After going back through film of the Military Circuit the last few weeks, here are 5 guys who played with high motors during the weekend and provided vital play for their teams. If you know me, you know how much I love seeing guys who give it their all and don’t allow their effort to be determined by their offensive production. These 5 fit that description.
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6’8″ PF/C Troy Humpstead (Carolina Basketball Academy)
I think Humpstead may have taken home the award for top motor at the entire event. At first glance, he might look a little clumsy, but Humpstead runs the floor extremely well. Seemingly every possession he was going rim to rim as fast as he could with long strides. He has a muscular upper and lower body that makes him hard to move and helps him on the glass & as a finisher. His physical play in the lane and constant activity was impressive, but he is more than just a paint enforcer. Humpstead opened even more eyes by stepping out to handle some, as well as confidently hitting 2 3’s in his first game, which did not look like flukes. You won’t have to worry about his effort or involvement in a game; as he keeps gaining experience Humpstead could be a big help at the next level. He averaged 18 PPG and 13.5 RPG in CBA’s 2 games.
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6’8″ F Jalen Deloach (TSF/VCU Signee)
If you’ve watched Deloach play before, it should come as no surprise that he makes this list. If he gave up a few inches inside in TSF’s matchup with IMG, but negated that disadvantaged with his intensity & activity. His numbers weren’t gaudy but his impact went beyond that as he helped to alter shots at the rim and make things difficult inside for IMG’s bigs. Deloach has length and quick leaping ability that allows him to be an effective rim-protector against almost anyone and is more physical than you might initially assume. Every game I watch him, he seems to come through with some explosive, energetic plays on both ends that ignite his entire team. That type of approach will help him immediately when he steps on campus at VCU.
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6’5″ W Kemore Johnson (Carolina Basketball Academy)
With some of the most explosive leaping ability in the entire event, Johnson made full use of his athleticism for CBA. He gets up with impressive power off of 2 feet and gives a boost rebounding, blocking shots, racking up steals, and converting on the interior at 6’5”. He was solid in CBA’s blowout win to start the event, but was even better against Fork Union on Day 2. Johnson was a monster on the glass alongside Troy Humpstead and finished with 9 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the contest. You can’t really label him with a specific position, but Johnson is always moving and finds himself involved in the game. He flies in out of nowhere for boards and blocks, and doesn’t mind going through bodies in the paint. You’ll also see effort for loose balls and effort in passing lanes from him often. He has a bulky frame that helps him on both ends and will allow his transition to the college game to be smoother.
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6’3″ G Zy’Ever Wingfield (Fork Union)
I loved how Wingfield set the tone for Fork Union on the defensive end, especially on Day 2. He has the body and athletic ability to make him a lockdown defender on the perimeter with a lean, defined upper body, long arms, and quick feet. He was a headache for opposing ball-handlers in both games and ignited numerous transition opportunities for FUMA, averaging 3.5 SPG on the weekend. Wingfield also averaged 13.5 PPG in his 2 games and was especially good in the open court. There were multiple times where he used his explosive 1-foot leaping ability to power home dunks that helped to energize FUMA and give them some momentum. He is fearless attacking the rim and is able to get there often with his speed. Wingfield picked up an offer from UVA-Wise yesterday and looks to be a good sleeper pickup as the spring approaches.
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6’4″ W Sitony Diedhiou (Combine Academy)
Combine didn’t bring the size in the paint like other teams did at the Military Circuit, but Diedhiou did what he could to play big and give them a paint presence. He shook off a rough game on Day 1 and recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals in a big win for Combine on Day 2. Although just 6’4”, Diedhiou is strong, athletic, and tough enough to be productive against taller players. He can be a problem on the offensive glass with impressive springs off of 2 feet and good instincts. Diedhiou moves and cuts through the lane well to make it easy for passing teammates, and has a unique ability to hang and adjust around the basket. Defensively, I feel like he is capable of guarding 1-4 at this level because of his physical qualities and effort. He can cause problems in passing lanes and knows how to be strong but disciplined as a defender. He’s a really good utility piece for programs to look into this spring.
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