their program. Kyler Ingram (6’ 4, Forward, Cambridge, 2018) is a big bodied forward that is a tough matchup for opposing teams in the paint. He is deceptively agile for his size and his long wingspan allows for him to contest and block many shots. He has already became Cambridge’s all-time leader in his Junior season. With improved conditioning, Kyler can become an attractive prospect. Dre-Wan Clarke (6’ 5, Forward, Zephyrhills, FL, 2017) is an aggressive interior player who finishes well around the basket. Whether it was in half-court set or on the break, he was in attack-mode throughout the day. The Sunshine State product is also an active defender with good strength.     

Honorable Mention Players

(Listed in no particular order)

Class of  2017 & Prep: Gabriel Stinson (Booker T Washington Magnet, AL);  TyShawn Chaney (Discovery); Zikenya “Shawn” Percy (Jeff Davis); Conterro Harris (Tri-Cities); DeJuan Hyde (New Creation Christian Academy); Joshua Sippial (Loveless Magnet, AL); Jake Owens (King’s Ridge); Jordan Booker (Harrison); David Sever (Marist); Terrance Gaines (TSF Prep); Garriott Jones (Riverview, FL); Deandre Billinger (Douglas County); Jomo Cousins (Bell Creek Academy, FL); Tariq Tilghman (Delaware Valley, PA); Levi Griffin (Hampton); Jonathan Bishop (Arlington Christian); Mikhail Johnson (Decatur); Nasir Stewart-Muir (West Port, FL); Dwayne Kemp (Jacksonville Ribault, FL); Stanley Heller (Appling County); Derrick Dawson (Tri-Cities); Justin Benjamin (Eastside); James “Trey” Stevens (Hillgrove); Kindu Hamilton (Creekside); James Johnson (Riverdale); Rodney Pearson (Sprayberry); Chris Jallah (Colonial Hills Christian); Sammy Smith (Sherwood Christian); Antoine Jones (Hillgrove);       

Class of 2018: Shakari Williams (Demopolis, AL); Daylan “DJ” Smith (Duluth); Nathan Gauthreaux (John’s Creek); Austin Canaday (Greenbrier); Caleb Snyder (St. Francis, 2018); Kari Olive (Arabia Mountain, 2018); Russell Li (Providence Christian); Dustin Ladson (Hillgrove); Riquieto Leonard (Harris County); Nelson Haskin (Demopolis, AL); Zach Gay (Franklin County); Nick Nagy (Etowah); Kannen Derryberry (Gordon Lee); Stone Champion (Creekside Christian); Micah McCuen (Sprayberry);  Xander Ouellette (Cumberland Christian); Trent Gibson (Appling County); Isaiah Burns (Cypress Creek, TX);   

Class of 2019: Tycarius Hill (Elbert County; 2019); Jack Murrah (Athens Academy); Jason Houston (Bremen); Tay Howard (Madison County); Jamison Syphore (Elbert County; 2019); Jacob Scaible (Wharton, FL, 2019); Khaelil Russell (Appling County, 2019); Thomas “Gabe” Ross (Gordon Central);  Griffin Hunter (Daniel, SC, 2019); Ed Ziegler (Tampa King, FL);

Class of 2020: Eric Grier (Mt. Zion, 2020); Justin Johnson (Loveless Magnet, AL)
    

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