The G-20 Showcase event was developed and organized this weekend by the CGM Prep Academy basketball staff, and was held at Inspire Courts. I attended the event and observed several games, including the final Top 20 All-Star game at the conclusion of the event.
There weren't any rosters for me to evaluate players for the event, so I was unable to follow/evaluate many of the prospects many prospects that I particularly liked. Here are several prospects that caught my attention with their play on the day . . .
Abdou Ndiaye 6-9 Prep PF CGM Prep Academy - 2018 Class
Ndiaye (pictured) just moved to the state of Arizona to attend CGM Prep Academy via the state of New York where he attended another prep program last season. Ndiaye is actually a post-grad prospect, but he will play for CGM's national high school program this season. He is a super lengthy and athletic post talent with an ability to run the floor like a wing and superior athleticism, which allows him to play well above the rim and finish plays at a superb rate and in fine fashion. He also has a good overall skill level, which allows him to make shots from the perimeter with a soft touch. Ndiaye is an immediate high-major prospect that immediately will make an impact, and become one of the elite level talents in the state. Combined with other recent high-major division-I level talent that has entered the state, Ndiaye is at the top of the list of available 2018 prospects immediately, and will receive loads of division-I interest this school year. Currently has offers from West Virginia, DePaul, Western Kentucky and Illinois State.
Jerry Lliya 6-6 SOPH SF CGM Prep Academy - 2020 Class
Lliya is an ultra-athletic wing prospect with an ability to play well above the rim in a halfcourt set or in the fullcourt, while slashing to the basket. He attempts to dunk everything, every chance he gets and is a human highlight reel in the open floor. While his overall offensive skills still need work, his size and bounce off the floor at such a young age are very unique. Lliya has an inconsistent shooting stroke still, so he is at his best while slashing to the basket or from mid-range. He is an excellent offensive rebounder after putbacks or dunks off missed shots. Lliya's best attribute is his excellent motor. He has a motor that doesn't stop and continues to run at a high rate for long periods of time on the floor, and never seems to slow down, which allows him to make plays consistently on the court. He has the potential to become a very good defender, as a result of such energy and work ethic, and with continued focus, he could become a lock-down defender over time. A definite high level two-way player. Expressed to me that he currently has offers from Baylor, Texas Tech and Tulane.
Seth Dawson 6-5 SOPH PG/SG CGM Prep Academy - 2020 Class
Dawson is a very big point guard prospect, atleast he will be playing the position full-time this season for CGM Prep. He has superb size for the position, standing 6-5 in height and weighing over 200 pounds. A left hander, Dawson has a solid shooting stroke, but needs to become more consistent from longer ranges. He has a very good handle of the basketball and sees the floor very well - possessing a good basketball IQ. Pushes the basketball up the floor. A good floor general. A good finisher. A grown man physically for a 2020 prospect, and very intriguing as a college prospect. I will be keeping a close eye on his play this season, because he is so intriguing as a prospect.
Isaiah Thompson 6-7 SR PF CGM Prep Academy - 2018 Class
Thompson recently transferred to CGM Prep where he will pick up his senior season, amidst previously playing for Apollo and Central High School's during his young high school career. Thompson is a load physically, and has tremendous physical talent in his strong body. He would be a superstar in the football ranks. As a basketball prospect, he has a large combo-forward prospect that has a nice overall skillset that allows him to get a lot done. Not a great shooter, but he makes shots with range - enough to prove that he can do it consistently. He is a solid ball handler and passer, and runs the floor hard and is a very good finisher in the open floor. A strong rebounder, although he could become elite in this area, if he wants to. A solid defender that also needs more focus in that area to maximize his potential. Has excellent work ethic. A very good sleeper prospect for a mid-major program.
