2023 Capital Classic Takeaways: Part Two
Beginning in 1974, the Capital Classic is one of the country’s longest running high school basketball showcases. The event matches up a team of the top seniors in the DMV (DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia) against some of the nation’s best seniors.
One of my favorite basketball memories as a kid is attending the 2003 Capital Classic where I already had my scouting hat on, looking to project future NBA players through a far less sophisticated lens. The 2003 event was headlined by the most hyped high school basketball player of all time and one of the eventual greatest players of all time, LeBron James.
I was mesmerized watching someone with LeBron’s size, skill and gracefulness make the game look so easy. The energy in the building every time he made a play or touched the ball is something I will never forget.
LeBron was the headliner, but that 2003 game also featured another future NBA Hall of Famer, Chris Paul, and other future NBA players in Shannon Brown, Linas Kleiza, Kris Humphries, JR Giddens, and Ndubi Edi. In its 50th anniversary, the 2023 (no game last year due to COVID), Capital Classic welcomes a new group to the ranks of potential NBA and professional players. Here is the second and final recap of my takeaways.
If you missed part one, you can find it here.
A Long Term Prospect to Monitor in the ACC
My last in person viewing of Carlton Carrington (Pittsburgh) was this past January at the 2023 MLK Classic and to say that he left quite the impression on myself and other evaluators is an understatement. He torched the nets for 42 points (14-of-22 from the field, 7-of-12 from three and 7-of-7 at the line), setting the MLK Classic scoring record.
I wasn't coming into the game expecting a performance like that again, just hoping to see more of his confident shooting, shotmaking and smooth pull up game. He flashed those signature qualities to score eight points while grabbing five rebounds.
With Pittsburgh needing more offensive firepower on the perimeter, Carrington should have an opportunity to play significant minutes early. His mix of self creation, shotmaking and defensive tools all make him an intriguing long-term prospect and a sneaky two and through candidate.
The Duncanville Duo
KJ Lewis (Arizona) and Cameron Barnes (Ole Miss), teammates from the powerhouse Duncanville High School in Texas, popped in different ways.
Lewis brought a competitive spirit and defensive tenacity that didn't relent at any point in the game. He made a MVP case of his own with a line of 13 points, four rebounds, four steals and a block.
He’s a strong guard with ball skills, good length, active hands and a tremendous nose for the ball. His defensive efforts often led to points or a quality shot for himself or teammates. Additionally, Lewis had moments as a power and above the rim finisher. Wildcat fans will enjoy having him on their side.
Listed at 6-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Barnes’ blend of tools, fluidity and movement skills were a real attention grabber as he scored six points, pulled down six rebounds (two offensive), and recorded one block and one steal. A prominent illustration of those traits occurred on a direct line drive into a shot fake and score. Another was on a missed 3-point attempt with a very fluid shooting stroke.
If the toolsy big man can continue to put everything together under Chris Beard, the ceiling is sky high.
Ivy League Love
Malik Mack and Thomas Batties will join the Capital All Stars team MVP, Tyler Perkins (Pennsylvania), in the Ivy League next year (more on Perkins in part one). Not only will Mack and Batties join the same conference, they’ll be teammates at Harvard after battling against one another in the illustrious Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), arguably the best high school conference in the country for decades. You can check out highlights from their WCAC semifinals game below. Mack is number 2 for St. John’s (gray) and Batties is number 15 for Gonzaga (purple).
Although he couldn't get it going offensively, finishing 1-of-9 from the field, Mack contributed to the win with his playmaking (four assists), disruption (four steals) and ball security (no turnovers)-all of which should earn him an immediate role for the Crimson.
The 6-foot-6 Batties totaled five points and four rebounds with a couple of notable plays. A quick extra pass for a Kaiser open three and a beautiful pass fake that opened up a banked in three for himself, leaving a wide smile on his face. I wouldn't be surprised to see Batties see early time with Harvard either because of his size, versatility and defensive track record.
Big Ten Ready
The Big Ten is known for its grind it out, physical brand of basketball and that will not be an issue for Illinois commit, Amani Hansberry. The big man’s combination of toughness, grit, competitive nature and skill was on display throughout en route to a near double-double of 12 points and eight rebounds (three offensive).
Hansberry showed off his versatility from functional handling, touch on a baseline spin post jumper and a pull-up, hit ahead passes and on ball defensive playmaking. He’ll be an important multi year contributor in Champagne.
The Upside of JJ Taylor
Taylor did most of his damage in transition, operating as an above the rim play finisher while offering glimpses of his tantalizing tools. He finished the game with nine points, four rebounds and two steals.
Equipped with a long and lean 6-foot-7 frame, the four star Memphis commit has always been one of the most gifted players in the 2023 class. I’m looking forward to seeing how his game and approach progresses under Penny Hardaway. The tools and skillset is there for Taylor to take the next step as a potential athletic two-way wing.