By JAMES KERTI
LAS VEGAS, NV — The Nevada Basketball Development League kicked off on Saturday with the first of four weekends for the spring league.
With five games a day and mandatory pre-game workouts for every player, there was no shortage of action on the first weekend.
While most of the prospects hailed from the Las Vegas area, a trio of California guards stood out early.
Providence’s Marcus LoVett, who averaged 31.7 PPG as a freshman this season, used his exceptional handle and body control to create shots for himself near the basket, converting several three-point plays. His tenacious defense both on-ball and in the passing lanes created turnovers and disrupted opposing offenses.
Sylmar’s 6-6 Josh Wade has high-major athleticism to go along with his size. While he’s still raw offensively due to having only played basketball for a couple years, he plays with a good motor and constantly attacks the basket for thunderous dunks in transition. His developing outside shot showed promise.
Cameron LeShore from Muir High School showcased his outstanding quickness and ball handling to get to the basket and draw contact. His ability to change speed and direction allows him to get by almost any defender.
Two sophomore forwards, 6-9 Richard Bevins from Paraclete and 6-8 Nick Howard from Sylmar, also played well. Bevins has a nice inside-outside game on offense, while Howard’s high release coupled with his height makes his effective outside shot nearly unblockable.
Six-five junior Vondel Faniel from Knight showed a strong motor and good awareness in every aspect of the game, moving well with the ball, off the ball, and on defense.
That’s not to say that the California prospects stole the show.
Far from it.
With a pack of excellent Las Vegas guard prospects showing their skills, Nevada’s leading scorer stuck out.
No, not Shabazz Muhammad, who didn’t play this weekend but who may participate next week.
Lake Mead Academy’s 5-7 Justin Yamzon averaged 30.3 PPG this season, the most in the state, and he showed why this weekend. In addition to his great jump shot, he possesses superior quickness and a handle that allows him to get off his shot (and connect) from anywhere on the floor. He matched Marcus LoVett basket for basket in the weekend’s final game.
Recent Utah commit Julian Jacobs from Desert Pines led the Las Vegas junior guard class in the event with his all-around guard play. Bishop Gorman’s Rashad Muhammad, Clark’s Sir Washington, and Foothill’s Brannon Cresanto displayed their outside jump shots during the weekend.
Junior Eris Winder and his sophomore Palo Verde teammate Darryl Gaynor also turned in good performances. They both showed an ability to score in a multitude of ways.
Unsigned senior point guard Markeith Floyd from El Dorado excelled on offense and defense, thanks to a great handle and jump shot along with a knack for forcing turnovers on defense.
Bishop Gorman’s Noah Robotham, Cheyenne’s Jarrell Bell, and Durango’s Tyler Jones scored as well as almost any guard during the weekend.
Among forwards, Valley’s Daniel Young and Coronado’s Sam Bittner are two to keep an eye on. The junior Young rebounds well and has a developing low-post game, and the freshman Bittner has great awareness coupled with a solid outside shot.
Six-nine Patson Siame impressed more than any other forward in the event. The athletic Zambia native who trains at Impact Basketball Academy blocked numerous shots, ran the floor well, and dunked again and again. He passes pretty well for a big man with a relatively raw game and he has a natural feel for where to be on offense. He is a high-major prospect who has an obvious enthusiasm for the game.
Freshmen Stephen Zimmerman from Bishop Gorman and Kwinton Hinson from Durango stood out as two superior Las Vegas players in their year. The 6-11 Zimmerman looked comfortable in the pick-and-roll and showed great touch around the rim. Hinson, a slashing lefty, finished near the basket, rebounded, and played strong defense. The two freshmen also have good court vision and they often find teammates for open looks.
Finally, Bishop Gorman’s senior forward Demetris Morant, a UNLV commit, played hard and had multiple dunks in transition and on the offensive boards.
Check back in a week for a recap of the second weekend of the event, when Shabazz Muhammad might be playing!
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