Holiday Hoopsgiving brings out the rising stars

Holiday Hoopsgiving brings out the rising stars

By Bryan Lippman

Atlanta, Ga. – The annual Holiday Hoopsgiving event in Atlanta is always one of the premier events in the country. Teams come from all over to leave an impression on the Shiloh High basketball court in front of some of the best fans in the country.

This season was no different. There were teams and players who left a lasting impression. Many players recruiting stock picked up some after what transpired during the holiday break. Here are some players felt caught our attention. They weren’t just stat stuffers they provided all the fillings suited for a college program down the road.

Jaiun Simon (Pebblebrook) – Simon is a do-everything swiss army knife-type forward. A big-time two-way forward who can impact the game as a defender, rebounder, facilitator, or scorer. While only showing glimpses of each, the Dayton University signee did show off a much-improved shot with great form and range. If he can continue developing his shot, Simon already has a great frame with room for projection and high-end skill to go along with endless energy leading to an extremely bright future.

🚨@PBrookhoops @jaiun3 Highlights @HHoopsgiving 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ank4ShQ9AC

— Exposure University (@exposureu1) November 28, 2022

Isiah Harwell (Wasatch) – Harwell is a sophomore who is well beyond his years in more ways than one. Physically, he has a college-ready body at every bit of 6’5 with plus length and a very muscular mature body but with room for projection. Harwell is extremely athletic and explosive with and without the ball in his hands, has a beautiful shot with deep range, and an ability to create off the bounce. He is a phenomenal scorer but what’s most impressive about this Class of 2025 prospect is his ability to distribute the basketball. Harwell has an incredible ability to manipulate defenses with his eyes to open passing lanes, delivering passes on time and on target in almost every way and with either hand.

Jaeden Mustaf (Carmel Christian) – Mustaf is a junior with a great frame for a lead guard. Strong and physically imposing. Mustaf did a great job getting into the paint and to the basket as both a scorer and distributor.

Silas Demary Jr (Combine) – Demary led Combine Academy’s attack against a short-handed TSF. Physically mature with long arms, Demary did a great job getting into the paint showing an ability to finish with and through contact and with either hand. The Southern California signee did not take many shots but displayed a good-looking shot when he did shoot. Demary made several beautiful passes which led to baskets. What was most impressive though was Demary’s leadership skills – Demary’s frame and game have plenty of room for growth.

Rakease Passmore (Combine) – Passmore’s game is more about projection. He displays an immature but intriguing frame with extremely long arms – athletic but with projection. Passmore plays extremely hard with the potential to be an elite defender. Passmore had a stretch during the game where he hit three straight 3s, showing off his ability to use his body to create space and giving a glimpse into his future as a high-end 3&D wing.

Trey Green (Prolific Prep) – Maybe the player of the tournament. Green showed off elite skills with high-end poise and confidence. Green shot the three poitners at an extremely high clip, got to the basket with and made difficult finishes with ease, and did an excellent job distributing to his teams. Undersized and slight of frame, the Xavier commit never let his size be a deterrent playing extremely quick and being an aggressive defender. 

Xavier commit 2023 PG Trey Green (@Treygreen02) with a stellar showing out here in Atlanta at the Holiday Hoopsgiving showcase — 21.5 PPG 50% from 3PT (2 games).

Will consistently knockdown shots, make the right plays, and compete on the floor. Undervalued @ProlificPrep.

— Samad Hines (@Samad_Hines) November 26, 2022

Nykolas Lewis, Derek Dixon (Gonzaga) – The sophomore duo helped lead Gonzaga this weekend and will be the face of the Gonzaga future. Lewis is a quick floor general that is more a scorer than a distributor but plays really hard on both ends of the floor. Dixon has a great frame and makes winning plays on offense and defense with an ability to create his own shot.