Here are some observations from Saturday’s USF Elite Camp. Player names in bold and gold are clickable hyperlinks that will take you to their Rivals Profile page.
--Games were held in the men’s and women’s practice gyms in the Muma Center and the main court in Yuengling Center. Since each team was guaranteed one game in the YC RunningTheBulls.com posted up there for the duration of the camp.
We’ve already mentioned the four players who received offers. While they are in the class of 2022, that recruiting cycle is about to pick up speed. These prospects will be permitted to make all forms of private communication (calls/texts, DM’s/Snapchat, FaceTime, etc.) beginning on June 15, 2020. Members of the 2020 class and their families are permitted to receive comp tickets to games for unofficial visits now.
--Evaluation of the players offered:
Taylor Hendricks, University School (Davie): Is a long, mobile forward that plays hard. He was active on the glass at both ends, has some touch around the rim but still raw at the offensive end of the court. Hendricks looks like he will continue to grow beyond his current 6-foot-7 height. We love his potential.
Jaylen Martin, FSU HS (Tallahassee): A 6-foot-5 wing with good size, Martin can score at all three levels but his perimeter jumper needs to become more consistent. He is a better than average athlete and will get very good coaching from Charlie Ward, a former NBA guard, who started in the 1999 NBA Finals at FSU School.
Fray Nguimbi, West Oaks Academy (Orlando): A lanky mobile post, Nguimbi is more prospect than producer – at least on offense – right now but he runs well, moves his feet well and can finish above the rim. He has limited offensive skill at this point but as he polishes his offensive skills and combines them with the positive attributes he currently possess he’ll make the move from prospect to player.
Ernest Udeh, Dr. Phillips HS (Orlando): We first saw Udeh in June at the Hoop Exchange Team Camp in Apopka. He is an agile, mobile, hard playing post player who finishes above the rim. Udeh has average hands and is improving is offensive repertoire. Somewhat new to American basketball, Udeh shows glimpses of what he can become. His best basketball is ahead of him. Typically we do not get excited about offers but we are excited about this one as we love Udeh’s upside.
Class of 2020
Selton Miguel – Miguel was at the camp but was a DNP (his decision). We’ve discussed Miguel in this forum previously, the No. 103 ranked prospect in the Rivals150 is an attacking, athletic, physically mature wing from Angola. A capable shot maker who scores at all three levels, Miguel has an average feel for the game, but has the tools to be a defensive asset. As we recently discussed, Miguel and his older brother (a JuCo big man) want to play together in college. Something we do not see happening at USF. Still it was very good to see him at the camp.
Yussif Basa-Ama – This was Basa-Ama’s third time at the USF Elite Camp and we think he is a great fit for USF. However it does not appear that the coaching staff feels the same way about the long, lean and mobile four-man. The 6-foot-9 Basa-Ama showed off his improved ball handling Saturday. He rebounded his area, scored around the basket and reminded everyone that he is an effective shot blocker. We love his motor but his feel for the game still has room for improvement. Basa-Ama is a high academic and character kid that we’d like to see wearing a Bulls uniform. He will visit Yale on Sept. 5, West Virginia Sept. 13, and Princeton on Sept. 19. He recently visited Penn.
Roger McFarlane – Saturday was without a doubt the best we’ve ever seen McFarlane play. Last summer he relocated to Florida from Memphis and enrolled at University School where he played alongside two five-star studs in Vernon Carey, Jr. and Scottie Barnes. Often overlooked on that loaded team McFarlane was more of a glue-guy who put on his hard hat and played blue-collar basketball while quietly filling up the stat sheet. He is a strong, fairly athletic wing who can score the ball. Saturday he showed improved range and knocked down open shots, scored off the bounce and used his strength to finish through contact. The Bulls have not offered but we know McFarlane is interested in USF.
Class of 2021
Ernest Ross – Not going to lie, when we learned the Santa Fe HS junior was attending the camp we were excited. In five short months, Ross has gone from “who” to “you have to see this kid play.” A very long, athletic, mobile four-man, Ross – the No. 57 ranked prospect in his class – has intriguing offensive skills on the perimeter including the ability to make shots out to 20 feet. The 6-foot-8, 190-pounder does need to get stronger and improve his basketball IQ but he is one to watch for sure.
Trey Moss – The Windermere HS standout has been discussed often in this forum. This was probably Moss’ fifth time on campus, including June’s team camp. A capable scorer or distributor from the point guard spot, Moss plays at his own pace. At 6-foot-2, 160-pounds he has good size for the position, a high basketball IQ, is quick and athletic enough but not explosive. Two areas in need of improvement are adding strength and becoming a more reliable jump shooter.
Willie Jones – The Seffner Christian combo forward has good size and some offensive skill. Saturday he was best inside the arc. He is an above average athlete and we like his versatility at the defensive end of the court. Jones doesn’t “wow” you he just gets the job done.
Michael James – Was a DNP due to a groin injury. USF offered the strong, athletic, attacking wing in mid-June. James is a capable shot maker with range, can finish through contact, and way above the rim. He does need to improve his ball skills but James is a capable rebounder and defender. James transferred to Oak Ride (Orlando) which will make it easier to see him and Jalen Smith in one stop.
Jalen Smith – The Bulls offered the 6-foot-3, 167-pound guard at the end of June after evaluating Smith since September. He is a highly skilled guard with a high basketball IQ. Despite his low shot release Smith can really shoot it. He is a absolute dog on defense, really gets into guys. Physical development and growth will determine his potential but Smith is quite explosive vertically. His father was a very good small college player at Eckerd. When he graduated, he was Eckerd’s leading scorer. Smith’s mom was an All-American hooper at Eckerd and her name is atop several of their “all-time” lists.
Mike Trigg – The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has had a terrific summer. Playing with the Florida Vipers travel team in the Under Armour Association, Trigg earned first team all-UAA 16U honors from SLAM Magazine. Trigg is a strong, skilled, productive wing. Saturday he scored at all three levels. He knows how to play, is a good athlete (Trigg is a WR for the Seffner Christian football team and holds a USF offer in football and basketball) but not explosive. A willing defender, Trigg has the making of a prospect who will earn at least 10 offers before he makes his school decision.
Elijah Hulsewe – This was our first look at Hulsewe, or at least the first time we noticed him and he turned out to be one of the more intriguing prospects at the event. He moves pretty well for a guy his size – 6-foot-11, 235-pounds – and has a solid build. He shows signs of becoming a capable roll man in ball screen action but on Saturday Hulsewe got his share of shot attempts by going after offensive rebounds and being available for drop-offs from penetrating teammates. Unfortunately he doesn’t have much lift right now and had a couple of his shots blocked by shorter defenders. Right now, Hulsewe is more of a space eater and shot challenger on the defensive end and he doesn’t shy away from physical play in the paint. According to his HS Coach, Gardner Webb, Stetson, and Temple have shown interest and USF plans to monitor him.
Roddrick Henry – Saturday was easily the best we’ve seen from Henry. An athletic, strong, active wing, Henry is most effective inside the arc with limited perimeter shooting ability. However, on Saturday we saw him knock down a corner-three right in front of us. Henry has always been a more than capable defender and rebounder with a decent basketball IQ. He has transferred to Oak Ridge (Orlando) and if he continues to play as he did Saturday, the 6-foot-4 wing will see an uptick in his recruitment.
--Games were held in the men’s and women’s practice gyms in the Muma Center and the main court in Yuengling Center. Since each team was guaranteed one game in the YC RunningTheBulls.com posted up there for the duration of the camp.
We’ve already mentioned the four players who received offers. While they are in the class of 2022, that recruiting cycle is about to pick up speed. These prospects will be permitted to make all forms of private communication (calls/texts, DM’s/Snapchat, FaceTime, etc.) beginning on June 15, 2020. Members of the 2020 class and their families are permitted to receive comp tickets to games for unofficial visits now.
--Evaluation of the players offered:
Taylor Hendricks, University School (Davie): Is a long, mobile forward that plays hard. He was active on the glass at both ends, has some touch around the rim but still raw at the offensive end of the court. Hendricks looks like he will continue to grow beyond his current 6-foot-7 height. We love his potential.
Jaylen Martin, FSU HS (Tallahassee): A 6-foot-5 wing with good size, Martin can score at all three levels but his perimeter jumper needs to become more consistent. He is a better than average athlete and will get very good coaching from Charlie Ward, a former NBA guard, who started in the 1999 NBA Finals at FSU School.
Fray Nguimbi, West Oaks Academy (Orlando): A lanky mobile post, Nguimbi is more prospect than producer – at least on offense – right now but he runs well, moves his feet well and can finish above the rim. He has limited offensive skill at this point but as he polishes his offensive skills and combines them with the positive attributes he currently possess he’ll make the move from prospect to player.
Ernest Udeh, Dr. Phillips HS (Orlando): We first saw Udeh in June at the Hoop Exchange Team Camp in Apopka. He is an agile, mobile, hard playing post player who finishes above the rim. Udeh has average hands and is improving is offensive repertoire. Somewhat new to American basketball, Udeh shows glimpses of what he can become. His best basketball is ahead of him. Typically we do not get excited about offers but we are excited about this one as we love Udeh’s upside.
Class of 2020
Selton Miguel – Miguel was at the camp but was a DNP (his decision). We’ve discussed Miguel in this forum previously, the No. 103 ranked prospect in the Rivals150 is an attacking, athletic, physically mature wing from Angola. A capable shot maker who scores at all three levels, Miguel has an average feel for the game, but has the tools to be a defensive asset. As we recently discussed, Miguel and his older brother (a JuCo big man) want to play together in college. Something we do not see happening at USF. Still it was very good to see him at the camp.
Yussif Basa-Ama – This was Basa-Ama’s third time at the USF Elite Camp and we think he is a great fit for USF. However it does not appear that the coaching staff feels the same way about the long, lean and mobile four-man. The 6-foot-9 Basa-Ama showed off his improved ball handling Saturday. He rebounded his area, scored around the basket and reminded everyone that he is an effective shot blocker. We love his motor but his feel for the game still has room for improvement. Basa-Ama is a high academic and character kid that we’d like to see wearing a Bulls uniform. He will visit Yale on Sept. 5, West Virginia Sept. 13, and Princeton on Sept. 19. He recently visited Penn.
Roger McFarlane – Saturday was without a doubt the best we’ve ever seen McFarlane play. Last summer he relocated to Florida from Memphis and enrolled at University School where he played alongside two five-star studs in Vernon Carey, Jr. and Scottie Barnes. Often overlooked on that loaded team McFarlane was more of a glue-guy who put on his hard hat and played blue-collar basketball while quietly filling up the stat sheet. He is a strong, fairly athletic wing who can score the ball. Saturday he showed improved range and knocked down open shots, scored off the bounce and used his strength to finish through contact. The Bulls have not offered but we know McFarlane is interested in USF.
Class of 2021
Ernest Ross – Not going to lie, when we learned the Santa Fe HS junior was attending the camp we were excited. In five short months, Ross has gone from “who” to “you have to see this kid play.” A very long, athletic, mobile four-man, Ross – the No. 57 ranked prospect in his class – has intriguing offensive skills on the perimeter including the ability to make shots out to 20 feet. The 6-foot-8, 190-pounder does need to get stronger and improve his basketball IQ but he is one to watch for sure.
Trey Moss – The Windermere HS standout has been discussed often in this forum. This was probably Moss’ fifth time on campus, including June’s team camp. A capable scorer or distributor from the point guard spot, Moss plays at his own pace. At 6-foot-2, 160-pounds he has good size for the position, a high basketball IQ, is quick and athletic enough but not explosive. Two areas in need of improvement are adding strength and becoming a more reliable jump shooter.
Willie Jones – The Seffner Christian combo forward has good size and some offensive skill. Saturday he was best inside the arc. He is an above average athlete and we like his versatility at the defensive end of the court. Jones doesn’t “wow” you he just gets the job done.
Michael James – Was a DNP due to a groin injury. USF offered the strong, athletic, attacking wing in mid-June. James is a capable shot maker with range, can finish through contact, and way above the rim. He does need to improve his ball skills but James is a capable rebounder and defender. James transferred to Oak Ride (Orlando) which will make it easier to see him and Jalen Smith in one stop.
Jalen Smith – The Bulls offered the 6-foot-3, 167-pound guard at the end of June after evaluating Smith since September. He is a highly skilled guard with a high basketball IQ. Despite his low shot release Smith can really shoot it. He is a absolute dog on defense, really gets into guys. Physical development and growth will determine his potential but Smith is quite explosive vertically. His father was a very good small college player at Eckerd. When he graduated, he was Eckerd’s leading scorer. Smith’s mom was an All-American hooper at Eckerd and her name is atop several of their “all-time” lists.
Mike Trigg – The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has had a terrific summer. Playing with the Florida Vipers travel team in the Under Armour Association, Trigg earned first team all-UAA 16U honors from SLAM Magazine. Trigg is a strong, skilled, productive wing. Saturday he scored at all three levels. He knows how to play, is a good athlete (Trigg is a WR for the Seffner Christian football team and holds a USF offer in football and basketball) but not explosive. A willing defender, Trigg has the making of a prospect who will earn at least 10 offers before he makes his school decision.
Elijah Hulsewe – This was our first look at Hulsewe, or at least the first time we noticed him and he turned out to be one of the more intriguing prospects at the event. He moves pretty well for a guy his size – 6-foot-11, 235-pounds – and has a solid build. He shows signs of becoming a capable roll man in ball screen action but on Saturday Hulsewe got his share of shot attempts by going after offensive rebounds and being available for drop-offs from penetrating teammates. Unfortunately he doesn’t have much lift right now and had a couple of his shots blocked by shorter defenders. Right now, Hulsewe is more of a space eater and shot challenger on the defensive end and he doesn’t shy away from physical play in the paint. According to his HS Coach, Gardner Webb, Stetson, and Temple have shown interest and USF plans to monitor him.
Roddrick Henry – Saturday was easily the best we’ve seen from Henry. An athletic, strong, active wing, Henry is most effective inside the arc with limited perimeter shooting ability. However, on Saturday we saw him knock down a corner-three right in front of us. Henry has always been a more than capable defender and rebounder with a decent basketball IQ. He has transferred to Oak Ridge (Orlando) and if he continues to play as he did Saturday, the 6-foot-4 wing will see an uptick in his recruitment.
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