The Super 80 Showcase took place this weekend on the campus of Arizona Christian University, with several other events taking place over the weekend as well. Organized by tournament organizer Chad Groth, the event included numerous prospects that were looking to make a name for themselves with the college coaches, scouts and media in attendance. There were numerous college coaches in attendance for the event, as they were also in town for this year's ACCAC Juco Jamboree.
Arizona Preps was in attendance for the event, and came away impressed with some of the participants from the event. Here are some of the prospects from this weekend that caught my attention . . .
Elijah Mead 6-1 SR Camelback HS - 2017 Class
- Mead has had a very good fall for himself. After a strong performance in the last event that I saw him compete, Mead again impressed with his ability to make plays off the dribble and convert scoring opportunities. A gifted and talented guard prospect with a serious motor, Mead is a nice talent that has flown well below the recruiting radar. Lately he has really impressed with his ability to make plays off the dribble, and also has shown elite athleticism. Mead is a nice talent that has the potential to really make someone happy this spring. Receiving serious interest from Salt Lake City JC (UT), Arizona Western JC, Hutchinson JC (KS) and South Mountain JC.
Keith King 6-8 SR Planeth Athlete Academy (AZ) - 2017 Class
King is a nice looking sleeper prospect with a nice overall feel for the game, and a chance to really develop into a nice prospect over time. King is a native of Queens, New York, and recently moved to the state of Arizona to raise his exposure level to college coaches around the country. King is a rare find as he is a long, athletic prospect with a serious motor that plays all over the floor and loves to be in the open floor, where he is able to thrive and make things happen for his team. He is a big-time athlete with a 40-inch vertical leap. His body still needs work, and he must add size to his very thin frame, but he is a sure-fire talent. King also still has some work to do in the classroom, but he is a big-time prospect for a mid-major program looking for a sleeper prospect. Look for this young man to make some noise with college coaches this spring.
Brenden Van Dyke 6-7 SR Westview HS (AZ) - 2017 Class
Van Dyke has been one of the most intriguing prospects that I have seen this fall. A prospect that had a good summer and emerged almost of nowhere, Van Dyke really impressed those in attendance this weekend with his length and ability to make plays off the dribble. Very thin physically, Van Dyke has loads of potential for the future. A very skilled prospect with a nice overall feel for the game. National junior college basketball scout Jerry Mullens stated that he loved him as a prospect, and was very impressed with him.
Jimmy Brown 6-8 SR Highland HS (AZ) - 2017 Class
- Brown is a skilled post prospect with a good-sized body and overall skill level that I was very impressed with. He has good size and potential for the future. As a result, he has what it takes to make a name for himself this season. Brown has a good overall offensive approach to the game and can score inside and out. He is a good offensive rebounder, and has broad shoulders that allow him to keep the ball up high and finish. Runs the floor hard. A good passer. Sleeper prospect for a smaller college program.
Jacob Johnson 6-3 SR Casa Grande HS (AZ) - 2017 Class
- Johnson is the nephew of former NBA player and Suns announcer Eddie johnson. A guard prospect with a solid overall feel for the game. Johnson has good size for the point guard position, and is also capable of playing as a combo-guard as a result of his ability to shoot the basketball. Will put up big numbers this year for Casa Grande HS, where he will be counted on to do much this season. A well rounded guard prospect for a smaller college program.
