The 2017 NY2LA Basketball Association makes its debut this spring with another strong group of juniors and seniors looking to attention from college coaches in attendance.  
Combined with the expected addition or recently released 2017 PF Isaiah Poor-Bear Chandler who will run with Omaha Elite as of this past evening, the second installment of the NY2LA Basketball Association looks deeper and more talented than the first.  Here’s a quick look at 25 top prospects that will compete at the 17U level this spring in Texas and Minnesota respectively…

SEE ALSO
2017 NY2LA LONE STAR INVITATIONAL SCHEDULE
2017 NY2LA LONE STAR INVITATIONAL COLLEGE COACHES PRE-ORDER FORM

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
2017 NY2LA LONE STAR INVITATIONAL 15U-17U TOP PROSPECT GUIDE

Aguek Arop – 2018 – SF – Omaha Elite
A former Nebraska commit, Arop is looking for a new home. A high-upside prospect with plus-length, is still scratching the surface of his potential. A strong transition player, Arop is always a threat for going coast-to-coast. Opponents also struggle to keep the high motor, athletic forward off the glass. Arop is a solid offensive rebounder that puts gives his team a ton of second chance opportunities. 

Grant Basile – 2018 – F – Wisconsin Shooters
One of the biggest risers in the state of Wisconsin this season, Basile is a raw talent with size and length His overall development both physically and skill wise have taken big leaps over the past year. He can finish at all three levels on the court although his most consistent area is 15 feet and in. Basile has seen a number of Division 1 programs begin to show interest after a solid junior campaign. 

Quinlan Bennett – 2018 – PG – Kessel Heat
Bennett is an athletic prospect that can play both guard spots. A matchup problem on the perimeter, Bennett has terrific length and the ability to score and create for others off the bounce. Bennett uses his physical attributes on the defensive end as well. The 6-foot-3 guard plays the passing lanes and bother opposing guards. He hasn’t received a ton of Division 1 attention to this point, but that could surely change in the coming months.

Jevon Burton – 2018 – G – RL9 Elite
A talented and athletic scoring wing with the ability to finish in a variety of ways, Burton can finish in transition, off the bounce, and he plays with aggression.  He can fill the box score and finish in bunches and he’s just starting to realize his potential.  Look for him to deliver a stellar spring and summer campaign.

Quinn Blair – 2018 – SF – REACH Legends 
A sleeper we liked a lot last year, Blair is a tough, versatile prospect. The 6-foot-6 junior can score from all over the floor and makes sure to take advantage of any mismatch that comes his way. A couple mid-major programs have extended offers to Blair, who can stretch the floor with his shooting ability, play in the pick n’ roll, and set up camp on the block. 

Joe Hedstrom – 2018 – C – Minnesota Comets
A strong interior presence on both ends of the floor, Hedstrom does a lot of the little things that make his team successful. He’s the type of player that may go unnoticed for long periods of time, but is still contributing – And opposing players certainly better not forget about him. Hendstrom can be efficient around the basket, using a solid jump hook and able to score over either shoulder. South Dakota, Denver, and North Dakota State have offered going into the spring. 

Musa Jallow – 2018 – G/F – Team Blaze Select
Perhaps the top overall prospect in the NY2LA Association, Jallow is a treat to watch. A do-it-all player that can handle and defend just about every position on the floor, Jallow dominates a game in a variety of ways. Jallow blew up last summer and now holds offers from Indiana, Stanford, Virginia, Northwestern, Purdue, Virginia Tech, and Vanderbilt. Jallow is a terrific blend of athletic ability, skills, and toughness. Look for him to continue to trend upwards nationally. 

Monty Johal – 2018 – SG – Yanders Law
Teams in need of a scorer should give Johal a hard look this spring. An electrifying scorer, no shot is too big or too difficult for Johal. Holding offers from Jackson State and, Toledo, Johal will put up huge numbers and do that often. A dynamic playmaker off the bounce, Johal can shake and bake with the best of them. The lefty continues to add to his offensive arsenal and is a very difficult cover 1-on-1.

Nick Klug – 2018 – G – Wisconsin Swing
Klug has instincts as a scorer and passer from either guard spot. A better athlete than he’s given credit for, Klug can shake defenders in the half court and score off the bounce. Klug is more of a shooter, but will surprise with his ability to blow by defenders and get to the rim. Able to handle pressure, Klug isn’t fazed by tight coverage, even against bigger and more athletic guards. 

Mitch Listau – 2018 – G – Wisconsin Swing
Listau has offers from a host of mid-major programs. A terrific two-way player that gets it done on both ends, Steffen can handle the load of being the leading scorer and defending the other team’s best player. The lefty is a strong 3-point shooter and an underrated attacker. Playing with terrific body control, Listau can shield off defenders and finish at the rim. Expect Listau to receive some high major attention this spring. 

Matt Mims – 2018 – G – Martin Bros.
A terrific shooter, Mims put on an impressive display over the weekend. Mims doesn’t need a lot of space to get his shot off and when he’s feeling it, he’ll light up the box score. Also a terrific passer in the open floor, Mims feels the defense coming and drops off some nice assists to open teammates. Best known for his shooting, if defenses give Mims a look, he’s pulling the trigger.

Sebit Reath – 2017 – PF – AUSA Platinum
A 6-foot-9 forward with a wingspan better than seven feet, Reath is a very intriguing versatile prospect. Reath can step out and shoot the basketball and has a smooth one-dribble jumper. For his size, Reath’s ball handling is very unique. Still sort of an unknown commodity in the states, expect there to be a flock new schools that have their eyes opened in Dallas by Reath’s upside.  

Marlon Ruffin – 2018 – G – Playground Elite
Division 1 programs need to get Ruffin on their radar this spring. A kid that always works for the best shot and is a relentless attacker. With an electric first step and the ability to hang and finish at the hoop, Ruffin can live in the paint. Defensively, Ruffin gets after it. One of the best shot blocking guards in the association, Ruffin changes the game on that end of the floor. Starting to attract Division 1 suitors, Ruffin’s stock is on the rise. 

Derek Sabin – 2018 – F – Wisconsin Shooters
Green Bay has offered going into the spring. One of the most versatile players in the Midwest, Sabin is a potential mismatch nightmare if he can reach his high ceiling. A skilled 6-foot-7 forward that can handle and shoot the basketball, Sabin is a big matchup problem. An unselfish star that loves to facilitate from the top of the key, Sabin fills a variety of roles for the Wisconsin Shooters. 

Jalen Shaw – 2018 – F/C – Kessel Heat
Division 1 programs are going to constantly check in here. Shaw has a big upside as a long, athletic post with a high motor. A disruptive defender, Shaw racks up blocks and protects the rim throughout the game. He plays bigger than his size at 6-foot-7 and his intensity on the glass usually goes unmatched. Offensively, Shaw makes his mark working for second chance opportunities. He’s very raw and needs a lot of skill work, but Shaw can do some things off the dribble and slash from the high post.

Malachi Smith – 2018 – G – Jets-Ramey United
An underrated two-way guard, Smith can score and defend at a high level. Off the bounce, Smith has plenty of speed and can get to the basket before the help defense can react. Not only can Smith score, but he can create for his teammates. Defensively, Smith uses his speed to play the passing lane and reacts very well when the ball is in the air. He’ll get up into opponents and look to start the fast break by picking the pocket of his man. 

Legend Stamps – 2019 – F – Inland Empire
One of the fastest rising prospects on the west coast, Stamps is legit and he’s only getting started.  Equipped with size, length, feel, instincts, and an ability to contribute on both ends, Stamps should garner a lot of attention as a must watch 2019 prospect both regionally and nationally.

Mason Steffen – 2018 – G – Wisconsin Swing
Steffen has a strong mid-range game and can burry shots off the bounce. He always keeps his defender on his toes with the threat of pulling the trigger. Also a catch-and-shoot guard, Steffen excels at finding the soft spots in the defense and making himself available for his teammates. The 6-foot-3 guard is always making hustle plays and isn’t afraid to get on the floor for loose balls.

Jason Taylor – 2018 – C – Martin Bros. 
A 6-foot-11 junior, Taylor towers over his opponents. Holding offers from North Dakota and South Dakota State, Taylor is a nice shot blocking presence. Able to move his feet surprisingly well for his size, particularly laterally, there’s plenty of optimism Taylor can apply that footwork to the offensive end. He also shows promise on that end, able to handle the ball on the perimeter.

Blake Verbeek – 2018 – PF – Grand Rapids Storm
Another blooming talent in the Midwest who is already collecting a lot of attention, Verbeek is equipped with size, plus length, instincts, and a developing offensive skill package that makes him one of the top bigs to pay attention to this spring and summer in the Association.

Deyvnn Wakefield – 2018 – SG – Quad City Elite
Wake field has athleticism and quickness that he blends with aggression, toughness, instincts, and skill to make for a versatile and dominant talent with high caliber floor impact ability. He can score at each level and he has solid feel and ability on the defensive end both on the ball and off the ball. Wakefield fills the box score and the intangibles combined with his skill make him an intriguing prospect with a nice ceiling to develop into.

Travell Washington – 2018 – F – Inland Empire
A bouncy and lengthy forward, Washington has some exciting tools. The shot blocking ability sets Washington apart. He can protect the rim and do so without fouling. Washington needs to develop his skill work, but has a soft touch around and away from the rim. An athletic big that runs the floor both ways, Washington can generate easy buckets and also take them away from the opposition. He will be one of the biggest risers of the spring both regionally and nationally.

Logan Windeler – 2018 – F – Example Sports
Windeler possesses a Division 1 scholarship offer from American. A skilled 6-foot-8 forward, Windeler has the ability to get hot and stay hot from 3-point range. A spot-up shooter that can also do some things off the bounce, Windeler has no fear when pulling up from beyond the arc. Windeler can make a lot of bigs uncomfortable, running off screens and pulling his man out of the paint and then taking them off the bounce. 

R.J. Wohilberger – 2018 – F/C – Colorado Premier 
At 6-10 this young big passes the look test and he’s just starting to figure things out.  Anyone with that size and length is a must watch talent and if he continues to develop he should generate a lot of looks this spring and summer.

Ben Wolf – 2019 – C – Mercury Elite Thomas
A plus length big who can slide between either spot in the paint, Wolf has a nice skill set that is versatile and at times dominant. Physically he moves well, has solid agility, is a decent athlete, and he runs the floor well. Defensively he has solid instincts and feel and when you combine that with his agility and size you have a solid prospect on that end who brings a lot of effort and intangibles to the court. He can finish at multiple levels offensively, sees the floor well, and shows solid activity on the glass. 

Stay tuned to NY2LABASKETBALL.COM for complete coverage of the 2017 NY2LA Basketball Association this spring and summer…