Shaw's standouts and breakouts from CBG Live Session 1
Richmond, Virginia: Anytime the CBG Group puts on an event, you know the talent level will be high. The atmosphere for the CBG Live Fall Session 1 was through the roof. Standing room only with multiple nationally ranked players competing against one another.
It was a great way to usher in the high school season. On3 was courtside for the event, and here are the standouts and storylines you need to know.
Four-star G Deshawn Harris-Smith
Deshawn Harris-Smith set the game’s tone for his Fairfax (VA) Paul VI team. The Maryland commitment had the ball in his hands and defended the opposing team’s best player.
Harris-Smith is comfortable on the ball, and he plays an efficient style. The lefty is shooting it better from range and getting to the rim in transition. Defensively, On3’s No. 45 player in the 2023 class is disruptive on the ball or in the passing lanes. The 6-foot-5 guard does a lot of things that help win basketball games.
Four-star SF Dennis Parker
Dennis Parker ended his official visit to NC State and drove directly to the CBG Live to compete. His game continues to develop, and it all starts with his aggression. Parker was aggressively hunting his own shot from each level on the floor. He handled the ball well in transition and attacked the basket, finishing at the rim with contact.
Parker, the 6-foot-7 wing, shot the ball confidently, showing improved form. He has taken three official visits, Georgetown, Oklahoma State, and NC State.
Four-star SG Darren Harris
Darren Harris is on the shortlist for best shooters in the country. Quite simply, the 6-foot-5 wing from Fairfax (VA) Paul VI has the green light, and he lets it fly. In the matchup against Richmond (VA) John Marshall, Harris shot six threes; he made all six. The ball was not in his hands for more than eight seconds on those six makes. Duke, Maryland, and a host of other schools are in on Harris, On3’s No. 56 player in the 2024 class.
NR SG Troy McKoy
Troy McKoy has taken a big step in his game. The 6-foot-4 class of 2024 guard showcased an all-around consistent and productive game. He played primarily on the ball for his Woodstock (VA) Massanutten team. He also shot the ball at an extremely high rate. McKoy had multiple threes that he stepped into off the bounce. He was comfortable attacking the basket, absorbing contact in the paint, and making a play.
At the next level, he projects more as a combo guard or off guard, but there is secondary initiation there. Surprisingly enough, he currently has no offers. That should change soon, as McKoy will be in the conversation to enter On3’s next 2024 rankings update.
Three-star SG Curtis Blair
Curtis Blair is committed to Liberty. The 6-foot-4 scoring wing is On3’s No. 145 player in the 2023 class and is an assassin in the mid-range. Blair’s footwork is advanced, his body control is elite, and his touch is soft. It is impressive to see him go to work in a high school game. Blair’s father scored 1,600 career points at Richmond, so he comes by his buckets, honestly.
NR C Kosi Mgbejiofor
Take out your sim cards and add Kosi Mgbejiofor. The 6-foot-10 center is a class of 2026 prospect. He is fluid in his movements, both laterally and vertically. He also tries to dunk and block everything around the basket, aggressive for a rising freshman. There is a long way to go here, but expect his name to be mentioned as a national-level type prospect soon enough.
CBG notables
*NR G AJ Wills is a 6-foot-0 guard at Chesterfeld (VA) LC Bird. Dynamic is the word to use to describe him. Shot out of a cannon and aggressive on both ends of the floor. It is hard to take your eyes off him while you are playing. D-I’s should star prioritizing.
*Four-star G Rob Dockery is a 6-foot-7 guard at Washington (DC) Woodrow Wilson High. His frame is intriguing, but so is his skill set. I like him best on the ball, where he can make plays for his teammates, at his size and length, which is unique.
*NR C Eli Delaurier is a 6-foot-8 post at Albemarle (VA) Miller School. You may recognize the name as he is the younger brother of former Duke forward Javin Delaurier. Eli is coming into his own with multiple high major offers in hand. His motor is non-stop, and the hustle plays come naturally to him.