Gotham Hoops Invitational: Top Ten Players
The event was flooded with talent
The Gotham Hoops Invitational has built up a solid reputation for showcasing some of the New York area's most talented pro prospects in front of agents and scouts. This year, Holy Cross High School hosted the event, and the talent did not disappoint. Here is our assessment of a few prospects that stood out amongst the rest.
Danny Upchurch, New Haven
Upchurch stood out at the guard spot for his aggression and overall leadership. He had no problem beating his man and finding his way to the paint amongst the trees. When in the lane, he showcased a knack for finishing at the rim, but more importantly, finding his teammates. Upchurch's mentality led to a lot of easy baskets for his "Team Wooter" squad, which went on take home the chip.
Mike Williams, Rutgers
Also in the backcourt for "Team Wooter" was Williams, the ice cold scorer and former Rutgers Scarlet Knight. After recently signing to United World Wide, the two guard still came out to inflict some serious damage in opposing defenses. He stood out thanks to a buttery jumper, which he showcased throughout a nice college career that includes over 1000 points.
Karonn Davis, Coppin State
Davis' measurables may not jump off the page, but in between the lines none of that seemed to matter. The dude can ball. He sparked off his first game with a tough trey and maintained a nice pace of play throughout. If we could compare his game to anyone, it'd be Chauncey Billups. His ability to hit open shots and facilitate could make him a valuable asset as a pro.
Tyshawn Myles, Drexel
Myles is the type of guy who may not get too many touches or loud buckets, but when you check the stat sheet, he has a double double. He has a good feel for rebounding, particularly on the offensive end. When he secures the rock, he's either going up strong and finishing or drawing the foul. Myles lived at the line and is the perfect glue guy that a team could use.
Bashir Ahmed, St Johns
It took a while for Ahmed to find his rhythm, but when he did, it wasn't hard to see why he was one of the most highly regarded players coming into the event. Ahmed had a big part in St Johns' late season renaissance, and his skills were evident on Saturday. He is a load in transition and the mid post and his jumper, while streaky, can get hot in a hurry. He's a problem that not too many defenders could solve. Albeit in a losing effort, he finished with 23 points in the chip game.
Jahqwan Walters, Albertus Magnus
Watching Walters play, it's not hard to see how the star wing earned back to back GNAC player of the year nods. He has a great in between game and attacks gaps early and often. What we didn't know before Saturday though, was his ability defensively. He did a great job locking up, often blocking shots and sprinting full court for transition opportunities. We loved his motor throughout.
Artem Tavakalyan, Delaware State
Tavakalyan played great because of his ability to mix up his offensive repertoire. As he misfired from the outside early, he began to switch things up, attacking the rim and finishing. Eventually, Tavakalyan got both clicking, and defenders couldn't do much with him. His ability to score on all three levels makes him extremely valuable.
Zachary Tillman - Monmouth
Big Zach was simply too much for any of the bigs at the event to handle. He has a massive frame, but he was able to showcase that he's more than just a bully. He has a buttery touch, both with jump hooks, and a nice midrange shot. He also displayed good footwork, and a nice up and under move. If he could better condition his body this summer, watch out.
Cavon Baker, St Peters
Baker may have been the quickest player at the event, and he had the motor to match. He often defended players much taller than him, completely locking them up. On offense, he was everywhere. He scored off offensive rebounds, nice hop-steps and floaters. If left open, he proved he was willing to take and make the open three. He also showed off some of that nuclear athleticism that made him a highlight reel in college. He finished with a twenty points and eighteen points in his two games.
Uc Iroegbu, Stony Brook
While many guards were hunting for their own shots, Iroegbu was letting the game come to him. If there was an extra pass to be made, he was going to make it. When a scoring opportunity did arise though, Iroegbu capitalized. He knocked in open threes with regularity helped run the team vocally and played winning basketball. The former Stony Brook standout is a great get for a pro team.