2016 NYBL All Star Weekend

 This past weekend Next Up Recruits had the privilege of covering the prestigious NYBL ALL Star Weekend sponsored by Adidas. This event showcased some of the top young talent in classes 2019 -2022 and players came from all over the country to compete against the best. We want to thank the NYBL  for hosting us and here is a recap of some of the top performers from All Star Weekend.

2021 Jayden Brewer (Team Teague)

This Team Teague floor leader has an amazing feel for the game and makes everyone around him better. A flashy passer, Brewer is at his best pushing the ball in transition and finding teammates for easy lay ups. With long arms and a thin frame Brewer brings to mind a comparison to a young Rajon Rondo. If his jump shot improves Brewer should develop into one of the top point guards in his class.

2019 Shaathon Walker (Grassroots Elite)

One of the top young players in Canada, Walker is an athletic guard who can score the ball at all 3 levels. His athleticism makes him nearly unguardable off the bounce but he is also a consistent outside shooter. Walker has the athleticism and size to be an elite defender but needs to play with more energy on the defensive end of the court.

2021 Jalen Blackmon (Team Teague)

The brother of Indiana standout James Blackmon was hands down the best shooter at the event, showing range out to the NBA 3 pt. line. A volume scorer, Blackmon also showed an ability to get to the rim and knocked down tough floaters in the lane. While his shot selection needs to improve there is no doubt Jalen Blackmon will be one of the top guards in his class.

2021 Brent Walker (All Ohio Red)

 The Ohio native was a man amongst boys at NYBL All Star weekend. A double double machine, Walker grabbed 20 plus rebounds in a game and made a living off put backs and transition baskets. While he needs to fix the low release on his jump shot, Walker does have soft touch and is a consistent shooter from inside 18ft. This young man may have more upside than any other player at All Star Weekend.

2018 Keith Littles (Butler HS, Augusta GA)

The lone 2018 player at NYBL did not disappoint. Littles was the most active defender at camp and made a living off of steals and deflections. While his perimeter skills need improvement, Littles showed a consistent mid-range shot and does a good job getting out in transition for easy lay ups. A great student, mid-majors should take a strong look at Keith Littles this spring.

2019 Terry Hicks (Fishers HS, Indianapolis, IN)

  A skilled wing with outstanding fundamentals, Hicks made mid-range shots all day Saturday. If his ball handling continues to improve, Hicks should develop in a shooting guard at the next level. Due to a sprained ankle he was not able to participate on Sunday.

2021 Oscene Mikell (Florida TGFB)

A long and lanky PG Mikell has a quick first step and uses his quickness to glide to the rim where he can can finish with either hand. Mikell does a good job of getting into the paint and finding open shooters. He has the length and athleticism to become a lockdown defender and rebounds well on both ends. Mikell has the potential to be a special point guard prospect if his jump shot and ball handling continue to improve.

2019 Lance Irvin (Leesburg HS, Leesburg FL)

Irvin was hands down the best on ball defender at camp and made it nearly impossible for opposing guards to bring the ball up the court. A high motor player who thinks every loose ball should be his, Irvin has the athleticism and strength to guard multiple positions. An undersized shooting guard at this point, Irvin needs to become a better playmaker to play point guard at the next level.

2021 Tevin Smith (Game Time Athletics)

This Illinois native was arguably the most athletic player in camp and showed an ability to finish above the rim all weekend. An explosive leaper, Smith is at his best when he is in attack mode and looking to push the ball in transition. If Smith can improve his body language and attitude he has a shot to be a high-major prospect.

2020 Corey Walker (Game Elite)

This Florida forward showcased a skill set that included hitting outside shots and scoring with strong post moves. If Walker continues to grow he will develop into a stretch 4 who can hit the three but is equally impressive with his back to the basket. While not an elite athlete, Walker has the size, skills and IQ to become a McDonald All American.