SEBA gives unsigned seniors annual stage

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

MARIETTA, GA – The annual Southeast Basketball Academy is a yearly voyage for unsigned seniors seeking the opportunity to grab the attention of a college program still looking to fill their roster the following season. SEBA’s Senior Showcase provided the Unsigned players in the Class of 2021 from Georgia and surrounding Southern states arrived at Pope High on a mission.

This helped players who missed out on an opportunity in being recruited due to the global pandemic. Here are some guys who took advantage of being in the gym in front of college coaches and scouts to standout.

Prep: Graham Smith | Moravian Prep | stood out in a way many players fail to realize catches a coaches eye. He played as an experienced who was more concerned about making plays than looking cool in front of those in attendance. This 6-foot-3 displayed a high basketball IQ by making high basketball plays. He moved well without the ball on offense creating space and opportunities for others. Once he got the ball through Graham knocked down shots. There was so much to like about this North Carolina native.

2021 Pierre Summers III | St. Anne-Pacelli | is a good mix of a scoring guard and a tactician on the hardwood. The 6-foot guard knows how to apply pressure on opponents regardless if he’s running the offense or playing defense. Summers has a bag of cold moves in his arsenal. His ability to finish with either hand and through contact. He can hit open and contested jumpers. Being a defensive-minded person makes him just a problem for opponents. He will compete on every possession. Some college will certainly enjoy getting a player who enjoys getting after it on both ends of the floor.

2021 Davorian Rudolph | Tri-Cities | was a player many college coaches were eager to watch. The 6-foot-8 forward stood out sheerly just with his length. He showed the ability to rebound outside of his area and defend the interior. Timely reactions to shots and discipline was impressive for the most part. Things are never perfect but one can see he has things one cannot teach. Offensively, he has some ability in finishing but like many interior players it is hard to get some consistent looks from guards who do not know how to get the ball inside. This is not a problem because his natural athleticism on the defensive end should propel him to the top of the of many coaching lists looking for an interior player.

2021 Sila Tako | Cape Fear Christian | stood out because there was an interest on some measurable. He was a solid 6-foot-7 hybrid forward with arms potentially as long (no official measurements). One could see his wing span allowed him to disrupt passes or altered shots. He plays well on the perimeter shooting the mid-range consistently. There were moments of athleticism that caught opponents and those watching at a surprise. Some time in a college program will make him a steal for those still looking for players.

2021 Arturo Rosario | McIntosh | is a strong shifty guard who plays with his foot on the gas. This Puerto Rico native bounces off opponents because they are having trouble keeping up with him. He finishes through the bumps in traffic. His speed does not hinder him from running the team. Rosario keeps defenders at bay with his ability to attack and the jumper packed in his bag of moves.

2021 Franklin Almonte | Dalton | remains the most intriguing prospect of the class and during this showcase. The Dominican Republic native averaged a double-double during the high school season. At this showcase, this 6-foot-6 forward is active on the boards. His timing and long arms allows him to rebound outside of his area. He can start the break and excels in the open floor. His activity around the rim on the offensive end makes him a problem against interior opponents. Almonte’s translates to the next level. The only question is where you feel he fits best in your program.

2021 Josh Beckham | King’s Academy | displayed a solid feel and basketball IQ during the showcase. He managed to display the ability to shoot the ball but he is more than that as you watch him. Beckham is 6-foot-5 with a good looking frame. Shooters shoot and he is a shooter who will knockdown shots.

2021 Marcel “Marc” Mauge | Buford | is mentally ready to play at the next level. This floor general is a cerebral thinking on the floor, who puts players in excellent scoring opportunities. His court vision is always one thinking two or three players ahead. He knows where he wants the player to be and puts it there on a dime. Give the keys to your offense to Mauge and it will be in great hands.

2021 Nathaniel “Nate” Adams | Jonesboro | is a bouncy athlete who attacks the rim like it owns him something. The 6-foot-5 wing just soars toward the rim with purpose. He may be undersized for some levels but his skills helps put him on a level playing field. Do not overlook this youngster without getting a chance to see his production.

About the Author

Alfonso

Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.