This weekend's always exciting Southwest Showcase Main Event, organized by valley basketball aficionado Ron Coleman, did not disappoint, as much of the state's top basketball talent got together on their respective club teams to face off. With top-rated NBA draft prospect Marvin Bagley in action as well with his Phoenix Pfamily club team, the audience got their moneys worth this weekend.
I absolutely enjoyed myself over the weekend, attending Saturday and Sunday's action, and catching a good glimpse of many of the state's top players in action before the start to the club season.
Phoenix Pfamily was the absolute class of the event - winning the tournament's top division. Led by the superb and dominant play of 6-foot-11 junior superstar forward Marvin Bagley, the team ran through their opponents in the event, until the final when a game Arizona Factory team, coached by Kenny Mullins, would give them a good game.
The Phoenix Pfamily team was led by some very talented prospects other than Bagley also. Marcus Bagley, the younger brother, had his coming out party on the weekend, as the lengthy and big 6-foot-7 sophomore wing got a lot done, and in very fine fashion. This young man is special and has an excellent combination of size, athleticism and a superb skill level. While he needs to continue to get quicker, he is well on his way to stardom. This young man will not be as good as his brother, but who can be. What he will be though is an excellent college prospect and a future pro himself, if he continues to work hard.
While there were many players in action this weekend, here are the top overall performers I watched over the weekend from the high school division of the tournament . . .
D'maurian Williams 6-4 SOPH PG/SG Westview HS - 2019 Class
Williams is a handful for opposing teams and defenses, as he has serious size and physical strength from the guard spot on the floor, while also possessing a nice overall skill level. You rarely see players his size and strength at such a young age. While he is a larger sized prospect early, he has physically grown since the last time I saw him. Nicknamed "Shaq" from his early days as a youth phenom, Williams continues to improve his approach to the game and looks to be a very serious college prospect for the future. It is still unknown as to which position he will actually play in college, but, whatever position he develops into, it should be worthy of a high-major evaluation.
Dominic Mooney 6-0 JR PG Buena HS - 2018 Class
Mooney (pictured) is the best pure point guard prospect in Arizona's 2018 Class it seems, and especially after his performance this weekend. Mooney is a very tough, physical guard prospect that applies serious pressure on the basketball and opposing guards bringing the ball up the floor. A pure point guard prospect, Mooney enjoys having the basketball in his hands and making plays for himself and others. A ball hawk. Mooney is an excellent penetrator in the traffic and also an excellent finisher in the lane, also able to finish very well over bigger defenders in the paint. He uses a variety of floaters and herky-jerky drives to get his defenders off balance. A tough, hard-nosed defender that has lock-down capabilities. Really looks like he will have a big spring and summer, and should open a lot of eyebrows of any college coaches that see him play.
Evan Nelson 6-1 FR PG Marana Mountain View HS - 2020 Class
Nelson is another terrific frosh prospect that has loads of potential for the future. Already possessing an offer from New Mexico, Nelson is coming off an excellent freshman season and also a terrific spring and summer in 2016. He will have another big club season this year as well. A slippery guard prospect that weaves in and out of traffic, and is an excellent finisher around the basket. A very good shooter with range on his shot that will only become more consistent over time as he matures physically. An excellent ball handler and passer that has a very good feel for the game. A very good defender with nice lateral quickness. Has a bright future ahead of him.
Isaiah Rhymes 6-4 JR SG Carl Hayden HS - 2018 Class
Rhymes is another member of the well publicized Rhymes family, one of the best basketball families in America. A superb talent though that is almost unknown since he plays for a program that is a distant memory of it's historic past. Rhymes will need top utilize the spring and summer this year to make a name for himself, and bring recruiting attention to himself. An excellent shooter with range on his shot. He is at his best when catching and shooting, or stopping and popping for mid-range jumpers. A good slasher and finisher as well, one of his best assets. A good ball handler. Solid passer. Potentially could become an excellent defender over time. A solid low to mid-major prospect.
Christian Anigwe 6-8 JR PF Desert Vista HS - 2018 Class
Anigwe is one of the top post prospects in Arizona's 2018 class, but there aren't many players with his size and length. While he is still very thin physically, Anigwe is starting to develop physically, although his best years are well ahead of him. Anigwe is very active and rebounds outside of his area when he is engaged. Still soft physically, Anigwe will get much more assertive and aggressive as a player over time as he matures. An active rebounder and shotblocker. Runs the floor very well for a player his size. A solid finisher that once he gets physically stronger, look out. Has loads of upside. Should raise some eyebrows this club-season.