2016 Emerging Prospects Invitational Camp
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This year Runna Report launched its first National event — the Emerging Prospects Invitational Camp with the support of Adidas grassroots. Players in North America born 2001, 2002,2003 from the country’s major circuits: NYBL, AAU, and PYBL were selected on an invite only basis. Hosted at the beautiful Lakepoint Sporting Community, 100 players grinded it out on 6-Olympic size Full Courts and put all of their talents on display. Even former Mayor of Atlanta Shirley Franklin came out to see the action packed event.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Our Player to Watch Index, is decided on the evaluation of ALL the players during OUR event. Reputation and travel team accomplishments were checked, as in disregarded,at the front door. Players must understand, that during high school recruitment, and professional pre-draft workouts standing out for the right reasons, in a short amount of time, amongst a group of strangers, in front of coaches who have their personal careers on the line, is imperative to getting awarded opportunities. All players were challenged to drill hard, be detail oriented, make good plays and compete full court defensively. The same challenges that if met, show promise for young basketball players who have the skills.
TOP 3 STANDOUT PLAYERS
#1. Brinton Wright (2021 GA) arrived virtually unknown on the National scene and emerged as the top prospect in attendance. Wright possesses high risk high reward style of play but his size and athleticism give him leeway. As I watched, he made a full court behind the back pass for a layup, broke a triple team patting the rock through traffic for a spin jump hook, and then finished above the rim in consecutive possessions. The 6'5 Wing, averaged 19.8pts/ per game, out rebounded (14 rebs) and out blocked (2.3 blocks) the entire camp. BJ (as his friends call him) has a very bright future ahead once his outside shooting becomes more accurate and he starts to make easy plays more often. I was very impressed with his performance all weekend.
#2. Julius Ellerbe (2021 DMV) entered camp with a purpose showcasing his ability to hit long range shots. Ellerbe has the length that allows him to release over shorter players and the confidence to shoot unbothered. Those two tools allowed him to average 24 pts in 5 games. Julius is a monstrous rebounder pulling down 11 per contest however, increasing his effort, turning up his motor, and getting more engaged defensively for the entire possession will elevate his stock once he enters high school in 12 months.
#3. Brayon Freeman (2021 DMV) is an all around PG that plays to win. With a perfect blend of point guard characteristics, Freeman can finish in traffic, finish through contact, pass out of double teams, score mid range, attack downhill and make plays with no fear. At 5'8 size is not a factor as he banged with the bigs and blew by the length of the longer wings in attendance. His feel for the game adds an advantage on the defensive end as he instinctively anticipated passes guarding on ball and caused key deflections all weekend. Brayon averaged 14pts, 5 rebs, 5 assists and lead camp with 20 assists. When his outside shot becomes more fluid, defenders will have to guard closer giving him more “room” to get into space, put pressure on defenses and get it done.
Players to Watch Index 1–25
Players to Watch Index 26 -49
