8th Finale: Friday's Standouts

July 8, 2023 by Max Feldman

8th Finale is well underway, as the next wave of elite prospects meet in Augusta. Here, I'll dial in on Friday's standouts.

UPLAY’s Isaiah Lukusa has burst onto the radar this week and hasn’t looked back. An aggressive, athletic wing with a rugged approach and defensive versatility. It hasn’t all been flashy, but he makes quick decisions off the catch and while rare for a young wing with tools, is consistently making an impact on both ends. Another one to keep tabs on from Up North.

It’s been nice to see PSA’s Moussa Kamissoko take the next steps in his development. 6-6+ with fluid movement skills, he’s grown more assertive on both ends and has made his mark in a real way on the defensive end. Switchable, agile, active and quick off the floor, he has the makings of a prototypical four-man with big time tools.

Mac Irvin’s guard tandem dominated the Spring Circuit, and that’s translated rather quick against national competition. Devin Cleveland’s fearlessness has leapt out from the jump months ago, and continues to shine bright. The shot-making, creation and versatile finishing grab your attention, but it’s the relentless aggression that continues to set him apart early on. Davion Thompson has settled in well, getting to his spots in the intermediate and generating offense out of the pick and roll. In the biggest games and the biggest moments, he’s continue to be one who stars with his poise, control and ability to manipulate defenses with mature cadence.

Big evening for 2027 G NaVarro Bowman, leading the charge in TTO’s comeback win. Terror in transition, loaded with toughness and creates advantage at a high level off the bounce. He continues to grow and mature into his frame, while retaining all the burst and pop. Lot to like looking ahead.
PGE’s Swiss Army Knife Josiah Nance continues produce at a high level here. Skilled, hard-playing 6-5 wing tracking highly in 2027. He's grown more consistent since the spring, finding avenues to make an impact offensively even without big box score outings each time out. Kentucky and Illinois were present at multiple matchups.
Nightrydas has had their up and down moments here, but Gabe Nesmith has provided plenty more glimpses even while dinged up. The incoming Montverde Academy (FL) G has a fluid nature not just to his movement, but the manner in which he digests coverages and attacks downhill. The 6-4 creator’s shot continues to grow more consistent, only opening up more space for his crafty intermediate scoring chops. He’ll debut very nicely in our 2027 rankings at the end of the summer.

Towards the back end of the sprint, Next Page Force’s Demarion Lee was one who grabbed my attention. While the group has struggled, he’s continue to provide intriguing flashes. Well-built wing scorer with mismatch creation ability and impressive feel on the defensive end of the floor. Defends multiple spots and consistently seems to be in the right spots to disrupt opposing flow. Arkansas native is one I’ll continue to track closely.

No one showed as much progression in both their frame and their game through the spring than TSF’s Mason Collins and while there’s a long ways onto, the upside is glaring. At 6-6 with an intriguing pace-based game, he’s scored it well out of the mid-range and has developed more consistency as a shot-maker. Hard-pressed to find too many guys digesting pick & rolls reads and making brisk decisions as well as the South Carolina native, let alone one with his size and as young for the class. Bloodlines, feel for the game and size, he’s an early favorite in the class.