Shaw's Superlatives: The best of what I saw in April (Adidas & UAA)
Shaw’s Superlatives – 2022 was the first April live evaluation period the recruiting world has seen in the past three years. It felt good to be back in the gym, with coaches on the baselines live evaluating players. Because of COVID, this is the first time many of these coaches have seen some of these prospects play live.
I was in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Under Armour (UAA) Circuit and Spartanburg, South Carolina, for the Adidas (3SSB) Circuit.
Here is the best of what I saw in April in Shaw’s Superlatives.
Best Performance
6-7 SF Elijah Fisher
Class: 2023
Team: Canada based Elite 6 (3SSB)
On3 Consensus: No. 33
Elijah Fisher has been a known prospect since dunking in the sixth grade. His game has been in front of a national audience since. On3 is higher on the 6-foot-7 wing than the industry standard, and he proved us right in Spartanburg. Fisher exploded for a 32-point, 18-rebound performance in his final game of the weekend, a 20-point win.
Fisher has taken a single visit to Texas Tech. There has been talk with other programs jumping in, but Mark Adams was courtside for this viewing. Professional leagues remain an option, as does coming out in 2022. For sure, Fisher’s play this summer has driven his stock high.
Best Shooter
6-5 SG Ja’Kobe Walter
Class: 2023
Team: Oklahoma based Team Trae Young (3SSB)
On3 Consensus: No. 22
There is something smooth about Ja’kobe Walter and his approach. He never seems rushed, and he always plays at his own pace. However, do not get things confused; Walter proved capable of taking over games. With the outcome on the line, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard shined for Team Trae Young. Expect a bump in the next On3 update.
College programs lined the baseline for Walter. He had taken official visits to Alabama and Auburn before the April live periods. Since he has taken official visits to Baylor and Texas, he announced a top-eight of Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Kansas, Oklahoma, Seton Hall, Texas, and UCLA.
Best Rim Protector
6-11 C Somto Cyril
Class: 2024
Team: Tennessee based EAB (3SSB)
On3 Consensus: No. 19
Somto Cyril’s ability around the rim and in the paint makes him a highly sought-after prospect. In April, Cyril routinely hosted block parties, standing 6-foot-11 with long arms and a strong frame. He is a strong area rebounder, but his presence around the rim is unique. The offensive player feels his presence on the left hand, right hand, weak side, man to man.
Speaking with Cyril in April, Kentucky is one school sticking out to him early. However, there is still a long way to go in his recruitment, and sure to be twists and turns. He mentioned that he has yet to hear from the G-League or Overtime Elite, but he would certainly listen if they called.
Paint Touch Point Guard
6-4 PG Elmarko Jackson
Class: 2023
Team: Delaware based We R 1 (UAA)
On3 Consensus: No. 79
Elmarko Jackson’s speed sets him apart from most other players in his class. End to end, with the ball in his hands, few – if any – can keep with his pace. When you combine that speed with his 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame, the unique upside of Jackson begins to make sense. Jackson has cleaned up a lot in his game over the last year with his pace, decision-making, and jump shot. He is now playing a point guard’s game with his unique physical traits. Watch for a bump to come in On3s upcoming 2023 update.
Notre Dame and Syracuse were Jackson’s most recent offers. He mentioned he hears a lot from St. John’s Seton Hall, California, and VCU. Jackson also told us in April that he may not take any junior-year official visits, but that is still to be determined.
Low Block Bully
6-8 C Rashaud Marshall
Class: 2023
Team: Arkansas based Arkansas Hawks
On3 Consensus: NA
Rashaud Marshall was one of the revelations of the April period. A 6-foot-8, 230-pound presence, Marshall is a blue-collar throwback type player of sorts. He wants to bury his man on the block and battle for rebounds. The Arkansas native has confidence scoring over both shoulders, and his touch extends out to the three-point line. Look for Marshall to enter On3s 2023 rankings in our next update.
Marshall’s late father was an Ole Miss fan. That is the lone official visit Marshall has taken. Since the live period started in April, offers from Missouri and Kansas have caught Marshall’s eye.
Stock Riser
6-11 C JP Estrella
Class: 2023
Team: Massachusetts based Middlesex Magic
On3 Consensus: NA
Some buzz had started in the Northeast surrounding JP Estrella leading into the April live period. The 6-foot-11 native of Maine was not on any national radar at this time last year. Estrella has excellent length and is explosive with fluid mobility. Still, with upside to go, Estrella is tough around the basket, high-pointing traffic rebounds with two hands and stepping out to knock down catch and shoot threes. There is significant upside here, and look for him to enter On3s 2023 rankings in the next update.
Estrella has blown up since April, more than tripling his offer sheet he entered the month. Watch him during the June and July evaluation periods; more offers could be on the way.
Best in 2024
6-5 SG Ian Jackson
Class: 2024
Steam: New York based Wiz Kids (3SSB)
On3 Consensus: No. 3
Ian Jackson played up on the 17u Adidas circuit and was the best player on the floor each time we viewed. Jackson is a confident player who brings a New York style flair with tough grit. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard is known as a high-motor defender, but his offensive game rounded out here. He was comfortable on the ball, did not force the issue, and his jump shot was as consistent as it has ever been.
Jackson’s recruitment took a blue blood turn during the April live period. Kentucky and Duke were at multiple games; UCLA and Kansas have offered. He is On3s No. 2 player in 2024.
Best in 2025
6-6 SF Efeosa Oliogu
Class: 2025
Team: Canada based Canada Elite (UAA)
Despite playing up two age groups, Efeosa Oliogu was a standout each time we watched. His 6-foot-6, 200-pound frame already looks college-ready. He plays with outstanding balance, pace, and skill. Oliogu is a good athlete and can create space and make shots. He should be tracking as one of the top members of the 2025 class.
Oliogu has early offers from Oregon, Washington State, DePaul, Providence, TCU, etc.