Scoot Henderson Signs Record-Breaking Deal With G League Ignite

Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Co led G League Ignite in their inaugural campaign. With Brian Shaw at the helm, the team went 8-7 in the 2021 G League bubble, losing in the quarterfinal to the Raptors 905. As expected, Ignite were quick to turn their focus to the 2021-22 season.

Five-star recruits Michael Foster and Jaden Hardy have inked deals with the development team. As has Chinese prospect, Fanbo Zeng, after decommiting from the Gonzaga Bulldogs to link up with Ignite. But attention has been drawn towards 17-year-old, Sterling “Scoot” Henderson.

Henderson has graduated from high-school a year early, and will forgo college, to join G League Ignite. He is the first high-school junior to commit to the program, and is the first Ignite player to not be NBA draft-eligible the next year. Instead, he will be eligible for the 2023 draft.

It is expected that the young point guard will spend two-years with the team, and has reportedly signed a deal in the range of $1 million. Kentucky, Auburn, and Georgia were among the high-profile schools that were believed to be recruiting Henderson heavily.

The possibility of heading overseas, following in the footsteps of LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton, was strongly considered by Henderson and his family. But the enticement of G League Ignite’s offer was too much to turn down.

The landmark deal also sees the prospect reportedly become the youngest professional player in the history of American basketball.

(Image/Henderson Family)

“I’m so excited the G League created this platform. It is truly the best fit for me. Since I was a kid, competing at the highest level in the world has been my main goal. Becoming the youngest professional American basketball player is just icing on the cake.”

Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite

ESPN has Henderson ranked as their 7th prospect in the Class of 2022. Through the 2020-21 season, the impressive junior jumped up the recruiting rankings after leading Kell High School to the class 6A state title game. Through the campaign, he posted averages of 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Standing at 6-foot-3, the Ignite guard has been one of the most explosive athletes around the high-school circuit. He can beat his opponents off the dribble with ease and finish at the rim strong in a variety of ways, even in traffic. These are skills that many look for in an elite NBA point guard.

A shooting ability is there, but will most likely be the next stage of Henderson’s development. Being a consistent threat from the outside will really propel his game to the next level. Additionally, he can share the ball and act as a play-maker. Henderson’s strong frame and length creates potential on the defensive end too.

The upside is there, undoubtedly. However, a tough two years sits ahead for Scoot Henderson, who will face-off against fully grown professionals in the NBA G League. Players that will purposely target the highly-ranked prospect, to prove a point. Just like they did with Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga throughout 2020-21.

At present time, it is predicted that Henderson will be a top-10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. If he proves his worth in the G League Ignite camp, the potential to sneak towards the top-5 could very well be a possibility.

Header Image Credit: Rivals.com

Author: Matt Evans (@MattEvansCU)

Ismaël Kamagate Is Set for a Major Role in France’s Next Generation

All eyes are set on the high-profile prospect, Victor Wembenyama, to lead France’s next generation, and rightly so. But there’s another tower in the French capital that’s garnering attention, in 6-foot-11 center Ismael Kamagate.

On the books of Paris Basketball, the 20-year-old featured in 40 contests (28 starts) in the LNB Pro B through 2020-21. Posting averages of 9.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, on an impressive 70.4% shooting from the field.

On January 30, 2021, Kamagate scored a career-high 23 points in a road win over Evreux. Alongside 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. Through the contest, he shot 8-9 and had a career-high efficiency rating of 32.

Kamagate’s first love was soccer, up until the age of 13. Before embarking on a journey through Paris’ youth basketball system. He was a fast learner and was developing at a remarkable rate. For the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, he continued his rise with Orleans Loiret Basket, where he featured for the U18 and 2nd teams.

It was with Orleans that his talent started being recognized, as a selection to represent France at the 2019 U18 European Championships in Greece came calling. An opportunity to join the newly-formed Paris Basketball, led by former Minnesota Timberwolves General Manager David Kahn, then presented itself.

Through the 2019-20 season, the youngster recieved his first taste of professional action. Showing out in 21 LNB Pro B contests, on averages of 6 points and 3.6 rebounds. But his development continued further in France’s third tier, on assignment with Central Federal de Basketball.

CFBB are a team filled with players from the prestigious INSEP academy. Who have been credited with the development of Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, and Clint Capela, plus many more. In 11 games with the side, Kamagate averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block. Which led to a full ride in France’s second tier this past season (2020-21).

(Image/LNB)

The Parisian prospect is extremely athletic, with an 8-foot+ standing reach and 7-foot+ wingspan. His length makes him a versatile option on both ends of the floor, whether it’s finishing at the rim strong, grabbing rebounds, or protecting the paint. Furthermore, his athleticism allows him to run the floor well.

In time, Kamagate will build up more strength to allow him to compete at the next level. At the moment, he is still a very raw, wiry prospect. Shooting is another focus of his development over time. It has been suggested that an outside shot could feature eventually, but right now it’s practically non-existent.

Initial focus surrounds teammate Juhann Begarin on Paris Basketball, who looks set to make the leap to the NBA via the upcoming 2021 Draft. But it’s fair to say that Ismael Kamagate’s time will come. The 20-year-old has had a remarkable rise in the past few years, and his development will only continue at a rapid rate.

Being a mobile big man, capable of running the floor and protecting the paint, makes Kamagate an intriguing option at the NBA level. Along with his ability to be coachable and willingness to evolve his skill-set further.

Header Image Credit: LNB

Author: Matt Evans (@MattEvansCU)

Cole Anthony Speaks to Damian Lillard and Kemba Walker Ahead of Draft

Ahead of the draft on November 18, NBA Call-Ups were able to speak to a number of top prospects. With one of those prospects being Cole Anthony.

Despite an underwhelming freshman campaign at the collegiate level, with North Carolina, Anthony is still a highly sought-after point guard.

The 20-year-old had a relatively strong season with the Tar Heels. But poor shooting was one of the factors that has led to his draft stock falling.

Through 22 games in the 2019-20 season, he averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest. This was on 38% shooting from the field, 34.8% from 3.

Additionally, Anthony had to battle injury. Missing part of the season with a partially torn meniscus.

(Image/Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

When speaking to NBA Call-Ups, Cole Anthony revealed some NBA names that he has spoken to on his journey to the professional ranks.

Q: On your journey to the NBA over the past few years, have you been in contact with any NBA players that have assisted in the development of your game? If so, what advice did you receive from them that helped?

Cole Anthony: “Honestly, not really. I’m certainly very cool with some guys. Mo Bamba is one of my best friends. I’m cool with a bunch of players but in terms of my development, probably not.”

“I’ve talked with Kemba (Walker), Dame Lillard a little bit asking questions about the game. But in terms of helping, nothing really hands on.”

Kemba Walker and Damian Lillard are certainly two excellent sources of wisdom for the young guard. Even though he states that he hasn’t worked out with either, one would think that he was able to gain valuable insight just in the form of a conversation.

Cole Anthony could very well sneak into the lottery selections of the 2020 NBA Draft. However, NBADraft.net projects him to be selected at #15.

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Prospect Prospectus: Leandro Bolmaro, FC Barcelona

20-year-old Leandro Bolmaro of FC Barcelona holds the potential to be selected in the late-1st round of the 2020 NBA Draft.

Given the vast pool of potential international talent, every NBA Draft is rife with discussion of prospects who might prove to be the next phenomenon within the league. The NBA’s uneven record of correctly valuing international prospects lends an added sense of risk to the endeavor.

Moreover, Luka Dončić – the Slovenian sensation who has risen from Euroleague wunderkind to global superstar in less than three years – will loom over every international prospect for the length of his career. In a competitive league that is obsessed with exploiting “market inefficiencies,” the ability to reliably spot incoming international talent will become increasingly important.

In that spirit, we take a look at FC Barcelona’s Leandro Bolmaro.

The Good:

Bolmaro has drawn some enthusiastic comparisons to his fellow Argentinian Manu Ginóbili, and a quick look at the tape reveals why.

The young, 6-foot-7 wing is an athletic slasher who has the concentration and physical frame to finish creatively through contact. He is deadly driving with his dominant right hand but can be less confident going to his left. As with many young players, he is at his best in transition. Where athleticism and simpler passing reads work to his advantage.

His Euroleague minutes have fallen. From 9 to 6 per game, on a loaded Barcelona team with ambitions to win the trophy. In spite of that, he has improved his shooting percentages, while decreasing his turnover rate. He averages the same 1.8 PPG in the Euroleague as he did in the competition last year, with half the shots and fewer minutes.

Through the 2020-21 Liga ACB campaign to date, Bolmaro is averaging 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

The Bad:

That being said, there is a reason he faces a reduced role this season. He makes many of the mistakes young players often make, and here the comparison to Ginóbili seems particularly apt. While his turnover rate has been improving, it remains too high for his role. Bolmaro’s ability to see the game currently exceeds his ability to put the ball where it needs to go.

The biggest question mark with Bolmaro is the sheer lack of data we have to evaluate him. He has never averaged 10 minutes per game against elite competition. Similar prospects have failed to stick in the NBA in recent times (Kostas Papanikolaou and Sergei Karasev come to mind), which in combination with the lack of data will be enough to scare lottery teams away.

(Image/Pablo Morano/MB Media/Getty Images)

The Verdict:

Leandro Bolmaro has the skill set to become a high level role player in the NBA. In order to reach his potential, he will need to discipline himself and rein in his most impulsive play.

His lack of seasoning against the best competitors in Europe also points toward a potentially lengthy development process. He would be best taken by teams who are already good, with strong veteran players to act as mentors. All of those things point to him being taken in the late first round, where he has the potential to be the next international steal.

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Taking a Look at the Hype Surrounding Victor Wembanyama

When looking at future NBA prospects, all eyes are on 16-year-old phenom, Victor Wembanyama. Eyes have been watching the French youngster from afar for a while now, but since a certain video went viral back in October, the hype has significantly multiplied.

The viral video showed the 7-foot-3 Frenchman locking horns and impressing in a 2-on-2 workout against the Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert, as well as Vincent Poirier of the Boston Celtics.

Wembanyama’s versatile skillset was on show. From impressive handles to eye-catching mid-range jumpers. He certainly showed an ability to score on Gobert, a 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Two minutes of 16-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama and two-time NBA DPOY Rudy Gobert going at it during 2-on-2 in France. Wembanyama's skill level, agility and incredible length are on full display. Arguably the best prospect in the world regardless of age. pic.twitter.com/4ES1jNyMB6

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) October 18, 2020

ESPN’s Mike Schmitz describes Wembanyama as “arguably the best prospect in the world regardless of age”. Currently playing out of Nanterre 92, Wembanyama is eligible for the 2023 NBA Draft. Where Schmitz states that he has a chance of being selected with the top pick.

Beginnings:

Victor Wembanyama grew up playing football and participating in Judo. But also from a young age, he was taught the fundamentals of basketball by his mother who played the sport. He went on to begin his career at local club Entente Le Chesnay Versailles.

At 10-years-old he joined the youth system of Nanterre 92, on the outskirts of Paris. His parents reportedly rejected offers from the likes of FC Barcelona and ASVEL Basket. Through his youth career he was part of many successful teams, picking up silverware in various categories.

In the 2019-20 season, a 15-year-old Wembanyama started representing Espoirs Nanterre in the LNB Espoirs, a French U21 league. Where in 13 games (19.9 MPG), he averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks. On 52.4% shooting.

In October 2019, he made his professional debut for Nanterre 92. Featuring in 31 seconds against Brescia in the EuroCup. Where he became the second-youngest player to play in the EuroCup at 15 years, 9 months, and 25 days old. Behind Stefan Petkovic.

In February 2020, he showed out for the Nanterre under-18 team at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament. Through 4 contests, he posted averages of 15.8 points, 12 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 6 blocks. Whilst facing the Zaragoza U18 team, Wembanyama recorded a tournament-record 9 blocks. Additionally, his blocks average (6) led the competition, which earned him all-tournament team honours.

(Image/Sport.fr)

Current Progress:

In the current 2020-21 campaign, and now 16-years-old, Wembanyama has been moving up and down the French basketball ladder. As his stock has risen dramatically. He’s spent time on assignment with Centre Federal in the Nationale Masculine 1, the 3rd tier in France.

The Centre Federal roster is filled with players from the famous INSEP training institute. The same institute that developed the likes of Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Clint Capela, and many more.

In his one-and-only game with the team (Oct 21), Wembanyama scored 22 points against STB Le Havre. In the 72-63 victory, the rising star also had 10 rebounds and 7 blocks.

He has showed out again for Espoirs Nanterre too, playing in 2 games to-date. In those, he’s played an average of 31.5 minutes per contest. Posting averages of 15.5 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.5 steals, and 5.5 blocks.

He made his French league debut for Nanterre on September 23, 2020. Playing 4 minutes and grabbing a single rebounding in a LNB Pro A loss to JL Bourg.

On November 4, 2020, Wembanyama made his EuroCup season debut. Playing 17 minutes and recording 5 points (2-3 FG), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks, in a 75-63 loss to Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

On the international stage, the French phenom represented France at the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship in Udine, Italy. He led his team to a silver medal, recording a tournament-high 5.3 blocks per game in the process. As well as earning all-tournament team honours.

Comparisons:

Standing at 7-foot-3, Wembanyama possesses incredible length with a 7-foot-8 wingspan. He’s currently listed as a Power Forward and has drawn comparisons from Rudy Gobert to Kristaps Porzingis. Obviously, there have been Giannis Antetokounmpo comparisons thrown out there as well.

“Despite his huge feet and thin frame, he moves like a wing. Not only does he put a lid on the rim like Rudy Gobert, he also shows the floor-spacing potential of a young Kristaps Porzingis, with a far better handle and passing feel.”

Mike Schmitz, ESPN

Either way, Wembanyama is a huge talent that possesses potential NBA superstar prowess. At the tender age of 16, he is very raw, but his ability to hold his own in the French professional ranks already is impressive. That, and while he dominates size-wise, his slick handles and capability to shoot from range will have NBA teams locked on his progress leading up to 2023. Watch this space.

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