Notes from the 2018 McDonald’s All-American scrimmage. It is
typically more game-like than the actual McDonald’s All-American game. Many of these players will be in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Romeo Langford – in a defensive stance throughout the game and had a
help side block at the rim. Drive and finish against two defenders with size
and length like he was playing against normal high school kids. Hesitation move
off the ball screen. He will always be able to score off the dribble. Active on
the boards. He was focused on defending throughout the scrimmage. He needs to
work on his second effort on the defensive end – when he gets screened, an
opponent gets a step, etc. – to be a plus defender at the NBA level.
Nassir Little – wasn’t overly productive in the scrimmage.
He was best as a rebounder then pushing the ball on his own. He has great open
court speed for a forward. Pretty good handles as well.
Naz Reid – had drive through traffic and finish with a
finger roll. Reid is a big-bodied power forward that isn’t the most explosive
athlete. He’ll need to play hard and improve as a shooter to stick in the NBA.
Moses Brown – seven-footer with methodical moves in the post.
Has to gather to finish at the basket because of a lack of explosion/strength. Was
best as a shot blocker and offensive rebounder.
Zion Williamson – Strong rebound in traffic then pushed the
ball. He doesn’t have great open court speed for a wing/forward. He’ll thrive
as a rebounder and in transition. Will need to become a consistent shooter to
be a star in the NBA.
EJ Montgomery – didn’t stand out. He had a post shot thrown
back at him by Reggie Perry because he didn’t create any space.
Keldon Johnson – blow by driving going left then finished. He’s
a true wing with his athleticism and slashing ability. Not afraid to be
physical on the defensive end. Shooting consistency will be big for him at the
highest levels.
Darius Garland – in a defensive stance but then taken out by
a screen. Shot the first time he touched it on multiple possessions. Reluctant
passer when he can shoot but will make a good pass, especially if it leads to a
highlight. Tough step back over a defender with length. I don’t mind him being
a score-first point guard, but he will need to either be really good
defensively or an elite shooter.
Immanuel Quickley – didn’t stand out. He’s a plus defender
but not elite. He didn’t create off the dribble at all then his outside shots
were off the mark. Could thrive as an outside shooter, distributor and solid
defender in a solid system. He isn’t going to create much for himself or
teammates in the half court.
Tre Jones – moving the ball early, doesn’t let himself get
screened. Transition pull-up. Solid showing in the scrimmage.
Quentin Grimes – was able to get to the basket a couple
times. He’s best when he gets all the way to the rim. He has struggled with his
outside shot throughout his high school career. He’s a solid passer, but doesn’t
have the blow by speed to consistently draw two defenders. Really needs to
improve as a shooter.
Reggie Perry – NBA build and frame, shot needs work from 3,
strong hands for rebounds in traffic. Not shifty but should be a good PF going
forward with his bounce and strength.
Cam Reddish – Didn’t turn the corner off the dribble early.
Got low and turned it for a dunk in the second half. Quick drive and two-foot
floater. Has all the tools to be a great NBA player. His motor is his biggest
question mark.
RJ Barrett – Was very good in the scrimmage. Handled the
ball some, finished above the rim, hit a 3 off of a ball-screen going left, jab
step mid-range over defender.
Devon Dotson – supreme athlete, solid 6-3+, pure shooting
release, getting over screens. I was very impressed with his athleticism and
effort on the defensive end. Also drilled a couple of mid-range shots off the
dribble.
Jahvon Quinerly – undersized in height and build, but very
active defensively and changes pace really well on the offensive end. He’ll be
a fun player to watch, especially once he puts on muscle.
Darius Bazley – he’s frame is so slight, it was hard for him
to produce against the elite competition. He definitely fit in with his
athleticism.
Coby White – stood out with this athleticism and always
being in the highest gear. Deep range with his outside shot.
Jalen Smith – offensive rebound, good footwork into a spin
and finish. Length is insane, needs more lower body strength to finish quicker
in traffic.
David McCormack – really strong but undersized as a center,
especially for NBA. Needs to develop his outside shot to help offset his lack
of size.
