i finally got some feedback from my old college roommate who is now a semi-retired NBA Scout. He does give me good info on players so I wanted to share the info he approved.
PG Tre Jones
6-2 180
In his words, "Duke fans will see reminders of Tyus as a floor general, but I think he's a tad more explosive with his first step and he's A bit quicker with his ball handling skills. He's very crafty getting inside of the 3 point arc and his jumper from there is money. He is not the 3 point shooter that Tyus is/was at Duke but if he improves that just a little he would be more efficient. What really separates him from Tyus is Tre is committed to defending and his on the ball pressure is tough nosed. I think Duke is getting a true PG who is more capable of running the point in what Duke wants than what they have had the last couple of season. No knock on Duval. I think the challenge Tre will have at Duke that Tyus did not was having that elite big man to get the ball into. As elite as Duke will be 1-4, the 5 or lack of a legit 5 when take away from Tre's effectiveness. His NBA value will be questioned the same as Tyus bc of size and he's not that 3pt shooter, but do I think he's a Pro, yes."
SG/SF RJ Barrett
6-7 200
In his words, "There's not much I can say that hasn't already been written about him. He's a stud with the potential to be an NBA All-Star, he could be that good. He's a scorer from anywhere, although I would consider his 3pt shooting as needing to be more consistent, but he can hit them. I want to acknowledge a part of his game that is very underrated, his defending. He has the tools to be a shutdown type player in college. He's has the physical attributes, but it's his toughness, mentality and motor that gets it done. Don't get me wrong, he still has areas to grow, but there aren't many college 2's or 3's that will shoot over him or bring him in the post (well except for his future teammates Reddish or Zion). I have so much high praise for RJ (and his dad) that I'm rooting for him. I think Duke will utilize him off the ball more than he's used to but he can easily adapt. A for sure top 1-3 NBA pick."
SG/SF Cameron Reddish
6-8 215
In his words, "This kid is a flat out baller. Smooth, extremely long and highly skilled. I wanted to mention that I said 6-8 because he looks as though he has grown a bit. He can do it all and will be utilized that way at Duke and in the NBA. He needs to continue to get stronger, but physically that's it. His scoring ability is very high level and advanced and I'll say his 3pt shooting is streaky right now but once he gets in his droove, he will light it up. Cameron is not Tatum, yet, but he has an NBA ceiling that is slightly higher because of his ability to handle the ball and that 7-1 massive wingspan. I think Duke will have him on the ball because he can see over the defense and deliver passes and play make. The knock on him is his motor at times and his commitment on the defensive side of the ball. I would tend to agree and that will be Coach K and the Staffs job. That's the biggest thing holding him back from leap frogging RJ in the eyes of NBA scouts and coaches. Don't get me wrong, he's a sure fire top 5 pick."
SF/PF Zion Williamson
6-7 270
In his words, "There is no one that will be under more of a spot light than Zion. NBAers have to figure how where to play him on the floor in the pro game. There is no denying he's a freak (and I mean that as a huge compliment). He is so strong and able to move any HS player out of his way yet quick enough to get around them and explosive enough to jump over them. He's LB (L James) type of athlete and impact, but he has areas to develop. I'd say post moves and foot work because he uses strength and athleticism. I'd also say his shooting mechanics 15 feet out to the 3's. And probably learning team defenses like what he will play at Duke. I think Duke will play him off the ball and isolate him either on the wing to attack the basket or in the post for lay ups or dunks. There is no doubting he will be the most watched and critiqued college basketball player next year. Another top 5 pick who could be a dark horse for number 1. The kid is going to sell tickets."
I asked this one because if he commits to Duke.
PF EJ Montgomery
6-10 220
In his words, "Funny you asked about him because I was just talking to some of my former NBA guys and he came up. He's on the radar and this year (Sr year in HS) has turned heads. He's a skinny post player that plays smart. He's had good timing when blocking shots and he holds his ground. He for sure needs to get stronger, but I was told he has already added 10lbs and by the time he gets to college he could be around 220-225 which would be good for him. He is crafty in the paint as a low post scorer and can do it on his own or play above the rim. I like his ability to rebound. If he went to Duke I think he would really fit in their system and to be honest, it would be fun seeing him next to Zion because EJ can step out and knock down jumpers. He's not the ideal size for a true 5 but he is capable. I think he's a 4 in the league and I think he can show his skills. I don't know if he's going to Duke but he fits what Duke wants in a post player; not a center like Okafor or Carter or even a player like Bagley, but he could easily play that role in the Duke system. I need to see more of him, but his name is being talked about as a player that could be one and done."
PG Tre Jones
6-2 180
In his words, "Duke fans will see reminders of Tyus as a floor general, but I think he's a tad more explosive with his first step and he's A bit quicker with his ball handling skills. He's very crafty getting inside of the 3 point arc and his jumper from there is money. He is not the 3 point shooter that Tyus is/was at Duke but if he improves that just a little he would be more efficient. What really separates him from Tyus is Tre is committed to defending and his on the ball pressure is tough nosed. I think Duke is getting a true PG who is more capable of running the point in what Duke wants than what they have had the last couple of season. No knock on Duval. I think the challenge Tre will have at Duke that Tyus did not was having that elite big man to get the ball into. As elite as Duke will be 1-4, the 5 or lack of a legit 5 when take away from Tre's effectiveness. His NBA value will be questioned the same as Tyus bc of size and he's not that 3pt shooter, but do I think he's a Pro, yes."
SG/SF RJ Barrett
6-7 200
In his words, "There's not much I can say that hasn't already been written about him. He's a stud with the potential to be an NBA All-Star, he could be that good. He's a scorer from anywhere, although I would consider his 3pt shooting as needing to be more consistent, but he can hit them. I want to acknowledge a part of his game that is very underrated, his defending. He has the tools to be a shutdown type player in college. He's has the physical attributes, but it's his toughness, mentality and motor that gets it done. Don't get me wrong, he still has areas to grow, but there aren't many college 2's or 3's that will shoot over him or bring him in the post (well except for his future teammates Reddish or Zion). I have so much high praise for RJ (and his dad) that I'm rooting for him. I think Duke will utilize him off the ball more than he's used to but he can easily adapt. A for sure top 1-3 NBA pick."
SG/SF Cameron Reddish
6-8 215
In his words, "This kid is a flat out baller. Smooth, extremely long and highly skilled. I wanted to mention that I said 6-8 because he looks as though he has grown a bit. He can do it all and will be utilized that way at Duke and in the NBA. He needs to continue to get stronger, but physically that's it. His scoring ability is very high level and advanced and I'll say his 3pt shooting is streaky right now but once he gets in his droove, he will light it up. Cameron is not Tatum, yet, but he has an NBA ceiling that is slightly higher because of his ability to handle the ball and that 7-1 massive wingspan. I think Duke will have him on the ball because he can see over the defense and deliver passes and play make. The knock on him is his motor at times and his commitment on the defensive side of the ball. I would tend to agree and that will be Coach K and the Staffs job. That's the biggest thing holding him back from leap frogging RJ in the eyes of NBA scouts and coaches. Don't get me wrong, he's a sure fire top 5 pick."
SF/PF Zion Williamson
6-7 270
In his words, "There is no one that will be under more of a spot light than Zion. NBAers have to figure how where to play him on the floor in the pro game. There is no denying he's a freak (and I mean that as a huge compliment). He is so strong and able to move any HS player out of his way yet quick enough to get around them and explosive enough to jump over them. He's LB (L James) type of athlete and impact, but he has areas to develop. I'd say post moves and foot work because he uses strength and athleticism. I'd also say his shooting mechanics 15 feet out to the 3's. And probably learning team defenses like what he will play at Duke. I think Duke will play him off the ball and isolate him either on the wing to attack the basket or in the post for lay ups or dunks. There is no doubting he will be the most watched and critiqued college basketball player next year. Another top 5 pick who could be a dark horse for number 1. The kid is going to sell tickets."
I asked this one because if he commits to Duke.
PF EJ Montgomery
6-10 220
In his words, "Funny you asked about him because I was just talking to some of my former NBA guys and he came up. He's on the radar and this year (Sr year in HS) has turned heads. He's a skinny post player that plays smart. He's had good timing when blocking shots and he holds his ground. He for sure needs to get stronger, but I was told he has already added 10lbs and by the time he gets to college he could be around 220-225 which would be good for him. He is crafty in the paint as a low post scorer and can do it on his own or play above the rim. I like his ability to rebound. If he went to Duke I think he would really fit in their system and to be honest, it would be fun seeing him next to Zion because EJ can step out and knock down jumpers. He's not the ideal size for a true 5 but he is capable. I think he's a 4 in the league and I think he can show his skills. I don't know if he's going to Duke but he fits what Duke wants in a post player; not a center like Okafor or Carter or even a player like Bagley, but he could easily play that role in the Duke system. I need to see more of him, but his name is being talked about as a player that could be one and done."
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