The 3 most intriguing players at the Beach Ball Classic
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – The 2022 Beach Ball Classic was filled with intrigue, players who have not surfaced yet on a national or even regional level; however, their talent proved that notoriety could come soon.
For those who read my work often, I am sure you have heard me use the word intrigue when describing a player. Developmentally, intrigue is when a player flashes something special but is raw or inconsistent in the overall production. It is something you see a lot with high school players, who are still figuring things out and putting it all together.
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I love intrigue in a prospect. Seeing a little something special in a player, earmarking a name, and checking back every couple of months to see what kind of growth there has been. Here are the players who did not have the accolades coming into the Beach Ball Classic; however, their play left an impression in Myrtle Beach.
6-11 F Christian Nitu (2024)
Christian Nitu is a 6-foot-11 forward from Fort Erie (CAN) Prep School. The intrigue comes with the skill. Nitu is a lengthy left-handed forward who is confident in pushing the break, handling in the half-court, and shooting from three.
Nitu has experience with the u17 Canadian National Team, averaging 5.9 points in the 2022 FIBA World Cup. At his best, Nitu has the look of a skilled four. Someone who can play on the perimeter or stick in the high/mid-post, depending on the offense you are running. Nitu has fluid feet with good length in the passing lanes. He will need to continue getting stronger and, overall, figuring out where his skill set best fits within the construct of an offense.
The size is legit, and the ball skills and shooting range are real. There are a lot of places Nitu can play, and his 10.5 points and 5.0 rebounds on 50 percent shooting at the Beach Ball Classic showed he could compete.
6-6 F Ibrahim Sacko (2023)
Ibrahim Sacko was named the MVP of the Beach Ball Classic Prep Division. The 6-foot-6 forward from Markham (CA) J. Addison School led the tournament in rebounds and steals, and he finished second in scoring while leading his team to the championship.
He has long arms with a strong frame and plays with a motor that is relentless. Sacko is a tweener forward. He has the skill to attack the front of the rim in straight lines in the half-court. The senior moves his feet on defense and can switch up and down a lineup. He also has the confidence to knock down a three. The forward finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in the championship game.
It was said that Sacko added his first offer, from Coastal Carolina, at the Beach Ball Classic.
6-7 G Misael Cruz (2024)
Misael Cruz was the primary initiator for this Kissimmee (FL) Central Pointe team that made it to the Beach Ball Classic Prep Division finals. Cruz also started for the Puerto Rican National Team in the 2021 FIBA Americas u16 Championship.
Cruz has the look of a basketball player. While his next-level position will not be point guard, he showed comfort on the ball in the half-court. He is more of a connector piece on offense, moving the ball around and knocking down shots when his number is called. He is also an intriguing defensive piece with the look of someone who could have positional versatility.
Only a junior, Cruz does not have any offers. Monitor to see what pops up over the next six months.