National Prep School Invitational: Day 1 Recap
North Providence, R.I. – The 23rd Annual National Prep School Invitational kicked off with high school teams from around the world competing. NBA scouts and coaches from every level of college basketball littered the stands, On3 Sports shares the standouts from day one.
Jeremy Foumena
Foumena took on a pair of high major 7-footers on day one of NPSI and walked away with 26 points and 15 rebounds. At 6-foot-11, there is not much more you can say about the Orangeville (CAN) Prep center. He has long arms and a go-get-it mindset around the rim.
Foumena plays with a great motor, showing touch from 15-feet today. He recently took his first official visit to USF and also carries a Georgetown offer. A couple of other schools trying to get involved and he showed today why he was getting the high major love. Look for Foumena to be in the conversation to enter the rankings during our next update.
Leonard Miller
The Ontario (CAN) Fort Erie Academy forward was the most intriguing prospect of the day. Seven NBA scouts were at NPSI to take in the Miller, Tyrese Proctor matchup, as well as Rod Strickland of the G-League Ignite program. Miller is a 6-foot-10 lefty who played primarily on the ball, initiating the offense. Long term, he is not a point guard; however, his ability as a mismatch big is enticing.
Proctor knocked down five threes en route to 26 points. He showed the handle on the open floor, strength at the rim, and vision passing the ball. Not currently ranked, Miller will be in the conversation for five-star status for our next update.
Ugonna Kingsley
Kingsley is raw, and there is no questioning that; however, he has one of basketball’s most coveted skills in spades. Kingsley is an elite shot blocker, he finished with more than ten blocks in today’s NPSI game. His timing is natural, his pop and second jump are quick, and he can get it with both hands. Now, he will have to carve out his niche on the offensive end of the floor and figure out what exactly he is. Kingsley has been in the United States for less than a month. The 6-foot-10 junior transferred into Putnam (CT) Science Academy from the NBA Academy Africa. He will track as a national level recruit.
Guillermo Diaz
Diaz’s name is not one I had heard before this event, but I walked away very pleased; I showed up to NPSI at 9 AM on a Thursday. The Spanish national playing for the Bradenton (FL) IMG Academic team, Diaz has great skill, natural fluidity, and nice length. He shot the three-ball well, going two for three, and he showed passing ability and some rim protection.
Diaz has Spanish national team experience, and this is his first year playing in the United States. Georgia Tech, Maryland, and Utah are among the schools that have already offered. After more high major coaches watch him and his twin (yes, there are two skilled, qualified, unsigned, 7-footers available here), more offers should be coming in.
Arturo Dean
There is something infectious about the way Dean plays. He is a jet-quick lead guard with a sense of toughness and competitiveness. His ability to apply pressure at the point of attack can change the complexion of a game on both ends. The 6-foot senior has picked up offers from NJIT, Bryant, Jacksonville, Florida Gulf Coast, Stetson, and Mercer. He is the type of player you can envision getting to the tournament while in college.
College Coaches and NBA personnel for Day 1 of the NPSI
