BROOKLYN, New York – The 2024 Under Armor Elite 24 hosted its tune-up game on Friday night and drew top high school talent from across the country and beyond to the Brooklyn Nets training camp family in the Big Apple. National rival analyst Rob Cassidy was present at the event and shares some of the conclusions from the confrontation below.
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ABAEV BRILHA TALKS ABOUT NEXT EMPLOYEES
Four Star Wing Shon Abaev showed flashes of greatness during Friday’s friendly game, playing as a striker and offensive initiator for most of the contest. The 6-foot-2 prospect’s perimeter skills were on full display, as was his defensive versatility.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Abaev will shine wherever he ends up at the college level, and the picture of where that could end up is starting to become clear. Dayton (August 23), Syracuse (August 30), USC (September 13), Auburn (September 20), Cincinnati (October 2) and Maryland (October 8) will receive official visits from the four-star wing this fall.
As for a decision date, it is still in the works, but Abaev plans to complete his entire visit before ending his recruitment.
“I don’t have an announcement date, but it will be after my visits,” said Abaev. “This is a very important decision for me and my family, so I will take my time with this.”
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ARIZONA DISAPPEARS AS MICHIGAN EMERGES WITH STATON
At the beginning of summer it seemed that Arizona and UNLV was at the top of the four-star center Xavion Staton. Nowadays, things on that front have changed. On Friday, Staton said UNLV State is still one of his top choices and he has been consistent in pursuing his commitment. Arizona, on the other hand, retreated and left the prominent position it previously occupied.
Replacing the Wildcats in the middle of the hunt to land Staton? The new technical committee of the Michigan led by off-season rentals Dusty Maywho will welcome the great man for an official visit on September 21st.
“This coaching team is incredible with their support. If I had to name a second school – besides UNLV – based on the level of support I receive from them, it would be Michigan. If I decide to go study, this is the kind of support I need.”
Staton added that both USC and BYU are now also heavily involved in his recruitment and seem particularly intrigued by the new training regimen in Provo after a Zoom with the head coach Young Kevin. Staton will visit BYU on Nov. 2 and USC on Oct. 5. His Oct. 26 visit to UNLV, however, remains his most important of all.
“It’s my hometown and the relationship is there automatically,” Staton said of the Rebels on Friday. “The coaching staff there is always supporting me and showing me love. They really believe in me. Being able to stay home and play could be a potential thing for me. I like the kind of support I get there.”
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THE DUKE’S RECENT VISIT RESONA WITH LEWIS
It’s still early to recruit the four-star guard Acade Lewiswhich is coming off a summer of bullish stocks that will improve its current position at #53 in the next update. However, at an early age, he is starting to form options at several schools – including powerful schools Duketo which he paid an unofficial visit last week
“I was only there for a day and a half, but it was really nice,” Lewis said of his trip to Durham. “They believe in me and think I could come in and play opening day as a freshman. The teams that go far in March are the ones that can really get you drafted. If you are an important part of one of these teams, you are automatically connected to the world of the NBA. The Duke’s brotherhood is strong.”
Lewis has already narrowed his list to include Duke along with North Carolina, UConn, KentuckySyracuse, Michigan, Tennessee and Auburn. However, another list cut could come soon, as Lewis says she will be able to visit most – but not all – of her current top eight.
“I will take staff to most of my schools, but I will not postpone those visits until next week or the week after,” he said Friday. “I’m going to release the schedule all at the same time.”
