The On3 Awards: Iverson Classic practice sessions
Memphis, Tennessee – On3 was on hand for the final all-star event of the year. With some of the best players in the country in attendance, here are the On3 Awards from the Iverson Classic.
Most Valuable Player
6-3 PG Cason Wallace, Richardson (TX) High
Cason Wallace was the best player in the building, and it was not ever in question. Wallace used the series of post-season all-star games to solidify himself as the top point guard in the 2022 class. Wallace has been thought of as the class’s top perimeter defender for some time. Questions arose about what position he projected. Did he shoot it well enough to be a two or create well enough to be a one?
Over the past month, Wallace showed he could do both against the best competition high school offers. A player-comparison you heard NBA personnel use was Jrue Holiday. While he was already thought of as a consensus top-ten prospect, Wallace probably did more for his long-term stock than any other player in this camp.
Status: Signed with Kentucky
Best Big
6-9 PF Tarris Reed, Branson (MO) Link Academy
The work Tarris Reed has put in this season has been nothing short of impressive. The 6-foot-9 post player has trimmed his frame to a sleek 245-pounds. He has excellent hands with a soft touch over both shoulders. Reed did not let the length and quick-twitch of Kel’el Ware bother him here, as time and time again, he finished from five feet with a soft jump hook. He is an excellent rebounder, stepped out and knocked down catch and shoot threes, and showed some explosion at the rim.
There will always be a question about Reed regarding foot speed and his overall height, but there is a clear path for players like him, who rebound, bully, and knock down shots.
Status: Signed with Michigan
Best Shooter
6-3 PG Cason Wallace, Richardson (TX) High
We spoke about Wallace above but felt his shooting this week deserved another space. He was comfortable off the catch, off the bounce, creating off one and two dribbles. The form was consistent, and the shots were confident. Wallace’s week of shooting was impressive, which further solidified his lot among the top in the class.
Status: Signed with Kentucky
Most Electric
6-4 SG Hansel Emmanuel, Kissimmee (FL) Life Christian Academy
No matter what it was, a drill, game, warm-ups, or scrimmage, all eyes were on Hansel Emmanuel at all times. Emmanuel lost his arm in a childhood accident and has become a viral sensation with his abilities on the court. Emmanuel has a quick handle and a lot of pop at the rim. He is a sneaky shot blocker and has quick hands in the passing lanes. When the game gets going, in the open floor, Emmanuel shines. He was the MVP of the 24k game earlier in the week.
Status: Uncommitted
Biggest Upside
7-0 C Kel’el Ware, Little Rock (AR) North
Kel’el Ware was the tallest and lengthiest player in the camp, so he stood out from the get-go. Once the game tipped, you saw the athleticism. Ware is an excellent second jumper. He was the best rim protector in the camp, having multiple two and three-block possessions.
Ware’s motor is inconsistent, and he has a tendency to drift in and out of games, especially on the offensive end. He has touch, he has lateral and vertical mobility, and he has an impressive frame. All the tools are there and there.
Status: Signed with Oregon
Biggest Stock Riser
6-4 SG DJ Jefferson, Minneapolis (MN) Minnesota Prep
DJ Jefferson came into the camp unranked; that will not be for long. The lefty shot-maker showed he can play with just about anyone on the floor. His game has a smoothness with the ability to get to his spots on the floor. Jefferson touched the paint often in this setting, where he played with outstanding balance and burst in the paint.
Jefferson recently de-committed from Tulsa with the coaching change. Washington State acted quickly, and so did Wichita State. More high majors should be coming in soon. Jefferson will enter the On3 top-100 when we update next week.
Status: Uncommitted