SEFFNER, Fla., – For the second straight year the Tampa Titans hosted a private workout for program members. The setting provided an evaluation opportunity and national exposure. Here is a recap of the night’s top performers.
(Click on the blue links for evaluations and video from the Elite Basketball Academy)
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
2017 Prospects Look Polished
The class of 2017 will graduate as the first alums from the Titan program. The work and experience seems to be paying dividends for those that have stayed the course. Wing-forward Reid Walker, known for his versatility, seemed comfortable as a handler and even got his jumper working towards the end of the night.
In Tampa today for the @Tampa_Titans workout. @reidwalker2017 had his 3pt J working.@SMPMemberPSB pic.twitter.com/VSmtbgGt3W
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) September 18, 2016
Combo guard Darius Lue looked very comfortable as a lead guard during the workout. He handled and created with the ball in his hands. His jumper is coming out smooth from beyond the arc and off the dribble.
#TampaTitans Darius Lue (@dariuslue) has polished his skill set. Making plays, hitting shotshttps://t.co/JLpvEUqFM1 pic.twitter.com/Q16OkV4yWP
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) September 18, 2016
Sharp-shooter Drew Bethoney has added dimensions to his game. He is still knocking down 25-foot jumpers with ease, but it is aggressiveness with the dribble that makes him look like a scholarship player now. He has taken to heart evaluations from the past and is now making an impact aside from shooting.
DJ Jorden continues to excel as a defender and rebounder. However, he showed his ability to finish with his weak hand with added efficiency during the workout. The southpaw hit a few mid-range jumpers as well.
A player that has emerged as one of the better play-makers for the Titans is Bryson Grasse. He has terrific length standing at 6-3 and yet has shot and play making ability from beyond the arc. There is a reason why he holds an offer from Webber International University.
Great time with the @Tampa_Titans tonight. Character guys who play basketball well. pic.twitter.com/FvGG1s1UaK
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) September 18, 2016
Emerging Underclassman
Josh Berenbaum (Clearwater, Fla.), Calvary Christian – 2020
Berenbaum is a wing-forward with the ability to stretch the defense with his shooting ability. What he lacks in explosiveness currently, he makes up with footwork and good hands. Standing at or near 6-4 currently, he could grow a few more inches as well. When that happens he will have skill and size to make him an impact player.
Ben Conley (Riverside, Fla.), Newsome HS – 2020
The freshman made a big impression during the workout. He is a good passer as a point guard, but his shooting ability will be the notable skill moving forward. He hit threes off the move while showing a clean release. As he grows and matures physically we expect his impact to increase as well.
Trey Johnson (Valrico, Fla.), Newsome HS – 2019
Johnson might have the most physical upside of anyone at the workout. The 6-3 forward is still most effective working along the frontline. He posts up well and is a very good defender. He anticipates well and can disrupt the rhythm of post entries. His offensive acumen is solid too. He understands spacing and will move to open areas off of the guards penetration. As he adds tools to his perimeter game, Johnson should see his production increase.
Logan Ortiz (Riverview, Fla.), Newsome HS – 2019
Ortiz is a forward with size and length. He showed his handling and ability to hit the face up jumper. Currently he is most effective in the pick and pop game where he can stretch the defense or hit teammates cutting to the bucket. Working on his lateral quickness and strength in traffic will be important for him to take the next leap.
Nick Weir (Tampa, Fla.), Jesuit High School – 2018
Weir made a great impression on Saturday evening. The lanky framed guard has a lot of athletic upside to go along with a pretty good skill set. He showed ball handling alongside of with his shot making ability. Weir has a big year in front of him at Jesuit.
Jonathan Hemingway is the Assistant Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com International Scouting Report, is on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and owns CoachHemi.com, the go-to source for coaches for X’s and O’s. He is the floor director of #TeamEBA camps, a site director for #TeamPSB tournaments and can be reached at jonathanhemingway@peachstatebasketball.com.
