Plenty of talent from across the region was at the NY2LA Sports Invitational the 17U level was no exception to this. Here are the players that stood out the most from this group.
Derrell Bateman – 2024 – SF – Kentucky Hoop Dreams
Bateman had multiple impressive games over the course of the tournament including a 22-point game. He is a tough and athletic wing that performed well on both ends. A versatile defender with good energy playing all over. Bateman plays strong with the ball attacking the basket and finished it strong through contact but also shot it well spotting up from the outside.
Jy’rell Cousins – 2024 – F – NESYB
Cousins was a real standout with in an 18-point game on Saturday in a winning effort. He has a solid build and plays tough down in the paint on both ends, especially on the glass just outworking opponents and grabbing boards right from them. He also showed good ability out on the perimeter hitting three threes in that game but can also handle the ball. A big reason why NESYB started the tournament 3-0.
Cooper Grams – 2024 – G – 24Up
Throughout the tournament, there was multiple players stepping up for this deep 24Up squad, but it was Grams having one of the better games of the tournament. In a second-round platinum bracket game, it was the skilled guard going for 19-points to lead them into the quarterfinals. As well to his hot shooting from the outside, Grams has good playmaking off the dribble. He has good court awareness while running the point and knows how to play.
Kon Knueppel – 2024 – G – Phenom University
It was another big performance for Knueppel following his play on the Nike EYBL circuit where he has been one of the top ten 17U scorers this spring as he was a big piece of Phenom’s dominant championship tournament this weekend. While their games we rarely in doubt, when their semifinals matchup got a little close Knueppel quickly knocked down a pair of pull up threes to pull away. Throughout the tournament, he showcased his high-level shot making ability but also his all-around scoring ability getting it done in every possible way.
Grant Manz – 2024 – PF – Wisconsin Swing
It has been a real breakout spring for Manz. At 6’7” with his strength and toughness, Manz can be a real force inside. Over the course of multiple games, he constantly played with his aggressive nature to dominate the glass as well as finish right through defenders. Though he continues to flash some perimeter skills hitting a couple threes in one game and is agile for his size.
Michael McNabb – 2024 – SF – Chapman Basketball
While there were several players standing out from this deep CBA team over the three days, it was McNabb who was consistent force throughout the tournament. He started it off with an efficient 15 points in an easy win on Friday night and continued from there also scoring 18 points to send them into the championship game. McNabb has a solid build and was so effective all tournament playing on the attack, utilizing his toughness and strength paired with good footwork to get into the paint and finish in traffic.
Anthony Przybilla – 2024 – SF – Milwaukee Trailblazers
It was another big tournament for Przybilla who continues to fly under the radar. He was consistently scoring around 20 points each game to help lead his team to the semifinals before losing to the eventual champions. Throughout weekend he showed his scoring versatility scoring off the dribble, inside, and from the mid-post. He was at his best getting into the mid-range and hitting his shots right over defenders off the dribble. The 6’6” wing looks all the parts of a scholarship player and should have plenty of coaches looking his way this summer.
Connor Roffers – 2024 – SG – MTXE
Roffers continues to show he’s one of the better scorers from Wisconsin’s 2024 class. On Friday he started the tournament off with an 18-point game and continued to play well from there to send MTXE all the way to the semifinals. As well to his good size at 6’5”, Roffers has a great looking jumper. He plays to his strengths as a catch and shoot player from the outside as well as pulling up in the mid-range to hit his shots.