Just got back from watching Cushing Academy vs Proctor Academy. Got to see Makai for the first time in person. First, the good, then some less good points. Because of comments about an unorthodox release, I had assumed he was a scorer more than a shooter, but he hit several 3's, mid range shots, and driving layups. His makes were so pure they barely made the net move. He missed a couple foul shots but made several that were also perfect. The scorers table was empty 30 sec after the game and there was no running scoreboard, but he had 18 in the first half and easily over 30pts for the game. He is strong with the ball, and in a close game with backcourt deny pressure he broke for the ball hard and made the entry pass easy. He is a willing passer. He found open spot up shooters repeatedly when he drove, he made 2 good post entry passes, and he made 2-3 nice passes to players ahead of the field in transition. On the downside, if he hasn't got the ball on offense he is standing and watching, on defense standing and watching is his preferred strategy. On occasions with a full on scrum under the basket, there is 1 player that doesn't jump or hit the floor and you can guess who. He seeks and takes a ton of contact on his drives to the basket, but prefers to wave at guys on defense. I'm sure UConn would coach the proper ethic, but it was disappointing that his DNA has an off and on switch possession by possession. For all the talent of Ben Gordon and Jerome dyson, they would both float at times in a disinterested fashion and then take it to high gear, that is what I saw this afternoon. Cushing won by 10 I believe when the game was tied with 4 min left. I like kids that win.
Respectfully submitted to the boneyard for what it is worth.
PS sat with one of the dad's from the Proctor Team player #5 who holds offers from Temple, George Mason, George Washington, and a handful of others. Nice player but an undersized forward with a shot.
