2023 Capital Classic Takeaways: Part One
Started 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, the eventual number one pick in the 2023 draft, 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 as well as and other future NBA players in Shannon Brown, Linas Kleiza, Kris Humphries, JR Giddens, and Ndubi Edi. In its 50th anniversary, the 2023 Capital Classic (no game last year due to COVID) welcomes a new group to the ranks of potential NBA and professional players. Here is the first of two parts that recap my takeaways.
The MVPs
Memphis commit and one of the game’s headliners, Mikey Williams, took home team MVP honors for the US All Stars. In 17 minutes, Williams’ scored a team high 20 points on 6-of-13 from the field (1-of-7 from 3) and connected on 7-of-11 free throw attempts.
It was the typical Mikey Williams that we come to expect. He was in bucket getting mode, creating off the bounce to get to his scoring spots for pullup jumpers and all the way to the rim for finishes or drawn fouls. He flashed his tough shot making ability with a beautiful spin into a one leg fadeaway.
Outside of warmups, Williams didn't have much of an opportunity to showcase his patented explosive vertical pop that will cause defenders to think twice about jumping with him unless they’re willing to be put on a poster.
The fit at Memphis under head coach Penny Hardaway is one to watch. Williams will be able to play through mistakes on the floor and learn from them within an NBA style offense while having an NBA legend as a head coach. Hardaway will be an unbelievable resource and guide for Williams as he continues to navigate life in the spotlight and prepares for his NBA pursuit.
Tyler Perkins is lesser known on the national stage, but there was no surprise about his Capital All Stars team MVP performance to those local to the DMV. This past season, the Landon School star and University of Pennsylvania commit, dropped a then career-high 43 points and followed it up with a new high of 47 points four days later.
The 6-foot-4 guard did not disappoint. He poured in a game-high 23 points in only 14 minutes and led the Capital All Starts to victory with multiple big shots late in the second half.
Perkins’ shotmaking versatility, advanced shot creation and poise shined throughout. He knocked down shots off the catch and off the bounce from pull-up threes to a smooth behind the back step-back jumper. There is no doubt in my mind that Perkins will thrive in the Ivy League and will draw plenty of transfer interest from other schools along his journey.
The Maryland Trio
Under Kevin Willard’s short tenure, the Terps have been tremendous at recruiting and signing local talent. Wings Jamie Kaiser (IMG Academy/Bishop Ireton) and Jahnathan Lamothe (St. Frances Academy) are amongst the key local signees in Maryland’s class that will be expected to contribute immediately in College Park.
Both Kaiser (12 points) and Lamothe (10 points) gave peeks into their skill set and tools, which share similarities despite the roughly two inches in height the 6-foot-6 Kasier Jr. has over the 6-foot-4 Lamothe.
Kaiser's multi-level shotmaking, projectable shooting stroke despite only hitting 1-of-7 from deep, and a stoutly built college ready frame all popped. Lamothe flashed multi-level shotmaking of his own and is equipped with long arms and a mature frame. Both will give effort defensively and will not shy away from any physicality on the college level.
Although he isn't a local signee, Braden Pierce, a Georgia native that played for IMG’s Postgraduate national team, is a significant signing for Maryland. The 7-foot big man’s sheer size and mobility grabbed attention along with a big block in his eight minutes action.
He’s a developmental big that has only been playing basketball for a few years after giving up baseball. His blend of size, mobility, touch flashes and newness to the game all make him a fascinating prospect to track.
NBA Bloodlines
I absolutely love prospects with NBA or pro bloodlines. Most times, there seems to be an advanced level of feel and understanding of what’s happening on the floor, alongside an early awareness of the types of habits, traits and sacrifices needed to have success on the collegiate and professional levels. So of course, Kenny Satterfield Jr. and Devin Vanterpool caught my eye. In the limited showing that can come across in the All Star game environment, I was impressed by their feel, patience and fluidity.
The elder Satterfield is a 1999 McDonald's All American and was selected in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks. He would go on to play 75 games in the league. Devin’s father, David, played 22 games in the league with the Washington Wizards and is a former longtime NBA assistant coach.
Devin Vanterpool (FAU) and KJ Satterfield (UAB) are two long-term NBA prospects that evaluators should definitely be monitoring as they begin their freshman seasons.
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