Here is my part three, and the final overall recap of my observations from Saturday’s USF Elite Camp. If you missed the first two recaps click HERE and HERE.
Class of 2023
Marvel Allen, Wellington (Wellington): Allen played with a high level of confidence in Yuengling Center, and with good reason. The 6-foot-4 scoring combo guard was a varsity starter last year at Palm Beach Gardens, as an eighth grader, and averaged double-figures. He ran with Team Breakdown during the travel team season and played “up” on the 17U team at times. So, playing with and against guys three years older than he was nothing new for Allen. He has very good size, is a high level athlete, can finish at the rim with either hand, and can get buckets at all three levels. Allen has active hands and good footwork on defense.
Jayden Hastings, Orlando Christian Prep (Orlando): At this point the 6-foot-8 Hastings is more prospect, with big time potential, than player. He is a very long, lean and mobile post player. Around the rim his touch was not bad, and he showed good hands on Saturday. He puts up a good battle for rebounds and challenged anyone who tried to get to the rim. Hastings sometimes looks unsure of himself, that is not unusual for a young big man, but we definitely like the effort he gives on each possession.
Sam Walters, Villages High School (The Villages): A thin 6-foot-8 lefty combo forward, Walters was easily one of the five most skilled players we saw on Saturday. Walters handled the ball well and stretched the court with his shooting skills and contributed inside as well. He needs to get MUCH stronger, but so do most high school freshmen.
Unfortunately there were a couple of no-shows from kids in South Florida.
The Bewley twins (Ryan and Mathew) were late scratches for this camp. The Bewley twins, both 6-foot-8, are two of the best prospects in the nation in the 2023 class. They attend Northeast (Oakland Park) High School and at the last minute transportation was an issue.
Also, 6-foot-7 Carol City High School forward Justin Johnson was unable to attend Saturday.
When the recruiting period begins on September 9 and coaches can visit high schools to watch workouts, we won’t at all be surprised to hear from the Carol City and Northeast coaches that a member of the USF staff is in their gym.
Class of 2023
Marvel Allen, Wellington (Wellington): Allen played with a high level of confidence in Yuengling Center, and with good reason. The 6-foot-4 scoring combo guard was a varsity starter last year at Palm Beach Gardens, as an eighth grader, and averaged double-figures. He ran with Team Breakdown during the travel team season and played “up” on the 17U team at times. So, playing with and against guys three years older than he was nothing new for Allen. He has very good size, is a high level athlete, can finish at the rim with either hand, and can get buckets at all three levels. Allen has active hands and good footwork on defense.
Jayden Hastings, Orlando Christian Prep (Orlando): At this point the 6-foot-8 Hastings is more prospect, with big time potential, than player. He is a very long, lean and mobile post player. Around the rim his touch was not bad, and he showed good hands on Saturday. He puts up a good battle for rebounds and challenged anyone who tried to get to the rim. Hastings sometimes looks unsure of himself, that is not unusual for a young big man, but we definitely like the effort he gives on each possession.
Sam Walters, Villages High School (The Villages): A thin 6-foot-8 lefty combo forward, Walters was easily one of the five most skilled players we saw on Saturday. Walters handled the ball well and stretched the court with his shooting skills and contributed inside as well. He needs to get MUCH stronger, but so do most high school freshmen.
Unfortunately there were a couple of no-shows from kids in South Florida.
The Bewley twins (Ryan and Mathew) were late scratches for this camp. The Bewley twins, both 6-foot-8, are two of the best prospects in the nation in the 2023 class. They attend Northeast (Oakland Park) High School and at the last minute transportation was an issue.
Also, 6-foot-7 Carol City High School forward Justin Johnson was unable to attend Saturday.
When the recruiting period begins on September 9 and coaches can visit high schools to watch workouts, we won’t at all be surprised to hear from the Carol City and Northeast coaches that a member of the USF staff is in their gym.
