Saturday's Midwest MSA Takeaways

July 29, 2023 by Max Feldman

Over the past 24 months, I've been on tap for a number of MSA's across the country. From the jump here in Romeoville, it was clear this Midwest MSA group is perhaps the deepest pool of high level national talent I've seen under one roof. Plenty to break down this week, but here are Saturday's big takeaways.

- Fresh off earning an All-Tournament Selection at 8th Finale earlier this month in Augusta, Cayden Daughtry continues to surge. Vast skillset aside, and it's one I'll get into more this week, but there are few who exude a similar level of confidence, competitiveness and a maturity in their approach. Elite in ball screens, scores it at all three levels and looking to set the table for his teammates before anything else, he's been in control game in and game out. Putting together a big July, and the debut 2027 rankings will reflect that.

- In many ways, the game comes easy for Baba Oladotun. 6-8 with dynamic pull-up shot-making ability, his long-term intrigue was on full display through both drill work and gameplay. Long-strided pivots to create space, an elevated release to convert over closeouts and incredibly impressive fluidity getting to his two-foot pull-ups. Still growing into his frame and adjusting to physicality, but gets his shot off regardless of what's thrown his way and has uncanny shot-making versatility for a 14-year-old at his size to build on moving forward. Broke down more of his allure in 'Zooming in on the Top of 2027', but he's more than backed his status as one that'll challenge for the top overall spot.

- After a big spring and summer playing up and thriving at the E15 level, it was certainly a point of focus to see Jaylan Mitchell against his own 2027 peers. 6-7 mismatch machine with natural versatility to his skillset, the Indiana native has settled in well. Even when the shot isn't falling, he finds avenues to impact the game. Best basketball is well ahead of him.

- Very nice day for 2027 G Scottie Adkinson, who seems to be growing more consistent in other areas outside of his slashing with each viewing. 6-2 G with a lightning quick first step, downhill playmaking chops and a catch & shoot stroke that's grown in efficiency in a big way since the early spring. From Circuit play, to Finale, to the MSA setting, he's proven the ability to generate offense with consistency and find his way to the rim regardless of the coverage thrown his way. 

- Heard plenty of buzz through the spring, and Bryce Curry backed it on day one. 6-3 with plus length and quick-twitch athleticism, the Ohio native thrived attacking in transition and finding seams off ball as a cutter. Still growing in terms of offensive polish, but the upside is clear given his athletic profile and willingness to mix it up.  

- It's been an excellent year for South Carolina native Mason Collins, and he's playing his best basketball right now. The skyrocket in confidence from the winter has been palpable for months, but now the game is beginning to slow down in a number of ways. Without extreme burst or pop, Collins creates separation and scores it at a high level inside the arc. 6-5 with an extremely impressive cadence attacking off the bounce and a promising feel for the game to go with it.

- Very nice introduction to 2027 G Mekhi Robertson out of New Jersey. 6-3 with an explosive first step and intriguing feel as a slasher. Excels in transition, but had big flashes generating his own offense off the bounce and with his activity off the ball. Plays with a ton of confidence and is unafraid to attack through length at the rim, he's impressed out the gates.

- He came on steadily throughout the spring, and it's carried over now for DeMarion Lee. A powerful 6-3 wing who excels in a spot up scoring role -- knocking down open looks and bullying his way to the rim given an ounce of space. The Arkansas native has asserted himself on the 2027 radar in impressive fashion this spring.