Recently, Arizona Preps made the long trip to Miami, Florida, to cover the Pangos Fantastic 40 Team Event organized by national basketball scout and club coach (Belmont Shore) Dinos Trigonis. Trigonis is regarded as the best in the business for what he does all over the country, and for the length of time he has done it. With the spring club season now upon us in many states, the Fantastic 40 event kicked off the spring club season in fine fashion, and in a nice part of the country. The opportunity to spend some quality time in Miami, Florida, and get to see some elite basketball action taking place at the same time, made it well worth the trip.
Here are the top overall individual performers (in no particular order) that I observed throughout the week and weekend in this exciting event, which included prep schools and club programs - making for some exciting action. This event was an excellent event for top-rated sleeper prospects. Please review these players closely, as there were numerous underrated prospects in this event, from all over the country, that have the ability to help a college program immediately - at the right level. This is a list of the top underclassmen prospects from the event . . .
Top 2023 Prospects
Dennis Evans 7-1 SOPH C Hillcrest High School (CA) - 2023 Class
One of the biggest post prospects I have seen in some time, especially as a 15-year old prospect. Has a long and large frame already, and is still growing a great deal. A good low post scorer with a soft touch around the basket. Still raw offensively, but is developing nicely. Runs the floor very well. A good finisher around the paint. A good rebounder. A good shotblocker with good timing. Has excellent potential and upside for the future. A big-time 2023 prospect that will draw loads of national attention over time.
Isaiah Miranda 7-1 SOPH C The Phelps School (RI) - 2023 Class
A big and very long and rangy post prospect with unlimited potential. A very good athlete for his size. Runs the floor very hard and is a strong finisher, although still raw offensively. Needs a lot of work still, but he has unique physical tools. An active rebounder. A very good shotblocker that blocks and changes shots at a high rate. Needs work on his post moves. Has major upside but needs work on his attitude off the floor. Has major potential.
Scotty Middleton 6-7 SOPH SF Patrick School (FL) - 2023 Class
A very skilled performer that plays at a high level on both ends of the floor. Has a variety of offensive moves and can create his own shot. Can score inside and out. A very good shooter with range. A very good ball handler. An excellent defender. A very good athlete. A big-time prospect that is on the rise.
Andre Meadow 6-7 SOPH PF West Ranch High School (CA) - 2023 Class
A big-time young prospect that competes at a high level with an excellent motor. Plays all over the floor, and simply gets a lot done. A stat-sheet stuffer. An excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor. A strong finisher at the rim and around defenders. A strong slasher. A good shooter with some range, but needs to add consistency. A good ball handler and passer. Has a Washington State offer already. Has a bright future and is one of the top 2023 prospects in the West.
Rodney Brown 6-5 SOPH SG Rancho Christian High School (CA) - 2023 Class
A long, rangy guard prospect with a fluid jump-shot and excellent range. Very skilled offensive weapon with a high basketball IQ and a variety of offensive moves to create his own shot. Fundamentally sound. Has serious upside over time. A very good ball handler that can create his own shot. A good passer that sees the floor. Moves without the basketball. Can slash and finish. Very thin physically. Added size and strength over time will benefit him nicely. A very good looking prospect.
Marcus Adams 6-6 SOPH SF Narbonne High School (CA) - 2023 Class
A bigger wing prospect with good size and a good overall skill level. Has a good overall skillset. A good shooter with range. A good ball handler for his size. Strong finisher in the open floor. A good defender that plays passing lanes. Has upside.
Top 2024 Prospects
Isaiah Elohim 6-3 FR PG/SG Heritage Christian High School (CA) - 2024 Class
Elohim (pictured) is as good a freshman prospect that I have seen with my own eyes since I coached Jerryd Bayless (NBA). A very advanced offensive weapon that is almost unguardable already in his very young career, as a result of his excellent feel for scoring the basketball, skill level and super athleticism. As athletic a prospect as you will ever see, as he can dunk with the best of them, but in game situations and around and over defenders. Led Belmont Shore to a strong showing in the event. An excellent scorer that will only improve over time. Has a very strong body and physical strength. Fundamentally sound. An excellent ball handler that can play both guard positions and makes good decisions. An excellent finisher in the open floor or in the half-court set. Has a big-time future ahead of him. A future pro.
Marcus Allen 6-6 FR SF Miami Norland High School (FL) - 2024 Class
Allen is a strong and physical wing prospect at a very young age. Has excellent size already. A very skilled prospect that can score inside and out. An excellent athlete. A very strong finisher in the open floor and while slashing to the basket. A good shooter with some range, and has a good mid-range game. A good ball handler. A good passer. A very good defender that competes. Has a very bright future.
