New Balance is here to stay. The brand that was once known for orthopedics invested a ton in its basketball division and the results are showing. Cooper Flagg, Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Darius Garland, and Co. are all rocking the NB and it’s paving the way for the next generation of young talent, as seen in the New Balance P32 League.
Stopping in Memphis to take in the talent, we got a chance to evaluate a number of the P32’s top programs from the south at last weekend’s regional event. Flagship programs such as Max Levels Elite and the Gateway Knights dominated the event, but P32 CEO Josh Woodson put together an outstanding group of teams that offered no shortage of sleepers that will be popping up on D-1 recruiting radars sooner rather than later.
Overall, here’s a look at the top performers that we saw regardless of class at the New Balance P32 Memphis Regional:
Gassim Toure, 6’4, PG/SG, Gateway Knights 17U Colvin, 2027
A man amongst boys, Gassim Toure dominated the 17U division for Gateway in Memphis. The powerful, long armed guard put immense pressure on the rock, changed the game on both ends with his athleticism, and showed improved range as a 3-point shooter (as seen when he hit 3 consecutive threes). The product of Guinea already holds offers from the likes of Illinois and Xavier, and is moving towards Top 100 status with his play at P32.
Alex Alexander, 6’9, PF, Max Levels Elite 17U, 2029
One of the top freshmen in the nation, Alex Alexander proved that he could hold his own against older competition playing up two years at the 17U level in P32 League. The powerful lefty made a number of quick rips to the rim, showed the ability to hit open 3-pointers, and was a continual scoring threat out of the post. Alexander has established himself as the top 2029 talent in the P32 League and is amongst the upper echelon of forwards in the rising sophomore class.
Colton Walters, 6’1, PG, Hoop City BC 17U, 2027
A player that I wasn’t familiar with leading into the event, Colton Walters was the top scoring point guard during the P32 Memphis regional. Owning no shortage of confidence, Walters hit a number of deep threes, made impressive takes to the rack, and constantly put pressure on the defense against a loaded Max Levels Elite squad. Still wide open with his recruitment, Walters is bound for a breakout year for defending Missouri State champ Principia.
Aiden Clark, 6’0, PG, Max Levels Elite 17U, 2028
Playing up on the 17U level, Aiden Clark made you forget that he was just wrapping up his sophomore year with his play at P32. The lefty point guard controlled the game with the ball in his hands, made good reads out of pick and roll play, and had no problem distributing the rock to teammates in scoring situations. The Houston product put on a show in the Big Shots Prep Nationals late in the season and is continuing his outstanding play in P32.
Sekhou Cisse, 6’8, PF, Gateway Knights 17U Colvin, 2027
The most physically dominant big man at the Memphis P32 stop, Sekhou Cisse controlled the paint on both ends of the court during Gateway’s undefeated weekend. The long armed rising senior carved out position deep in the paint, made a ton of tough catches, and showed off soft touch as a finisher at the rim. Already owning high major offers, Principia (Mo.) forward big man showed that he will be putting up some of the best overall numbers in the P32.
Kamar Thomas, 6’4, PG/SG, Yanders Law 17U, 2027
The best two way guard that we saw in Memphis, Kamar Thomas totally changed the dynamic of every game that he played for Yanders Law with his ability to make plays on the defensive end. The long armed combo guard out of Minneapolis created a ton of deflections, contested shots on the perimeter, and had countless chase down blocks. Kamar is continually gaining more confidence as a scorer and is one of the best kept secrets in the Midwest Region.
Editor’s Pick
The post New Balance P32 Memphis Regional: Top Performers appeared first on Ballislife.com.