Evans' Takeaways: Cunningham, Green shine at Nike Skills
Eric Delgado / Jon Lopez Creative / Nike
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Nike Skills Academy hosted over 30 of the best high school prospects in America over the weekend, running the group through instructional drills during the morning session and games to end the night. Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Analyst Corey Evans looks back at his time in California and offers up his biggest takeaways from the event.
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2020 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2021 Rankings: Rivals150
CADE CUNNINGHAM CONTINUES TO SET THE BAR
Any conversation with an NBA scout this week usually included discussion about Cunningham. His pace, feel, versatility and efficiency were on full display, which made many point to Cunningham as the most NBA-ready prospect in attendance. Talk continues to revolve around him landing at Oklahoma State where his brother is an assistant coach, but he will take official visits to Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina and Washington before reaching a decision. His recruitment is more open than many presume.
PAOLO BANCHERO ENDS HIS SUMMER ON A STRONG NOTE
Arguably the best post prospect on hand in California, Banchero drew rave reviews with his sturdy skill set and ability to check practically every box on the final stat sheet. His pick-and-roll game was on point and so was his finishing abilities in traffic. Banchero fits the modern game perfectly and can play in any sort of scheme thanks to how well-rounded he is.
There is increased discussion about possibility that Banchero could reclassify into the 2020 class, and the five-star standout will likely take official visits to Duke and Kentucky this fall with others, such as Memphis, Tennessee and Washington, heavily involved. Look for Banchero to receive more and more attention as he enters his junior high school season.
