Westwind Prep Academy now 6-foot-8 junior forward prospect Zylan Cheatham won this year's coveted 14th Annual Arizona Preps Fall Showcase Slam-Dunk Competition, and electrified the crowd in attendance with his ability to soar far above the rim and complete jaw-dropping dunks.
After falling in the competition last year (2011), a much taller and much more physically developed Cheatham returned this year to take the competition by storm.
Cheatham would defeat 2014 Fall Showcase Tournament MVP Jaron Hopkins of Dobson HS (Univ. of Colorado commit), Kyndahl Holmes of Chandler HS and Sherron Wilson of Clark HS (NV) in the competition's semi-finals and finals.
Cheatham ran away with the competition in the finals after receiving three consecutive perfect scores in a row. Cheatham finished the contest with a superb jump from the free-throw line, as he left the floor, fully extended with his head rim level - completing the one-handed dunk in fine style.
Cheatham's play in the event this weeked has many of the top-rated scouts from the event believing he is now the top overall prospect in Arizona's ultra-talented 2014 class. Cheatham currently has 11 different division-I offers on the table, with offers from such schools as Arizona State, Colorado, Oregon State, New Mexico, Utah State, Boise State, UC-Santa Barbara and Northern Arizona, just to name a few.
Look for Cheatham's college recruitment to explode very soon as more college programs realize his talent level and high ceiling for the future. Cheatham’s length, huge upside, versatility, defensive prowess and athleticism are glaring and will raise the eyebrows of many high-major division-I programs in the future.
Cheatham advised me that he still does not plan to make his decision on a college anytime soon, and would rather take his time in making his decision for college.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: I have regarded Cheatham as a future big-time prospect, but he has put it all together much quicker than expected showcasing his superb athleticism, defensive ability and willingness to make sacrifices for his team to win. Cheatham is a high-energy, ultra-talented prospect with amazing upside as a player, and terrific work ethic. He will only continue to improve as a player a great deal over time, but his value as a lengthy wing prospect is a nice attribute that will have college coaches beating down his door over time. A very good mid-range shooter and player, but needs continued work on his jump shot with range to reach his full offensive potential as a player. Excellent slasher and open court player. Very few wing prospects can control the game defensively as Cheatham can, and as he continues to improve as a player offensively, watch out. Excellent shotblocker with good timing. Another elite-high major division-I prospect in an already absolutely loaded 2014 class for Arizona.
