(Pictured - Senior Editor Anthony Ray and former Arizona Preps assistant Chris Buchanan with University of Kansas signee Mitch Lightfoot. Lightfood announced his college decision at the Fall Showcase event.) As we prepare for another installment of the Arizona Preps Fall Showcase, the 25th Annual event, I am delighted by the many memories of this amazing event over the years, and excited for the up-coming high school basketball season. This event has always kicked off our organization's coverage of Arizona high school basketball across the state, and it has always given us a look into the top players and teams to look for throughout the high school season.
After (25) years of hosting the exciting annual Arizona Preps Fall Showcase, this year's event will be the 25th Annual event organized by myself and Arizona Preps, and will be very special indeed. This year's event will be held on Saturday, October 21st @ Skyline High School in Mesa, Arizona, and will feature (36) different boys high school programs from around the state - competing on (3) full courts throughout the day. Each participating team will have the opportunity to play in (2) showcase games in front of college coaches, scouts and media in attendance.
As the Tournament Director for this event since 1998, there have been thousands of high school student-athletes, boys and girls, that have participated in this event annually. The Fall Showcase has helped to bring maximum exposure to the state over the past two decades. The event annually has also included some of the top scouts in the business - creating amazing exposure and potential scholarship opportunities for each prospect involved.
While today there are many more showcase events that have developed in the state, this event is different in it's make up and also the focus of the event. The event looks to create an atmosphere that will allow for the event participants to gain maximum exposure to scouts and media. The format orchestrates an opportunity for high school teams to prepare for the high school season, and also allows for lesser known prospects to make a name for themselves and showcase their abilities against top-rated competition - a recipe for success.
This year's Arizona Preps Fall Showcase will be as exciting as ever, as we enter (25) amazing years of existence. This event has helped a lot of kids in the state.
Here is our list of the Top 25 Performers of all-time from this annual Fall Showcase event. After almost (30) years of operating this annual event, here are the (25) very best that made the cut (in no particular order) . . .
Arizona Preps Fall Showcase Top 25 All-Time Performers
Channing Frye - University of Arizona / Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns (NBA)
Jerryd Bayless - University of Arizona / Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
Lou Ahmundson - UNLV / New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns (NBA)
CJ Watson - University of Tennessee / Golden State Warriors (NBA)
Ty Morrison - Creighton University / Grand Canyon University
Nick Johnson - University of Arizona / Houston Rockets
Carrick Felix - Arizona State University / Cleveland Cavaliers
Isaiah Thomas - University of Washington / Boston Celtics (NBA)
Jahii Carson - Arizona State University / Houston Rockets
Lawrence Hill - Stanford University / Los Angeles Lakers
Devon Evertsen-Green - Boston College / Grand Canyon University
Bryson Krueger - Vanderbilt University / Arizona State University
Givon Crump - Baylor University / Fresno State University
Lawrence Westbrook - Memphis / University of Minnesota
Nick Dewitz - Oregon State University
Jason Fontenot - New Mexico State / Oregon State University
Brendon Lavender - University of Arizona
Dewayne Russell - Northern Arizona / Grand Canyon University
Zylan Cheatham - San Diego State / Arizona State University / New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
Joey Shaw - University of Indiana / University of Nevada
Terrell Stoglin - University of Maryland / Toronto Raptors (NBA)
Jalen Graham - Arizona State University / University of Arkansas
Royce Woolridge - University of Kansas / Washington State / GCU
Bryce Cotton - Providence College / Utah Jazz (NBA)
Blake Nash - University of South Florida
* Bold Represents 2-Time Fall Showcase Most Valuable Player
Fall Showcase Top 25 Honorable Mention (Played In 1 Game)
Jabari Walker - University of Colorado / Portland Trailblazers (NBA)
Frankie Collins - University of Michigan / Arizona State University
Arthur Kaluma - Creighton University / University of Kansas
